Atty. Michael Brian Hanzel
Michael Hanzel is a solo practioner focusing on military law, criminal law, and appeals. During 12 years on active duty in the Navy JAG Corps, he served as a military prosecutor and defense attorney, where he represented clients at the trial, appellate, and administrative levels.
Appeals & More Attorney · Serving Mount Pleasant, SC · 21+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Michael Brian Hanzel at a Glance
Michael Brian Hanzel is a dui/dwi, criminal defense, sex crimes, government, and military attorney based in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, practicing at The Hanzel Law Firm. They have 21+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2005. Admitted to practice in Virginia (2005) and South Carolina (2017). Educated at University of Virginia School of Law (JD, 2005). Serves clients in Mount Pleasant, SC and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Michael Brian Hanzel
- Michael Hanzel is a solo practioner focusing on military law, criminal law, and appeals
- During 12 years on active duty in the Navy JAG Corps, he served as a military prosecutor and defense attorney, where he represented clients at the trial, appellate, and administrative levels
- Recognized as a specialist in military justice litigation, he has represented clients around the globe facing charges including sexual assault, sexual harassment, hazing, drug offenses, larceny, ethics violations, indecent viewing, child pornography, and attempted murder
- His clients have ranged from the ranks of E-1 to O-7 and he has represented or advised servicemembers from almost every military backgrounding including SEALs, aviators, surface warfare officers, submariners, engineers, doctors, nurses, chaplains, other JAGs, almost every enlisted rate, as well as Marines and Coast Guardsmen
- His character, skills, and experience combine to achieve outstanding results for his clients
Practice Areas Explained
Michael Brian Hanzel's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael Brian Hanzel handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Mount Pleasant.
DUI / DWI Defense in Mount Pleasant
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Michael Brian Hanzel is one of 29,739 dui/dwi attorneys indexed nationally. Browse dui/dwi attorneys in South Carolina →
Criminal Defense in Mount Pleasant
A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.
Michael Brian Hanzel is one of 212,605 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in South Carolina →
Sex Crimes in Mount Pleasant
Michael Brian Hanzel is one of 5,296 sex crimes attorneys indexed nationally. Browse sex crimes attorneys in South Carolina →
Government & Administrative Law in Mount Pleasant
Attorneys for administrative law, agency hearings, government contracts, licensing, and public benefits.
Michael Brian Hanzel is one of 131,162 government attorneys indexed nationally. Browse government attorneys in South Carolina →
Military Law in Mount Pleasant
Military attorneys for court-martial, discharge upgrades, veterans benefits, and military family matters.
Michael Brian Hanzel is one of 8,508 military attorneys indexed nationally. Browse military attorneys in South Carolina →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Mount Pleasant
Practicing law in South Carolina. Legal matters in South Carolina are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Mount Pleasant are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate South Carolina state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in South Carolina brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in South Carolina courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Mount Pleasant Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Mount Pleasant-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Mount Pleasant Choose Michael Brian Hanzel
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Michael Brian Hanzel's practice in the field of dui/dwi, criminal defense, sex crimes, government, and military.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Michael Brian Hanzel brings 21+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in Virginia and South Carolina, Michael Brian Hanzel can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering dui/dwi, criminal defense, and sex crimes, Michael Brian Hanzel can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Mount Pleasant
A Mount Pleasant-based practice means Michael Brian Hanzel attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
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How People Find Michael Brian Hanzel Online
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Michael Brian Hanzel's Practice Areas & Specializations
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