Mt. Pleasant Military Appeal Lawyers

Appeal Your Conviction and Sentence

Not everyone gets a fair trial, and not every judge or jury reaches the right result in every case. At The Hanzel Law Firm, we understand this because we have seen it happen, and we have successfully appealed convictions.

If you or a loved one served in the U.S. military and was convicted at a General Court-Martial or a Special Court-Martial, we understand how dispiriting that can be. But you need to know that Article 62 and Article 66 of the UCMJ give you rights to appeal the convictions and sentence, and if something happened in that trial that prejudiced you and/or deprived you of the fairness you are entitled to, you may have grounds to appeal. Even if you or a loved one is currently in a military brig or has been sentenced to a punitive discharge, such as a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge, you have appellate rights. In fact, sentences carrying a year in jail or higher or a punitive discharge guarantee you of the strongest form of appeal under Article 66, UCMJ, in front of your service’s Court of Criminal Appeals in the Washington DC area.

Appellate Experience That Can Make a Difference For You

Attorney Michael Hanzel has substantial experience in military appeals. On active duty, he clerked for judges at the Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals (NMCCA) in Washington DC and served as an appellate defense attorney at the Navy’s Appellate Defense Division, also in Washington DC, where he established a reputation for identifying strong appellate issues and making impressive arguments to appellate judges.

Can You Appeal a Military Court Martial?

You can appeal a Military Court-Martial. While some Court-Martials are automatically appealed, you can certainly any adverse ruling under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). All of his clients there were service members who had been convicted at a Court-Martial and sentenced to a year or more in a military prison or a punitive discharge.

Cases That We Handled

He has had clients at many of the major military brigs, including Naval Consolidated Brig Charleston, SC, which is located in the same city as The Hanzel Law Firm, in Charleston, SC, Naval Consolidated Brig Chesapeake, VA, Naval Consolidated Brig Miramar, CA, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA, and other facilities for the Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps. Having visited these brigs personally, he knows how they operate and how to reach clients there, and he is skilled at reviewing their records of trial to see if they warrant appellate relief. So no matter where in the country, you live, whether or not you or your loved one is incarcerated, we can help.

Whether the issue is unlawful command influence by a senior military official, which recently resulted in NMCCA overturning all convictions for a Marine in a high-profile case (https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/nov/10/james-amos-found-guilty-unlawful-command-influence/) and currently has the Navy JAG in hot water in a Navy SEAL’s sexual assault case on appeal at CAAF, whether it is factual or legal sufficiency, ineffective assistance of counsel by your uniformed or civilian attorney, an expert issue, a racially-biased jury, an evidentiary issue, or any other issue, at the Hanzel Law Firm, we will scour your record of trial to identify all appellate issues, we will do the legal research necessary to raise your issues on appeal, and we will argue your case in front of the military’s highest courts, and the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary, to fight for justice for you or your loved one.

Don’t fail to fully exercise your appeal rights. Contact our office to request a free case evaluation today.

Understanding the Process in Mt. Pleasant and Charleston

Following a court-martial conviction, your case will go through post-trial processing before, if warranting an automatic appeal, being sent to your service’s Criminal Court of Appeals. Post-trial processing in cases with where the sentence was a year or more in jail, a punitive discharge, or death, require a Staff Judge Advocate’s Recommendation (SJAR) by the Convening Authority’s JAG, a clemency submission by the trial defense counsel, and the Convening Authority’s Action, a final action in the case in which he or she can under certain circumstances lower punishments or dismiss convictions, but which typically results in approval of all convictions and the sentence.

If you or a loved one received one of these sentences, the case will then be sent to the Army Court of Criminal Appeals (ACCA), the Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals (NMCCA), the Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals (AFCCA) or the Coast Guard Court of Criminal Appeals (CGCCA), depending on your branch of service, and your case will be argued there on appeal.

The Importance of Hiring a Local Military Appeal Attorney

Hiring a local military appeal attorney can be crucial for several reasons:

• Knowledge of Local Procedures: A local attorney will have a deep understanding of the local military appellate court's procedures, rules, and preferences. This familiarity can be invaluable in navigating the complexities of the appeals process.
• Familiarity with Local Judges and Attorneys: A local attorney is likely to be familiar with the judges and other attorneys in the area. This familiarity can help in building a strong case strategy and in anticipating how the court might rule on certain issues.
• Accessibility: A local attorney will be more accessible for meetings, consultations, and updates on your case. This can be important for maintaining open communication and for addressing any concerns or questions you may have throughout the appeals process.
• Understanding of Local Laws: Military law can vary from state to state, and a local attorney will have a deep understanding of the specific laws and regulations that apply in your jurisdiction. This knowledge can be crucial in building a strong legal argument on your behalf.
• Community Connections: A local attorney is likely to have connections within the local legal community, which can be beneficial in building a strong legal team for your appeal. They may be able to collaborate with other attorneys or experts who can provide valuable insights and expertise.

Overall, hiring a local military appeal attorney can give you a significant advantage in your appeal. They will have the knowledge, experience, and connections needed to effectively represent you and advocate for the best possible outcome in your case.

Partner With An Independent Law Firm You Can Trust

It is important to have a new, independent lawyer review your case on appeal. First, you need a fresh set of eyes on the case. Second, you need an attorney who is not afraid to be critical of your trial defense counsel’s work and the prosecution’s work, and to raise the issue of ineffective assistance of counsel (IAC) and/or prosecutorial misconduct if it exists. Attorney Michael Hanzel has never been afraid to raise the issue of IAC or prosecutorial misconduct when he identified it, even while on active duty against other JAGs. That is because he deeply cares about preventing and correcting injustice. At The Hanzel Law Firm, we believe an unfair trial is the worst possible thing that can happen, not just to our clients, but to our justice system.

Protect Your Rights with Experienced Military Appeal Attorneys

When facing a military court martial or seeking an appeal, it is crucial to have skilled and knowledgeable defense attorneys on your side. At The Hanzel Law Firm, our team of experienced Mt. Pleasant military defense attorneys is dedicated to protecting the rights of our clients in Mt. Pleasant and the surrounding areas. We understand the complexities of military law and have a proven track record of success in handling military appeal cases.

Why choose our military defense attorneys:

• Extensive experience in military law and court martial proceedings
• Personalized attention and tailored defense strategies
• In-depth knowledge of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ)
• Strong advocacy for your rights and interests
• Proven track record of successful appeals and favorable outcomes

Whether you are facing a court martial or seeking to appeal a conviction or sentence, our team is committed to providing you with the highest level of legal representation. We will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

At The Hanzel Law Firm, we're committed to Fighting to Protect Your Rights, Career & Future. Call us at (843) 202-4714 today.