Reviews

4 years ago I was facing serious consequences for an incident that changed the course of my career and life. Thanks to Gary Barthel and his team, he helped fight for me to get a better outcome and navigate the process to be able to complete the court requirements to reduce the punishment and ultimately expunge my record. If you're active duty or a veteran in any kind of trouble with civilian or military law I would recommend getting in touch with military law center.

I am a combat veteran, with 10 years of service. In the fall of 2020, I received a call from the Public Defender’s office asking me if I was going to use their services. I told her that she must have the wrong number. She confirmed that she in fact had the correct number. She went on to tell me I was being indicted on two felony counts for attempting to exercise my 2nd Amendment right to purchase a shotgun. I thought, “This is some kind of joke.” It was not. In the summer of 2016, I was taken to a hospital by the police for an alcohol related incident. Prior to leaving the hospital for home, I apparently signed a document acknowledging that I could not purchase a firearm for 5 years. I don’t remember this or really anything about that night. After becoming sober, four years later in December 2019, I attempted to purchase a shotgun so I could teach my son to shoot. On the 7th day of the 10-day waiting period I received a phone call that the gun store could not release the weapon to me. I didn’t know why. Two months later I was contacted by an investigator asking why I tried to purchase a gun. “You are barred from owning a firearm” he said. This was news to me. He explained that almost four years earlier I was given what’s called a 5150. This means that a doctor had determined that I am a danger to myself and others. I don’t remember ever hearing those words from a doctor. I was given a public defender who, in my opinion, did nothing but try to intimidate me into taking the prosecutor’s deal. I refused because I honestly did not know that I was a barred person and was willing to fight for my 2nd amendment right, even if that meant I might become a convicted felon. It seemed like the DA’s office and the public defender both just wanted me to go away. I was getting irritated with the way the whole situation was developing. Finally, I was fed up. I started asking around for any effective attorneys who truly believed in our constitutional rights and that wouldn’t try to extend the case in order to increase their bill. A veteran neighbor suggested Attorney Gary Barthel at the Military Law Center. Mr. Barthel is a veteran himself and so I felt he could understand the nuance of this case. What he discovered blew my mind. After retaining Mr. Barthel, he immediately started to examine the evidence and determined the 5150 determination, that I was threat to myself or others, was not properly assessed in accordance with California law. Additionally, Mr. Barthel also determined I was denied a required hearing to appeal California’s 5-year ban to purchase a weapon. Based upon the results of his investigation, Mr. Barthel was able to convince the District Attorney’s office to dismiss the charges. It took Mr. Barthel only a few months to get all charges dropped. Attorneys are expensive so it is important to find one that is efficient. Mr. Barthel was able to win the case and since it was done so quickly, my total bill was very reasonable. I was also refunded the unused portion of the retainer. I don’t plan on ever needing a criminal defense attorney again, but if I do, I’m calling Gary Barthel. He is very competent, and I would highly recommend his services.

Smart guys & great results! Nick & Gary solved couple year old 'problem' I'd gotten into in Riverside- THANKS

Earlier this year, It felt like I had a bomb drop on my personal life with the Army. Years ago, I had some administrative issues that prevented me from living a normal veteran life. I couldn't access my benefits and get help for PTSD with the VA. 15 years later, the Army was going to list me as AWOL for not separating correctly. Having a career and family, this was hard to hear. My case was unique and full of details that were not being accounted for. I needed to do something and therefore called Mr. Gary Barthel. He listened to me and went over all the details. He fought for me and presented my case which allowed me to get my administrative discharge finalized under honorable conditions. I can now live without worries and pursue my benefits. Thank you for all your help sir! My family and I are extremely grateful. If you're in need of legal help, please don't hesitate to reach out to Military Law Center!

Highly recommend

After contacting Mr Morris I was given much unknown information that was very valuable as I continued my conversation with him I was told did my possibilities we're still good in overturning my discharge all information given to me from him and his assistant was very beneficiary after completing our conversation I was in enlightening on proper procedure and protocol for my situation not knowing Woody told me I am really looking forward to working for him with his knowledge education and experience will be all good with him through conversation and instructions I have hope once again I feel that mr. Morris is educated well as knowledgeable if he was my defense during my time of need I believe I would have been much successful I give two thumbs up for his efforts to assist me for Better Days thanking him in advance and giving God the glory

My wife and I retained Michael (Mike) Ritter as our lawyer in 2013 to represent us in a telecommunications dispute. He had come highly recommended because of his expertise with the wireless telecommunications industry, and this expertise proved invaluable during the course of a lengthy litigation process. Mike was highly responsive and always kept us closely in the loop. Best of our, we prevailed in the case. We would recommended Mike Ritter without any reservations.

I needed a couple of contracts prepared. Mike was able to provide what I needed in a very short time, less than one week. He also took the time to review them with me to make sure I fully understood each element of the contracts (I'm not great with legal language).

Extremely effective with the amount of time that was invoiced . I live in Asia, and Mike would respond immediately to emails and was available during non-business hours. My case was very unique for any lawyer and would required special out of the ordinary research for who ever would take it . Mike put extra time to inform himself on my situation that I know I was not billed for. Top ratings in All categories... I would highly recommend Mike to family and friends.

Do yourself a favor and talk to Mike about your legal needs. Mike and I have been doing business together for three years now and he has been a pleasure to work with. I value his counsel on a range of issues and always know that I'm getting sound legal advice that I can rely on. I value his honesty and integrity...you will too.

Mike Ritter updated our trust two years ago and, since, has kept us informed of any new legislation. As noted above, we have complete faith in his honesty and knowledge. We feel very comfortable in recommending Mike.

Over the years I have worked with a number of attorneys including one family member. No other has ever given me such sterling performance. Mike has been serving our organization for almost a year in contract negotiations and has given advice in other areas as well. We have been completely satisfied with his work and are thankful tohave him representing us.