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

I hired her in 2014 and she did a poor representation for my divorce. She was hard to get a hold of and very basic and cold.

Elizabeth did a good and conscientious job with my divorce. She was an effective advocate and negotiator during a very difficult time. I appreciated her style, and her willingness to collaborate with me. I found her to be an ethical and forthright attorney and feel fortunate to have hired her.

Elizabeth handled my case for child support and custody where she did a phenomenal job. She was direct, to the point and always gave me the best advice. When I was going through the hardest part of my life Elizabeth was there not just as my lawyer but as a person I could talk to and feel safe around. She listened to my wishes and did whatever she could for the best interest of my two kids. She surpassed all my expectations and now my kids are set up to have a great, happy and secure life!

I have been working with Elizabeth for four years for a very difficult divorce case. Elizabeth has been a LOT more than a lawyer for me. She has been a very wise friend to go to talk to when times get difficult. Every time that my ex puts me in a situation where I do not know what to do... she is my go to person. She knows how to calm me down and patiently guide me through the necessary steps that I need to take. What she has done for me over the years is unbelievable and I am very thankful that a found her as a lawyer... Furthermore... what she did for me in this last court case that I had with my ex is unheard of!!! I feel very grateful to have a connection with such an amazing person and an incredible lawyer. Thank you Elizabeth you are so amazing!!!

She seemed to only react to the opposing council and never was she proactive. Not a very experienced judge of others or does not have a good perspective on the opposing side. I spent over 30,000.00 to get her poor and lame advice. I would not recommend her services. Without any communication she sent a letter to tell me we were done as a client attorney relationship. Very Cold..

Incredibly proficient, kind and professional, Attorney Fox helped me through some very difficult times and I felt that I could truly rely on her. Not only was I ecstatic about the results she fought fervently to obtain, but she made the process bearable. Thank you!