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"