team-member

Michael Ralph Bruggeman

Tustin, CA

Licensed for 27 years

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Criminal Defense

Language

English

About

Practices Areas

Criminal Defense

Language

English

Contact

Law Ofc Michael R Bruggeman1432 Edinger Ave Ste 240Tustin, CA, 92780-6293

Office: N/A

Website: N/A

Reviews

Lauren
January 3, 2021

I have known Mike for many years. He is not only a pillar in the Orange County legal community, but is also one of the most dedicated, intelligent, and client-focused attorneys I have ever met. Mike is committed to staying in the forefront of his industry, keeping himself abreast of changes in the law. He is compassionate, yet fierce, and works tirelessly to ensure his clients' best interests are furthered. I recommend him with the highest of confidence.

Bob M.
February 23, 2017

I am a civil lawyer, hired Mike for family member. Good results at a reasonable price. I have seen him in court. PROS: Good, smart, criminal lawyer, well-liked by judges and prosecutors, which is important since 95% of cases are plea bargained at some point. You may be innocent, but after 6 months of being bullied by prosecutors you may be glad when Mike negotiates you summary probation for misdemeanor disturbing the peace instead of rolling the dice on an assault charge and years in prison. That's not his fault, the system sucks, innocent people plead guilty all the time to minor charges to avoid the cost of trial and the risk of prison. FEES: Criminal lawyers are often stiffed for fees, so they ALL are insistent about payment up front, or else they go broke. Mike's fees are competitive, but all successful criminal lawyers insist on payment up front. CALLBACK: Clients get very frustrated when their lawyer doesn't call them back. But good lawyers spend their time in court, and they don't have time to answer your phone calls asking a million questions two weeks before YOUR court date. When a lawyer is in court defending you from 10 years in prison, you want him 100% focused on your case. While he is fighting for your life he may have 200 messages from other clients on his desk or answering machine. When it us YOUR turn in court, do you want Mike to take time off from fighting for your life to answer non-urgent questions from other clients? CONS: Mike is a sole practitioner, not a huge law firm. If you have a huge complicated case, or you want someone to talk to, hire a big law firm BY THE HOUR and they will be happy to talk to you all day long for $500 an hour, paid in advance. Mike knows the law, knows the prosecutors and judges, and is there for you when it counts, when you are going to trial or negotiating a plea.

Julie
June 13, 2015

Michael Bruggeman was an excellent lawyer. He was recommended to me by a family member that was also very pleased with his work. He was very reliable and was there to answer any question I had and took the time to make sure I understood every aspect of my case and all the options available. I feel confident that he did everything he could to give me the best possible outcome. We have already recommended him to another friend that he was able to help as well. If I ever had another problem or needed any type of legal counsel, he would be the first person I would call.

AlanMichael
February 16, 2015

Michael was appointed to me as a juvenile drug court attorney. He always informed me on what's going on with my case. He was sure to make sure that all my sentences were fair and properly handled. Michael is a trustworthy, responsible, fair, and helpful attorney.

Jack
March 3, 2014

I hired Mike to represent my daughter who had two cases simultaneously in two different counties. Each case was handled discretely and with great finesse and professionalism. As a result, neither court or prosecutor was aware of the other offense. The penalties would have been much greater otherwise. I was very pleased with his work and my daughter came out of everything just fine and is on the right track thanks to Mike's efforts. I have since referred a good friend to Mike . Thanks Mike.

anonymous
March 3, 2014

Mr. Bruggeman knows the ins and outs of criminal law. He has given me advice that is amazing in terms of how the system works, and how best to handle difficult issues. He seems to know the judges and prosecutors very well, and uses that knowledge, and his reputation, to his client's advantage. I cannot say enough of about this lawyer--he really cares, and I found his fees to be very reasonable given the level of representation his clients receive.

Stephanie
October 25, 2012

Michael was exceptional with me and my case! He was very attentive and I feel like he really did care about the outcome, not just for his own benefit, but for mine as well! Michael was not only EXTREMELY knowledgeable, he earned my trust!!! (I feel like these days it is so hard to find someone you can trust your future with, he really proved me wrong!) I would most certainly recommend him, he not only cares, but, he truly knows what he is doing!!!

anonymous
September 23, 2012

I can't say enough about Mike Bruggeman. He is extremely knowledgable and has an excellent ability to analyze legal issues, and interact with prosecutors and judges, as well as the jury. He truly cares about his clients, and In my case his fees were extremely fair given the amount of work he put into the matter, his expertise, and the results obtained. Criminal defense lawyers will often have some clients who blame their lawyer for being convicted, but Mr. Bruggeman gave me sound legal advise and guidance at every turn.

Teresa
October 8, 2013

Michael was everything I expected. He is very professional, knowledgeable, on time and made my husband and I feel at ease. He answered all our questions and did not make us feel rushed. We are appreciative for all he did for our family. I would highly recommend his services.

anonymous
January 28, 2014

Bruggeman's only concern while representing me seemed only to be the money that he would receive from my dealing with him. He demanded half of his legal fee up front, and then after only two weeks told me to pay the other half, which I followed through with, if anything because of his exhausting, incessant nature. He had no problem repeatedly calling me about his fee, but when I tried calling him to inquire about certain aspects of the case he was never available. He was absolutely unprofessional in that respect, as he would always claim to be on vacation or busy otherwise. Finally, after a year of inactivity, and just general unresponsiveness from his side, he called me up telling me to come to court, without any prior notice, to sign for a plea deal. The charge I was facing was a misdemeanor, and I had no prior record, and still he was unable to help me. I got a substantial amount of hours community service as a result of my charge, and an ugly record that has since made obtaining employment difficult. He is absolutely apathetic in his practice, and will do nothing for your defense. He will just collect your money, and sit on his posterior, making excuses for every bit of negligence that he is responsible for.

Lauren
January 3, 2021

I have known Mike for many years. He is not only a pillar in the Orange County legal community, but is also one of the most dedicated, intelligent, and client-focused attorneys I have ever met. Mike is committed to staying in the forefront of his industry, keeping himself abreast of changes in the law. He is compassionate, yet fierce, and works tirelessly to ensure his clients' best interests are furthered. I recommend him with the highest of confidence.

Bob M.
February 23, 2017

I am a civil lawyer, hired Mike for family member. Good results at a reasonable price. I have seen him in court. PROS: Good, smart, criminal lawyer, well-liked by judges and prosecutors, which is important since 95% of cases are plea bargained at some point. You may be innocent, but after 6 months of being bullied by prosecutors you may be glad when Mike negotiates you summary probation for misdemeanor disturbing the peace instead of rolling the dice on an assault charge and years in prison. That's not his fault, the system sucks, innocent people plead guilty all the time to minor charges to avoid the cost of trial and the risk of prison. FEES: Criminal lawyers are often stiffed for fees, so they ALL are insistent about payment up front, or else they go broke. Mike's fees are competitive, but all successful criminal lawyers insist on payment up front. CALLBACK: Clients get very frustrated when their lawyer doesn't call them back. But good lawyers spend their time in court, and they don't have time to answer your phone calls asking a million questions two weeks before YOUR court date. When a lawyer is in court defending you from 10 years in prison, you want him 100% focused on your case. While he is fighting for your life he may have 200 messages from other clients on his desk or answering machine. When it us YOUR turn in court, do you want Mike to take time off from fighting for your life to answer non-urgent questions from other clients? CONS: Mike is a sole practitioner, not a huge law firm. If you have a huge complicated case, or you want someone to talk to, hire a big law firm BY THE HOUR and they will be happy to talk to you all day long for $500 an hour, paid in advance. Mike knows the law, knows the prosecutors and judges, and is there for you when it counts, when you are going to trial or negotiating a plea.

Julie
June 13, 2015

Michael Bruggeman was an excellent lawyer. He was recommended to me by a family member that was also very pleased with his work. He was very reliable and was there to answer any question I had and took the time to make sure I understood every aspect of my case and all the options available. I feel confident that he did everything he could to give me the best possible outcome. We have already recommended him to another friend that he was able to help as well. If I ever had another problem or needed any type of legal counsel, he would be the first person I would call.

AlanMichael
February 16, 2015

Michael was appointed to me as a juvenile drug court attorney. He always informed me on what's going on with my case. He was sure to make sure that all my sentences were fair and properly handled. Michael is a trustworthy, responsible, fair, and helpful attorney.

Jack
March 3, 2014

I hired Mike to represent my daughter who had two cases simultaneously in two different counties. Each case was handled discretely and with great finesse and professionalism. As a result, neither court or prosecutor was aware of the other offense. The penalties would have been much greater otherwise. I was very pleased with his work and my daughter came out of everything just fine and is on the right track thanks to Mike's efforts. I have since referred a good friend to Mike . Thanks Mike.

anonymous
March 3, 2014

Mr. Bruggeman knows the ins and outs of criminal law. He has given me advice that is amazing in terms of how the system works, and how best to handle difficult issues. He seems to know the judges and prosecutors very well, and uses that knowledge, and his reputation, to his client's advantage. I cannot say enough of about this lawyer--he really cares, and I found his fees to be very reasonable given the level of representation his clients receive.

Stephanie
October 25, 2012

Michael was exceptional with me and my case! He was very attentive and I feel like he really did care about the outcome, not just for his own benefit, but for mine as well! Michael was not only EXTREMELY knowledgeable, he earned my trust!!! (I feel like these days it is so hard to find someone you can trust your future with, he really proved me wrong!) I would most certainly recommend him, he not only cares, but, he truly knows what he is doing!!!

anonymous
September 23, 2012

I can't say enough about Mike Bruggeman. He is extremely knowledgable and has an excellent ability to analyze legal issues, and interact with prosecutors and judges, as well as the jury. He truly cares about his clients, and In my case his fees were extremely fair given the amount of work he put into the matter, his expertise, and the results obtained. Criminal defense lawyers will often have some clients who blame their lawyer for being convicted, but Mr. Bruggeman gave me sound legal advise and guidance at every turn.

Teresa
October 8, 2013

Michael was everything I expected. He is very professional, knowledgeable, on time and made my husband and I feel at ease. He answered all our questions and did not make us feel rushed. We are appreciative for all he did for our family. I would highly recommend his services.

anonymous
January 28, 2014

Bruggeman's only concern while representing me seemed only to be the money that he would receive from my dealing with him. He demanded half of his legal fee up front, and then after only two weeks told me to pay the other half, which I followed through with, if anything because of his exhausting, incessant nature. He had no problem repeatedly calling me about his fee, but when I tried calling him to inquire about certain aspects of the case he was never available. He was absolutely unprofessional in that respect, as he would always claim to be on vacation or busy otherwise. Finally, after a year of inactivity, and just general unresponsiveness from his side, he called me up telling me to come to court, without any prior notice, to sign for a plea deal. The charge I was facing was a misdemeanor, and I had no prior record, and still he was unable to help me. I got a substantial amount of hours community service as a result of my charge, and an ugly record that has since made obtaining employment difficult. He is absolutely apathetic in his practice, and will do nothing for your defense. He will just collect your money, and sit on his posterior, making excuses for every bit of negligence that he is responsible for.