Sweta Patel
N/A
N/A
Law Degree
Awards
Primary Practice Area
Criminal Defense
Language
Gujarati English Hindi
About
I was born and raised in Montgomery County, Maryland, and graduated from Walt Whitman High School in 1989. I attended Brandeis University where I graduated cum laude with a B.A. in economics in 1993. I received my juris doctor from the American University Washington College of Law in 1996. While in law school, I was a member of the Law Review and the Moot Court Executive Board. In my third year, I participated in the Criminal Justice Clinic, and had the opportunity to represent clients in criminal matters in the Montgomery County District and Circuit Courts. I also spent a semester prosecuting criminal matters as a Rule 16 student in the State’s Attorney’s Office for Montgomery County. Prior to opening my law office in April, 2010, I enjoyed a diverse career litigating in the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia (OAG) for over 11 years. I began my OAG career as a prosecutor in the Criminal Section where I conducted numerous bench and jury trials in traffic and criminal misdemeanor matters. Later in my OAG career, I served as Chief of the Criminal Section where I supervised the prosecution of DUI offenses in the District, and directed a staff of over 20 attorneys. I was responsible for formulating office policy for the prosecution of DUIs, as well as all traffic and criminal offenses under OAG’s jurisdiction. I have successfully completed a variety of intensive trainings that has him uniquely prepared to attack the prosecution of every type of DUI case. I am trained to administer field sobriety tests according to NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) standards, and also trained as a NHTSA field sobriety test Instructor. I’ve completed trainings in Forensic Chromatography, which is the process used to analyze blood and urine samples in DUI and drug cases. I have been trained in the use of and weaknesses of the Intoximeter EC/IR II, which is the breath testing machine used in the District of Columbia and Maryland. I have been trained in Drug Recognition, which is the same training officers have taken for purposes of prosecuting DUI-drug cases. I am one of a small number of DUI lawyers in America to be named a Forensic Drug and Alcohol Lawyer Specialist by the American Chemical Society. I also spent several years practicing in OAG’s Civil Division where I represented the District of Columbia in all phases of litigation in a variety of subjects, including employment discrimination, failure to accommodate disabilities, police misconduct, and personal injury. I gained additional experience in the Personnel, Labor & Employment Division where I represented the District’s interests in all employment-related matters, including workers’ compensation, disciplinary actions, and discrimination complaints. During my tenure at OAG, I also served as the Attorney/Advisor in the District of Columbia Office of Human Rights. I reviewed hundreds of cases alleging disparate treatment, hostile work environment, retaliation, failure to accommodate disabilities, and violations of the District of Columbia Family and Medical Leave Act. I am a trained mediator and arbitrator, and I have successfully mediated several employment discrimination claims. I am an Adjunct Professor of Law in the Trial Advocacy Program at the American University Washington College of Law. Since 2008, I have taught courses in Evidentiary Foundations and Objections, Evidence, and Pre-Trial Civil Litigation. I served as an Adjunct Faculty Coach for the American University Mock Trial Honor Society where I coached teams of law students in trial advocacy competitions. I have several publications to my credit. I have written a book entitled "Facing a DUI Charge in DC." I also have contributed chapters for two publications from Aspatore Publishing: Trends in DUI Discovery and Witness Preparation and Examination for DUI Proceedings. I also edited the Criminal Traffic Offenses chapter in the 2014 Edition of the District of Columbia Practice Manual. I am admitted to the Bars of the District of Columbia, Maryland, and the United States District Courts for the District of Columbia and Maryland. I am a member of the National College of DUI Defense where I am serving as the District of Columbia Delegate. I am a Founding Member of the DUI Defense Lawyers Association. I also am a member of the Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys Association, the District of Columbia Superior Court Trial Lawyers Association, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, traveling, and being with my family.
Practices Areas
Criminal Defense
DUI and DWI
Language
Gujarati English Hindi
Contact
Bruckheim & Patel-Rockville MD401 East Jefferson Street#201bRockville, MD, 20850
Office: N/A
Website: N/AReviews
Michael Bruckheimer is the absolute GOAT when it comes too defending his clients. This man and his team helped give me my life back after I was given a wrong verdict and labeled a Felon. I now have a second chance at life and I am eternally thankful. If you are ever in a pinch and want honest good hearted and moral representation then look no further you have found the right team!
I greatly appreciate Attorney Michael Bruckheim. He has passion for his job; compassion for his clients. Attorney Bruckheim was easy to talk to, willing to listen and put all my anxieties at ease. I had peace of mind. He is responsive and follows through; keeping me informed at every milestone. Attorney Bruckheim is a thorough professional and knowledgeable of the law. He researched local cases similar to mine, then assured me I had a case for civil litigation. He told me what to expect, what the likely outcome would be and achieved it. He negotiated and enthusiastically advocated on my behalf. He won the litigation and I received a settlement. Attorney Michael Bruckheim is a great and caring attorney. He is the best! I highly recommend him.
In a process where I was concerned and confused, I am definitely glad that I was referred to Michael Bruckheim of Bruckheim & Patel. A lawyer friend of mine in Atlanta reached out to his colleagues in the DMV area when he heard about my DUI case and Michael’s name came up immediately. On initial contact, Michael was patient and empathetic as I told my story and he gave me honest and real feedback on possible outcomes, given the details of my case. When we met in person, he also gave me a step-by-step explanation of the overall legal process as well as advice on ways to mitigate my case. During the entire process, Michael as professional, knowledgeable and extremely responsive. By the time my court date came around, I was more comfortable with my situation and felt prepared to deal with any verdict. I would definitely go back to him for any legal matters and/or advice. Oh, and in case you’re wondering, I received THE BEST possible result!! I am a very happy client!
Having Mr. Bruckheim represent me in my DUI case was a pleasure. He was straightforward about the case, had multiple planned courses of action depending on what circumstances arose and explained every step of the process. In the end, I was able to get a very favorable result that I wouldn't have received on my own. I highly recommend his services.
Worked directly with Michael Bruckheim on a DUI case, he made it very easy to get through and really made sure we got the best case scenario, my case was reduced to a wreckless driving and i was able to expunge my records of anything alcohol related. At all times i felt like he truly cared about helping me get through this and I'm very thankful for all he's done. I'd recommend him to anyone, 100% happy with my decision of working with him. He had a great deal of experience in this field.
Michael Bruckheim was nothing short of fantastic through out my entire legal process. I was a first time offender so I had no idea what the process was going to be and he always had that in mind as he guided me through all of the obstacles we faced. I always felt comfortable and knew I was in a good position because of the passion and commitment that he showed me during our very first meeting. I would absolutely recommend Michael to anyone who is looking for a lawyer that will answer any and all questions you have and really go to bat for you when the time comes in court! He laid out he best possible scenario for me on day 1 and that's exactly what we got in the end. I could not be more happy with my decision to hire Michael!
I was referred to Michael Bruckheim by a friend in a similar situation. My experience with him for my first DUI was more than amazing. He really knows his stuff, super easy to talk to and be honest with, and makes you feel like more of a friend than a client. I truly believe the great outcome of my case would not have happened if it wasn’t for Michael. Highly recommend!
Michael Bruckeheim is an amazing attorney and makes you feel like a friend rather than a client. I usually reached out to Mr. Bruckheim via text or email or and usually got back to me right away, if he was in court or busy it was within a few hours at the most. I cannot say enough good things about Mr. Bruckheim, and if you need an attorney, he is the one that will fight for you for what is fair. I had the best outcome that I could get with my situation and could not be happier. It has changed my life! Thank you for everything that you did for me Mr. Bruckheim it was much appreciated.
I was recently referred to the Attorney, Michael Bruckheim. I found him to be prompt, professional and extremely effective. I would highly recommend his service to anyone.
Michael Bruckeheim is a wonderful attorney. He was highly experienced, responsive, prompt, and diligent. He came very recommended from my friend, and I would highly recommend him to whomever that is facing a dui/dwi related matter in the DC/MD area.
Michael Bruckheimer is the absolute GOAT when it comes too defending his clients. This man and his team helped give me my life back after I was given a wrong verdict and labeled a Felon. I now have a second chance at life and I am eternally thankful. If you are ever in a pinch and want honest good hearted and moral representation then look no further you have found the right team!
I greatly appreciate Attorney Michael Bruckheim. He has passion for his job; compassion for his clients. Attorney Bruckheim was easy to talk to, willing to listen and put all my anxieties at ease. I had peace of mind. He is responsive and follows through; keeping me informed at every milestone. Attorney Bruckheim is a thorough professional and knowledgeable of the law. He researched local cases similar to mine, then assured me I had a case for civil litigation. He told me what to expect, what the likely outcome would be and achieved it. He negotiated and enthusiastically advocated on my behalf. He won the litigation and I received a settlement. Attorney Michael Bruckheim is a great and caring attorney. He is the best! I highly recommend him.
In a process where I was concerned and confused, I am definitely glad that I was referred to Michael Bruckheim of Bruckheim & Patel. A lawyer friend of mine in Atlanta reached out to his colleagues in the DMV area when he heard about my DUI case and Michael’s name came up immediately. On initial contact, Michael was patient and empathetic as I told my story and he gave me honest and real feedback on possible outcomes, given the details of my case. When we met in person, he also gave me a step-by-step explanation of the overall legal process as well as advice on ways to mitigate my case. During the entire process, Michael as professional, knowledgeable and extremely responsive. By the time my court date came around, I was more comfortable with my situation and felt prepared to deal with any verdict. I would definitely go back to him for any legal matters and/or advice. Oh, and in case you’re wondering, I received THE BEST possible result!! I am a very happy client!
Having Mr. Bruckheim represent me in my DUI case was a pleasure. He was straightforward about the case, had multiple planned courses of action depending on what circumstances arose and explained every step of the process. In the end, I was able to get a very favorable result that I wouldn't have received on my own. I highly recommend his services.
Worked directly with Michael Bruckheim on a DUI case, he made it very easy to get through and really made sure we got the best case scenario, my case was reduced to a wreckless driving and i was able to expunge my records of anything alcohol related. At all times i felt like he truly cared about helping me get through this and I'm very thankful for all he's done. I'd recommend him to anyone, 100% happy with my decision of working with him. He had a great deal of experience in this field.
Michael Bruckheim was nothing short of fantastic through out my entire legal process. I was a first time offender so I had no idea what the process was going to be and he always had that in mind as he guided me through all of the obstacles we faced. I always felt comfortable and knew I was in a good position because of the passion and commitment that he showed me during our very first meeting. I would absolutely recommend Michael to anyone who is looking for a lawyer that will answer any and all questions you have and really go to bat for you when the time comes in court! He laid out he best possible scenario for me on day 1 and that's exactly what we got in the end. I could not be more happy with my decision to hire Michael!
I was referred to Michael Bruckheim by a friend in a similar situation. My experience with him for my first DUI was more than amazing. He really knows his stuff, super easy to talk to and be honest with, and makes you feel like more of a friend than a client. I truly believe the great outcome of my case would not have happened if it wasn’t for Michael. Highly recommend!
Michael Bruckeheim is an amazing attorney and makes you feel like a friend rather than a client. I usually reached out to Mr. Bruckheim via text or email or and usually got back to me right away, if he was in court or busy it was within a few hours at the most. I cannot say enough good things about Mr. Bruckheim, and if you need an attorney, he is the one that will fight for you for what is fair. I had the best outcome that I could get with my situation and could not be happier. It has changed my life! Thank you for everything that you did for me Mr. Bruckheim it was much appreciated.
I was recently referred to the Attorney, Michael Bruckheim. I found him to be prompt, professional and extremely effective. I would highly recommend his service to anyone.
Michael Bruckeheim is a wonderful attorney. He was highly experienced, responsive, prompt, and diligent. He came very recommended from my friend, and I would highly recommend him to whomever that is facing a dui/dwi related matter in the DC/MD area.
Michael Bruckheimer is the absolute GOAT when it comes too defending his clients. This man and his team helped give me my life back after I was given a wrong verdict and labeled a Felon. I now have a second chance at life and I am eternally thankful. If you are ever in a pinch and want honest good hearted and moral representation then look no further you have found the right team!
I greatly appreciate Attorney Michael Bruckheim. He has passion for his job; compassion for his clients. Attorney Bruckheim was easy to talk to, willing to listen and put all my anxieties at ease. I had peace of mind. He is responsive and follows through; keeping me informed at every milestone. Attorney Bruckheim is a thorough professional and knowledgeable of the law. He researched local cases similar to mine, then assured me I had a case for civil litigation. He told me what to expect, what the likely outcome would be and achieved it. He negotiated and enthusiastically advocated on my behalf. He won the litigation and I received a settlement. Attorney Michael Bruckheim is a great and caring attorney. He is the best! I highly recommend him.
In a process where I was concerned and confused, I am definitely glad that I was referred to Michael Bruckheim of Bruckheim & Patel. A lawyer friend of mine in Atlanta reached out to his colleagues in the DMV area when he heard about my DUI case and Michael’s name came up immediately. On initial contact, Michael was patient and empathetic as I told my story and he gave me honest and real feedback on possible outcomes, given the details of my case. When we met in person, he also gave me a step-by-step explanation of the overall legal process as well as advice on ways to mitigate my case. During the entire process, Michael as professional, knowledgeable and extremely responsive. By the time my court date came around, I was more comfortable with my situation and felt prepared to deal with any verdict. I would definitely go back to him for any legal matters and/or advice. Oh, and in case you’re wondering, I received THE BEST possible result!! I am a very happy client!
Having Mr. Bruckheim represent me in my DUI case was a pleasure. He was straightforward about the case, had multiple planned courses of action depending on what circumstances arose and explained every step of the process. In the end, I was able to get a very favorable result that I wouldn't have received on my own. I highly recommend his services.
Worked directly with Michael Bruckheim on a DUI case, he made it very easy to get through and really made sure we got the best case scenario, my case was reduced to a wreckless driving and i was able to expunge my records of anything alcohol related. At all times i felt like he truly cared about helping me get through this and I'm very thankful for all he's done. I'd recommend him to anyone, 100% happy with my decision of working with him. He had a great deal of experience in this field.
Michael Bruckheim was nothing short of fantastic through out my entire legal process. I was a first time offender so I had no idea what the process was going to be and he always had that in mind as he guided me through all of the obstacles we faced. I always felt comfortable and knew I was in a good position because of the passion and commitment that he showed me during our very first meeting. I would absolutely recommend Michael to anyone who is looking for a lawyer that will answer any and all questions you have and really go to bat for you when the time comes in court! He laid out he best possible scenario for me on day 1 and that's exactly what we got in the end. I could not be more happy with my decision to hire Michael!
I was referred to Michael Bruckheim by a friend in a similar situation. My experience with him for my first DUI was more than amazing. He really knows his stuff, super easy to talk to and be honest with, and makes you feel like more of a friend than a client. I truly believe the great outcome of my case would not have happened if it wasn’t for Michael. Highly recommend!
Michael Bruckeheim is an amazing attorney and makes you feel like a friend rather than a client. I usually reached out to Mr. Bruckheim via text or email or and usually got back to me right away, if he was in court or busy it was within a few hours at the most. I cannot say enough good things about Mr. Bruckheim, and if you need an attorney, he is the one that will fight for you for what is fair. I had the best outcome that I could get with my situation and could not be happier. It has changed my life! Thank you for everything that you did for me Mr. Bruckheim it was much appreciated.
I was recently referred to the Attorney, Michael Bruckheim. I found him to be prompt, professional and extremely effective. I would highly recommend his service to anyone.
Michael Bruckeheim is a wonderful attorney. He was highly experienced, responsive, prompt, and diligent. He came very recommended from my friend, and I would highly recommend him to whomever that is facing a dui/dwi related matter in the DC/MD area.
Michael Bruckheimer is the absolute GOAT when it comes too defending his clients. This man and his team helped give me my life back after I was given a wrong verdict and labeled a Felon. I now have a second chance at life and I am eternally thankful. If you are ever in a pinch and want honest good hearted and moral representation then look no further you have found the right team!
I greatly appreciate Attorney Michael Bruckheim. He has passion for his job; compassion for his clients. Attorney Bruckheim was easy to talk to, willing to listen and put all my anxieties at ease. I had peace of mind. He is responsive and follows through; keeping me informed at every milestone. Attorney Bruckheim is a thorough professional and knowledgeable of the law. He researched local cases similar to mine, then assured me I had a case for civil litigation. He told me what to expect, what the likely outcome would be and achieved it. He negotiated and enthusiastically advocated on my behalf. He won the litigation and I received a settlement. Attorney Michael Bruckheim is a great and caring attorney. He is the best! I highly recommend him.
In a process where I was concerned and confused, I am definitely glad that I was referred to Michael Bruckheim of Bruckheim & Patel. A lawyer friend of mine in Atlanta reached out to his colleagues in the DMV area when he heard about my DUI case and Michael’s name came up immediately. On initial contact, Michael was patient and empathetic as I told my story and he gave me honest and real feedback on possible outcomes, given the details of my case. When we met in person, he also gave me a step-by-step explanation of the overall legal process as well as advice on ways to mitigate my case. During the entire process, Michael as professional, knowledgeable and extremely responsive. By the time my court date came around, I was more comfortable with my situation and felt prepared to deal with any verdict. I would definitely go back to him for any legal matters and/or advice. Oh, and in case you’re wondering, I received THE BEST possible result!! I am a very happy client!
Having Mr. Bruckheim represent me in my DUI case was a pleasure. He was straightforward about the case, had multiple planned courses of action depending on what circumstances arose and explained every step of the process. In the end, I was able to get a very favorable result that I wouldn't have received on my own. I highly recommend his services.
Worked directly with Michael Bruckheim on a DUI case, he made it very easy to get through and really made sure we got the best case scenario, my case was reduced to a wreckless driving and i was able to expunge my records of anything alcohol related. At all times i felt like he truly cared about helping me get through this and I'm very thankful for all he's done. I'd recommend him to anyone, 100% happy with my decision of working with him. He had a great deal of experience in this field.
Michael Bruckheim was nothing short of fantastic through out my entire legal process. I was a first time offender so I had no idea what the process was going to be and he always had that in mind as he guided me through all of the obstacles we faced. I always felt comfortable and knew I was in a good position because of the passion and commitment that he showed me during our very first meeting. I would absolutely recommend Michael to anyone who is looking for a lawyer that will answer any and all questions you have and really go to bat for you when the time comes in court! He laid out he best possible scenario for me on day 1 and that's exactly what we got in the end. I could not be more happy with my decision to hire Michael!
I was referred to Michael Bruckheim by a friend in a similar situation. My experience with him for my first DUI was more than amazing. He really knows his stuff, super easy to talk to and be honest with, and makes you feel like more of a friend than a client. I truly believe the great outcome of my case would not have happened if it wasn’t for Michael. Highly recommend!
Michael Bruckeheim is an amazing attorney and makes you feel like a friend rather than a client. I usually reached out to Mr. Bruckheim via text or email or and usually got back to me right away, if he was in court or busy it was within a few hours at the most. I cannot say enough good things about Mr. Bruckheim, and if you need an attorney, he is the one that will fight for you for what is fair. I had the best outcome that I could get with my situation and could not be happier. It has changed my life! Thank you for everything that you did for me Mr. Bruckheim it was much appreciated.
I was recently referred to the Attorney, Michael Bruckheim. I found him to be prompt, professional and extremely effective. I would highly recommend his service to anyone.
Michael Bruckeheim is a wonderful attorney. He was highly experienced, responsive, prompt, and diligent. He came very recommended from my friend, and I would highly recommend him to whomever that is facing a dui/dwi related matter in the DC/MD area.