How much does it cost to hire Michael for a criminal defense case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Michael offer a free consultation?

Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.

How long do criminal defense cases in Connecticut typically take?

Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Norwich?

Michael is licensed in Connecticut. Matters governed by Connecticut law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michael will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Michael?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Michael accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

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Michael J Cartier, Criminal Defense Attorney in Norwich, Connecticut

Over 41 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Discrimination, and Divorce · 3.8/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

MemberatPuhlick & Cartier, P.C.

Norwich, CT

Practicing criminal defense in Norwich since 1985.

41+: Years practicing
3.8 ★: 2 client reviews
5: Bar admissions

Practices in

Criminal Defense Discrimination Divorce Family Law Military Personal Injury +2 more →

Are you Michael J Cartier?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Michael J Cartier is a member based in Norwich, CT. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Discrimination, and Divorce. Michael has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Puhlick & Cartier, P.C.. Rated 3.8 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Based in: Norwich, CT
Experience: over 41 years
Known for: Criminal Defense · Discrimination · Divorce

Handles Criminal Defense, Discrimination, and Divorce matters from Norwich, CT.
Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with CV Notable.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Michael J Cartier

Michael concentrates on criminal defense, discrimination, divorce, family law, and military. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Criminal Defense cases in Norwich, Connecticut

Michael takes criminal defense matters in Norwich, Connecticut. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Discrimination cases in Norwich, Connecticut

Michael takes discrimination matters in Norwich, Connecticut. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Norwich, Connecticut

Michael takes divorce matters in Norwich, Connecticut. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Norwich, Connecticut

Michael takes family law matters in Norwich, Connecticut. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Military cases in Norwich, Connecticut

Michael takes military matters in Norwich, Connecticut. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Michael J Cartier — Over 41 years of Connecticut criminal defense experience

I care about my clients. When a client thanks me at the end of their case, it makes me feel like I did a good job and that my client is happy. This is why I am an attorney. I focus on family law and personal injury: divorce, child support, visitation and custody; car accidents and slip and falls. My office also does real estate closings and wills and probate work. I am a retired U.S. Navy, Judge Advocate General Corps Commander (O-5). I have been practicing law since 1985, and have been here in Norwich, Connecticut since 2002. We do not chage for initial office consultations. If you have a legal issue and feel you may need the assistance of an attorney, pleaes feel free to call me. Thank you.

Michael's approach to criminal defense cases

The kind of cases Michael takes

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, discrimination, and divorce matters in Norwich and the surrounding Connecticut area.

Credentials

Michael J Cartier's legal education and bar admissions

Franklin Pierce Law Center
J.D. · 1985
St. Anselm College
A.B. · 1982

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

Mashantucket Pequot
2003 · ACTIVE
Mohegan Tribal Gamin
2002 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1989 · ACTIVE
Connecticut
1987 · ACTIVE
New Hampshire
1985 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in Franklin Pierce Law Center and A.B. in St. Anselm College.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in Franklin Pierce Law Center and A.B. in St. Anselm College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Connecticut is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Michael J Cartier

Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

CV Notable

Legal awards and honors

CV Notable.

Affiliations

Michael's professional memberships and bar associations

New Hampshire Bar Association Connecticut Bar Association Connecticut Defense Attorneys Association
membership

Locations

Michael J Cartier's office in Norwich

Michael's primary office is at 199 W. Town Street, Norwich, CT, 06360. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Puhlick & Cartier, P.C.

199 W. Town Street

Norwich, CT 06360

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael J Cartier — 3.8/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Norwich.

3.8

2 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael J Cartier claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael J Cartier — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Norwich, Connecticut

A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Michael

Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Michael J Cartier

How much does it cost to hire Michael for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Connecticut typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Norwich?
Michael is licensed in Connecticut. Matters governed by Connecticut law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michael will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Michael?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Connecticut residents in the last few months, answered by criminal defense attorneys like Michael J Cartier. Each link opens the full answer thread.

What are the legal implications of a drug charge in Connecticut?
I was caught with a small amount of heroin in Hartford, CT, and I’m terrified about the legal implications. This is my first offense, and I want to understand what the potential pu
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Connecticut
How can I appeal a conviction for a DUI in Michigan?
I was convicted of a DUI in Detroit, MI, last year and am unhappy with the outcome. I feel like my attorney didn’t represent me well, and I’d like to know if there’s a way to appea
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Michigan
What can I do if I’m wrongfully accused of robbery in Pennsylvania?
I was wrongly accused of robbery in Philadelphia, PA, after an incident at a store where I was simply shopping. The security footage proves my innocence, but the police arrested me
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Pennsylvania
What should I know about plea deals for misdemeanor charges in Hawaii?
I received a misdemeanor charge for disorderly conduct in Honolulu, HI, and the court suggested a plea deal. I’m unsure if I should accept it or fight the charge. What should I con
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Hawaii
What are the penalties for a DUI in Colorado after a second offense?
I received my second DUI in Denver, CO, last month, and I'm worried about facing harsher penalties this time around. My first offense resulted in a fine and community service, but
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Colorado
What are the legal consequences of underage drinking in Massachusetts?
I’m a college student in Boston, MA, and I was caught with alcohol at a party. I’m concerned about the legal repercussions this may have on my record and my future job opportunitie
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Massachusetts

Areas served

Criminal Defense attorneys serving Norwich, Hartford and Stamford in Connecticut

Michael handles criminal defense matters throughout Connecticut. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Norwich handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

Michael J Cartier, Criminal Defense Attorney in Norwich, Connecticut

Quick answer

Practice areas handled by Michael J Cartier

Criminal Defense cases in Norwich, Connecticut