Court Martial Lawyers for Defense Lawyers for Court Martial Cases & Administrative Separations
The role of Army criminal defense lawyers is what one might expect in many ways. It is the job of these Army military defense lawyers to combat charges levied against their clients. However, the specifics are a bit more complex. Let’s keep reading to find out how.
Court-martial lawyers are working in a different system than traditional lawyers. While their clients still have certain rights, a trial’s specifics can vary significantly from what most expect.
Our criminal defense lawyers defend civilian criminal cases in Florida State Courts, Federal Courts, and Military Courts worldwide.
Generally, the more serious your charges, the more resources the military devotes to the trial. In a summary court-martial, one commissioned officer serves as judge and jury. In a general court-martial, you will face a panel of eight jurors or a military judge sitting alone. This is relevant because the accused has no right to a free military lawyer during the least severe court-martial, the summary courts-martial. However, you can still hire an experienced civilian military defense lawyer if you so wish.
A seasoned and well-respected court-martial defense attorney is important for building an adequate defense, like a traditional criminal defense lawyer in civilian court. Unless you face very mild charges, you should always try to ensure you have one. Sentencing will begin immediately if you are found guilty in a military court. While many works of fiction get this wrong, this is different than in a civilian court, where sentencing after a guilty verdict can come weeks later.
If accused or charged with a crime in the Army, even if you believe the charges are meritless, contact the best military defense lawyers possible. Do not make any statements to Army CID investigators. In addition, do not consent to any searches or seizures. Finally, do not agree to take a CID polygraph. At that point, the best legal strategy is similar to that in the civilian criminal justice system. You should hire an experienced civilian military defense lawyer or demand a free Army TDS lawyer immediately and exercise your right to remain silent.
To a naive outsider, this approach may seem suspicious. However, silence is not an admittance of guilt, whereas military JAG prosecutors can and will use anything you say against you. It is often easy to get someone accused of a crime to misspeak or take their words out of context to get a conviction.
Military defense lawyers, meanwhile, are experts in military law. They will help guide you through the legal process and build a defense for the charges levied against you. Note that it isn’t “wrong” to exercise the legal rights you are owed. The legal system is, in theory, designed so that you can have a fair trial. So use all the rights available to you to improve the chances of a good case outcome.
The UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice) outlines the bulk of your legal rights. Because military law is complex, you should discuss your rights and defense strategy with the best court-martial lawyer possible, before you are charged. While those in the military are, in theory, protected by the United States Constitution, it is notable that the Constitutional rights of US service members are sometimes limited.
Like any justice system, the military justice system has evolved greatly over the decades. Many of these changes are welcome. For example, in the modern military justice system, accusations, even those against superior officers, are taken much more seriously than they once were. However, a problem arose as the pendulum swung in the other direction. At times, the court can take an almost “guilty until proven innocent” approach to very serious charges, such as sexual assault.
Undeniably, military sexual assault is a genuine problem, and we should charge those who commit such acts, regardless of rank. Unfortunately, false accusations are somewhat common and can harm those accused. It is important for those accused of sexual assault to look at specifically military sexual assault lawyers. These cases are legally complex and require skill to maneuver through what has become a political minefield. While we can and should call for change to become more just, wanting that change won’t fix the present reality. If accused of a felony, especially one sexual, prepare for a serious legal battle.
In some ways, Army criminal defense lawyers are the last line of defense between you and a criminal conviction in a military court-martial. Their job is to ensure you receive the full protection of the law. If you are facing military charges or expect to, the Army military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington can help. We are well-reviewed and able to help you combat all manner of both minor and serious military charges.
Distinct from being court-martialed, military defense lawyers can also help with administrative separations. These administrative proceedings determine if you will remain in the Army. Administrative separations can be complex, and their outcomes have long-reaching consequences. For example, they determine if you will remain in the service and what the characterization of that service will be.
Selecting the best military defense lawyers possible is critical during this process. A skilled court-martial defense attorney can help you to determine the best course of action. For instance, it is sometimes better to waive the board but knowing when is something you should discuss with an Army criminal defense lawyer.