Article 120 Sexual Assault Allegations FAQs for Military Members
Overview
Article 120 covers sexual assault and related offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Allegations under this article trigger immediate command attention and often involve law enforcement interviews, no‑contact orders, and potential pretrial restrictions. Service members frequently face career‑altering consequences even before charges are preferred. For official background on military justice processes, the Navy JAG Corps provides general legal resources at https://www.jag.navy.mil/.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Article 120 cover under the UCMJ?
Article 120 addresses sexual assault, aggravated sexual contact, and related nonconsensual acts. The statute defines specific elements the government must prove, including the nature of the act and the absence of consent. Commands treat these cases as high‑visibility matters, and investigations begin quickly once an allegation is made.
What happens immediately after an Article 120 allegation?
Most commands notify military law enforcement and initiate a formal investigation. A service member may receive verbal or written orders limiting contact with the complainant or restricting movement. Statements made early in the process can have long‑term consequences, so caution is essential.
Should I give a statement to investigators?
Service members have the right to decline questioning. Once a statement is provided, it cannot be retracted and becomes a central piece of evidence. Consulting qualified defense counsel before any interview is critical to avoiding avoidable risk.
Can my command force me to undergo a polygraph?
Commands may request a polygraph during an Article 120 investigation, but a service member cannot be compelled to take one. Declining a polygraph does not create a presumption of guilt. Polygraph results are limited in evidentiary value but can affect investigative decisions.
How is consent evaluated in Article 120 cases?
Consent is assessed based on the totality of the circumstances, including communication, behavior, and capacity. Alcohol, power dynamics, and prior relationships may factor into the analysis. Investigators will seek electronic messages, witness statements, and digital evidence to evaluate the claim.
What penalties can result from an Article 120 conviction?
Penalties range from confinement to punitive discharge and sex offender registration. Even a reduced charge can result in significant administrative or career consequences. Sentencing follows the Rules for Courts‑Martial and depends on the specific offense.
Can I face administrative action even without charges?
Yes. Commands may pursue administrative separation, letters of reprimand, or adverse evaluations based on the underlying conduct. These actions require a lower standard of proof and can occur in parallel with or in place of a court‑martial.
How long do Article 120 investigations usually take?
Timelines vary based on the service branch, availability of evidence, and agency workload. Many investigations take several months before a command decides whether to prefer charges. During this period, counsel can help protect rights and identify potential defenses.
What role does digital evidence play in these cases?
Messages, photos, location data, and social media activity are often central to Article 120 allegations. Investigators routinely obtain phones and digital accounts through consent or warrants. Defense counsel may seek independent review of digital material to identify inconsistencies.
Should I hire civilian counsel for an Article 120 allegation?
Retaining experienced civilian military counsel can help balance the resources available to investigators and commands. Gonzalez & Waddington frequently assist service members accused of sexual offenses and work with appointed defense counsel. Early involvement allows for a more organized defense strategy.
Related Military Defense Resources
Service members facing Article 120 allegations often need additional guidance on investigations and evidence. For a deeper explanation of rights during questioning, review the information on military investigation rights. Those dealing with specialized sex crime inquiries may also find value in resources addressing military sex crimes investigation defense lawyers or Article 120 sexual assault court‑martial lawyers.
When to Get Legal Help
Legal counsel should be consulted as soon as a service member learns of an allegation or anticipates an interview. Early decisions can affect the entire case and cannot always be corrected later. Civilian and appointed defense lawyers can help prevent common investigative errors.
TLDR Short Answer
Article 120 allegations involve strict UCMJ standards and immediate investigative action, often before a service member fully understands the situation. These cases rely heavily on statements, digital communications, and the interpretation of consent. Early legal guidance helps prevent avoidable missteps and ensures that evidence is reviewed properly. Gonzalez & Waddington are experienced civilian military defense lawyers with extensive UCMJ trial work, national teaching experience, and published scholarship in military justice. Contact Gonzalez & Waddington at 1-800-921-8607 for confidential guidance.
Bottom Line from Experienced Military Defense Lawyers
Article 120 allegations place a service member’s career, freedom, and reputation at risk, and the process moves quickly. Informed decisions made early can shape the entire outcome. For guidance from experienced civilian military defense lawyers, contact Gonzalez &Waddington at 1-800-921-8607.
