San Diego Rape Court Martial Avoided – Charges Dropped
U.S. v. Navy E-4 – San Diego Navy Base
Allegations: Article 120 Sexual Assault
Max Punishment: 60+ years in prison, Dishonorable Discharge, Sex offender registration
Result: ALL COURT-MARTIAL CHARGES DISMISSED, CLIENT RETAINED
Sentence: NONE
Discharge: NONE
Location/Branch/Rank: Naval Base San Diego, San Diego, CA/Navy/E-4
Summary:
Our client was accused of sexually assaulting a female sailor in her quarters. Our client maintained his innocence and refused to plead guilty. As the trial date approached, the defense lawyers, Mrs. Gonzalez-Waddington and DSO co-counsel, prepared for trial.
Our goals were to avoid a Federal conviction, avoid sex offender registration, avoid jail time, and allow our client to leave the Navy with an Honorable Discharge and his GI Bill benefits intact.
Building the Defense: A Thorough and Tenacious Approach
Our team knew we had to dig deep from the moment we took on the case. Here’s how we dismantled the prosecution’s case:
1. Comprehensive Background Check on the Accuser:
We conducted an extensive background check on the accuser, revealing a history of false accusations and unstable behavior. This pattern of behavior was crucial in establishing her lack of credibility.
2. Digital Forensics Investigation:
We meticulously reviewed text messages, emails, and social media interactions between the accuser and our client. These communications painted a very different picture from the one presented by the prosecution.
3. Crucial Impeachment Witnesses:
We identified and interviewed several impeachment witnesses with vital information about the accuser’s character and past behavior.
4. Cross-Examination Strategy:
Our cross-examination strategy was meticulously planned in preparation for the trial.
On the eve of the trial, the prosecution agreed to drop all court-martial charges.