Veteran Owned & Operated
SOLDIERING ON: INSIGHTS INTO MILITARY LEGAL MATTERS
We are a worldwide firm and will travel to any military installation, home or abroad.
DON’T TALK - Changes to Rights Advisal
Law enforcement continues to shorten and dilute their constitutionally and statutorily required Rights Advisals for suspects.
Enhancing Your Military Discharge for Better Access to VA Disability Benefits
One of the most critical factors in determining eligibility for VA service-connected disability benefits is the character of discharge from military service. Veterans who receive anything other than an honorable discharge may face challenges in accessing the benefits they rightfully deserve…
Criminal Investigation
Service members may find themselves the subject of an investigation during their time in the armed forces. The type of investigation depends on the incident in question and the intent of the Commander directing the inquiry.
Military Discharge Types Defined
A military discharge characterization of service is a designation assigned to a service member upon separation. The characterization is based on the service member's performance while in the military.
How To Get Your Reenlistment Code Changed?
The secretary of a military branch acts through a board to correct military records (BCMR). They can change any military record to correct an error or remove an injustice, including reenlistment code.
Military Sexual Assault Reform Fails to Pass Senate
For two years in a row, a plan aimed at removing sexual assault crimes from the military justice system failed to pass the Senate. New York Democrat Senator Kirsten Gillibrand sponsored the measure.
Can Jurisdiction Affect a Desertion Case?
People often wonder the differences between a deserter apprehended by local, state, or military police. The question is valid.
Sailor to be Tried for Attempted Murder of Fellow Sailor
NORFOLK, Va. A sailor being treated for mental health issues and accused of stabbing another sailor at Portsmouth Naval Medical Center in 2014 will now be tried for attempted murder in military court, the Navy announced on Sep. 28, 2015.
Should Veterans on Death Row Get Special Treatment
In 2009, wounded war veteran J. Davis received a Purple Heart four decades after fighting in Vietnam. He received his medal. However, the trophy was removed, and his shackles were replaced.
Murder
A Fort Hood soldier recently killed three people, including his 28-year-old wife. He then turned the gun on himself. Thus, making this the third murder-suicide involving troops stationed at Fort Hood in less than a year. In recent years, Fort Hood has been the center of several gruesome incidents.
Conduct Unbecoming an Officer and a Gentleman
Under Article 133 of the United States Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman is an offense that subjects a service member to a court-martial.
Judge Refuses to Lighten Mandatory Minimums for Former Blackwater Guards
U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth refused to deviate from the mandatory minimum sentences that four former Blackwater security guards face for the 2007 shooting that injured dozens and killed 14 Iraqi civilians. Lamberth rejected the defense’s motion to impose lighter sentences on the men.
History of Memorial Day
Most people understand that Memorial Day is more than family outings and parades. It has a much deeper meaning.
Ethnic Slur Causes Air Force General's Resignation
An offensive comment last month derailed an Air Force general’s career. Maj. Gen. M. Keltz said four words that weren’t taken lightly: “Drunker than 10,000 Indians.” On Tuesday, a spokeswoman for Air Education and Training Command confirmed the ethnic slur, which was first reported in a blog written by a former U.S. Air Force officer and veterans’ advocate.
Soldier Held by Taliban Faces Court-Martial
Sgt. B. Bergdahl's release was in exchange for five Taliban detainees at Guantanamo Bay. Now, his attorney says that his case was referred for trial by a general court-martial.
Criminal Investigation
The type of investigation depends on the incident in question and the intent of the Commander directing the inquiry. Military criminal investigating organizations handle the most serious investigations. The investigating organization assignments are not Command-specific.
Non-judicial Punishment
Nonjudicial punishment (NJP) describes forms of punishment used to maintain good order and discipline in the armed forces. Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) allows for NJP. NJP has varying names depending on the service branch.
Negative Info on Military Records
Service members in each military branch commonly receive negative information permanently filed in their military records.
Should I Go Judge Alone?
One of the frequent questions I hear in my practice relates to whether or not a military member facing court-martial should “go judge alone.” Specifically, that means that a military judge rather than a court-martial panel will decide guilt or innocence and then decide on an appropriate sentence.
What happens if you fail a military drug test?
Most armed service members know when they return to their unit after the holidays or other periods of leave, they will likely be subjected to military drug testing.