UCMJ Article 131g: Wrongful Interference with Adverse Administrative Proceeding

Article 131g of the MCM states any service member may be subject to prosecution if they, having reason to believe that an adverse administrative proceeding is pending against any person subject to the UCMJ, wrongfully act with the intent to influence, impede, or obstruct the conduct of the proceeding, or otherwise to obstruct the due administration of justice.

To be convicted of an Article 131g violation, the prosecution must demonstrate that:

1. the accused wrongfully did a particular act;

2. the accused did so in the case of a particular person against whom the accused had reason to believe there was or would be an adverse administrative proceeding pending and

3. the act was done to influence, impede, or obstruct the conduct of such administrative proceedings or otherwise obstruct the due administration of justice.

Understanding Article 131g (Wrongful Interference with Adverse Administrative Proceeding) of the UCMJ

For purposes of this Article,  an adverse administrative proceeding includes any action initiated against a service member that could lead to discharge, loss of special or incentive pay, administrative reduction in grade, loss of a security clearance, bar to reenlistment, or reclassification.

Examples of wrongful interference include wrongfully influencing, intimidating, impeding, or injuring a witness, an investigator, or other person acting on an adverse administrative action; using bribery, intimidation, misrepresentation, or force or threat of force delaying or preventing communication of information relating to such administrative proceeding; and the wrongful destruction or concealment of information relevant to such adverse administrative proceeding.

Maximum Possible Punishment for Violations of Article 131g

Service members convicted of violating Article 131g face the maximum possible punishment of a dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for five years.

How do you defend against Article 131g, Wrongful Interference with Adverse Administrative Proceeding charges?

When you are facing the combined resources of the military as well as the current cultural climate, you need to be prepared to defend your career and your freedom. Crisp and Associates, LLC has a team of experienced trial attorneys with over 75 years of combined experience who have won these cases. This team includes the firm’s founder, Jonathan Crisp, a highly respected and sought-after attorney, speaker, and lecturer who has served in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) since 1998 and entered private practice in 2007.

If you, or someone you know, is facing Article 131g charges for Wrongful Interference with Adverse Administrative Proceeding, you need to speak with a Military defense attorney immediately. We understand what is at risk, and we know how to protect your career, your freedom, and your future. Please call Crisp and Associates Military at 888-258-1653 for a free consultation.