UCMJ Article 88: Contempt Toward Officials

The MCM states any service member may be prosecuted under Article 88 (Contempt Toward Officials) if they use “contemptuous words against the President, the Vice President, Congress, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of a military department, the Secretary of Security, or the Governor or legislature of any State, Commonwealth, or possession in which he is on duty or present.”

To be prosecuted under Article 88, the prosecution must prove:

1. the accused was a commissioned officer of the U.S. armed forces;

2. the accused used certain words against an official or legislature named in the article;

3. that by an act of the accused, these words came to the knowledge of a person other than the accused and

4. the words used were contemptuous, either in themselves or by the circumstances under which they were used.

If the words were used against a Governor or legislature, the prosecution must also prove that the accused was then present in the State, Commonwealth, or possession of the Governor or legislature concerned.

Understanding Article 88 (Contempt Toward Officials) of the UCMJ

To be convicted of an Article 88 charge, the official or legislature against whom the service member spoke must have been in office when the offense occurred.  The terms “Congress” and “legislature” do not refer to specific individuals but the institutions as a whole.  The term “Governor” applies to a “Governor” only, not his subordinate or staff.  A violation of Article 88 (Contempt Toward Officials) may occur in an official or a private capacity. However, criticism and opinions expressed during a political discussion are not usually, a chargeable offense.  The service member being charged must have circulated a written publication or spoken offensive words in the presence of military subordinates.

Maximum Possible Punishment for Violations of Article 88

Service members convicted of an Article 88 violation face a maximum punishment of dismissal, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and one year of forced confinement.

How do you defend against Article 88 – Contempt Toward Officials 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 who have won these cases. This team includes the firm’s founder, Jonathan Crisp, a highly respected former Army JAG with over 23 years of experience in military law and a sought-after speaker and lecturer on martial law. Donald Gordon has litigated cases before the Discharge Review Board, the Board for Correction of Military Records, and the Board for Correction of Naval Records regarding various matters and a diverse background of clients.

If you or someone you know is facing Article 88 charges for Contempt Toward Officials, you must speak with a Military defense attorney immediately. Please call Crisp and Associates Military at 888-258-1653 for a free consultation.