Military defense
Courts-martial and investigations
A court-martial is a criminal trial under military law, with its own rules, its own judges and its own consequences for your career and your record. It often starts earlier, with an interview or a command inquiry.
We take charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice at every level, from non-judicial punishment to a general court-martial. Our first job is to slow things down: no statement, no signature and no waiver until you know what it costs. Then we read the file, talk with your assigned military defense lawyer, and decide together how the case should be fought or resolved.
We help with
Investigator interviews, before you answer questions
Non-judicial punishment, and the choice to ask for trial
Charging decisions and pretrial hearings
Plea talks and trial
Post-trial matters, appeals and clemency requests
The path
From the first notice to the last appeal
Every case differs, but most follow this order. Knowing where you are tells you which decisions are still open.
Step 1: A notice, a summons or a request to talk
Something official arrives. This is the best time to call, before you answer, sign or explain.
Step 2: The investigation
Statements are taken and evidence is collected. We handle contact with investigators so you do not say more than you intend.
Step 3: Charges and the pretrial hearing
The command decides whether to go forward. We challenge weak charges and press for the lowest forum.
Step 4: Plea or trial
We prepare witnesses, motions and you. Whether to plead or to try the case is yours to decide.
Step 5: After the verdict
Sentencing, post-trial submissions, appeal and clemency. What the findings mean for your discharge gets its own plan.
Questions
What people ask before a first interview
Should I answer an investigator's questions?
You have the right to stay silent and to ask for a lawyer before any interview. Many people talk because they want to clear things up. Ask for counsel first, then decide.
What is non-judicial punishment, and can I refuse it?
It is a command's own way of punishing minor offenses without a trial. Often you may refuse it and demand trial by court-martial instead. That choice carries risk both ways, so talk it through before you decide.
Does a conviction mean a discharge?
Not always. The sentence and the characterization of your service are separate questions, and we work on both from the start.
Can you speak with my assigned military lawyer?
Yes, with your permission. We would rather work as one team, with one plan.
Do you handle appeals?
We review post-trial matters and advise on appeal and clemency. Ask on the first call whether your case fits.
Talk through a charge or an investigation
Tell us what you were told and by whom. We will say what it is and what to do before the next step.
Please don't send confidential details by email or form; we will ask for them on the call.