In light of a new report released by the Justice Department last week, questions are being raised regarding the amount of military sexual assault cases resulting in convictions. The report – which was released on May 1st and detailed in a previous blog – revealed that of the 5,061 reported assaults and more than 2,100 cases that could … Read more
ARTICLE 31B – COMPULSORY SELF-INCRIMINATION PROHIBITED For some odd reason, when young Servicemembers come under investigation, they feel they need to talk. I guess it’s not odd. It is the military. Integrity is everything. Integrity is drilled into the minds of all young Servicemembers during their basic training. I went to basic training in 1998. … Read more
With the enactment of the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a series of Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) updates have been implemented on January 1st, 2019. The late John McCain described the updates as the “most significant reforms” to the UCMJ in history. How will the changes actually impact members of the United … Read more
Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law has established himself as an experienced and effective military criminal defense lawyer. As a former Army enlisted soldier, Army combat arms officer, and Army JAG Corps officer, Attorney Jordan understands the importance of protecting the name and rank of service members facing criminal charges. Throughout his years focusing on … Read more
Under the direction of the Secretary of the Army, the Fort Cavazos (Fort Hood) Independent Review Committee (FHIRC) recently conducted a comprehensive assessment of the “Fort Cavazos (Fort Hood) command climate and culture and its impact, if any, on the safety, welfare, and readiness of our soldiers and units.” The committee’s report focuses largely on … Read more
The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) is the military’s code of law. It covers everything from minor infractions to serious felonies. Article 120 relates specifically to sexual misconduct, including sexual contact, assault, and rape. Sex crimes always receive harsh punishments, but the sentence could be even more severe if you are enlisted in the … Read more
The Air Force made history this November when it charged Maj. Gen. William T. Cooley with sexual assault, making him the first active Air Force general ever to be charged with a military justice crime. He could also become the first Air Force general to face a court martial if the preliminary hearing, scheduled for … Read more
Americans place a strong emphasis on their constitutional rights and the importance of a fair legal system. In 48 states and federal court, the vote from a single juror to acquit a defendant is enough to prevent a conviction. But in Louisiana and Oregon, people have been punished on a 10-to-2 or 11-to-1 verdict since … Read more
2020 has been a year marked by bloodshed and heartache for military service members stationed at Fort Cavazos (Fort Hood) Army Base in the central Texas city of Killeen. A slew of homicides, suicides, fatal accidents, and criminal activities has left family members, friends, and residents of the base feeling shocked and baffled. Fort Cavazos … Read more
