U.S. Army v. WO1

This Soldier was falsely accused of domestic violence by his ex-wife, and two oldest children. During the divorce proceedings, the ex-wife attempted to claim domestic violence, but our client successfully disputed such a notion and both parties entered into a amicable separation agreement that the Court’s signed off on.

The investigation into this case started after our client had his first summer visitation with his children. As most military parents, our client has specific standards he expects his children to adhere to. They have chores to do. The children have rules to follow. Expectations are high. From the beginning of this visit, it was clear that the older kids were not interested in being in Lawton, Oklahoma…they would rather be in Colorado Springs. They tested boundaries. One of the children tested boundaries so far that it earned him three swats on the butt. He reported this to his mother, who immediately lost her mind. She had a long history of being controlling.

Several allegations were made against our client that were claimed to have been reported on this phone call but simply were not. Our client recorded the phone call wherein a report of a spanking was made. No other corporal punishment was mentioned on the call. No other issues were mentioned on the call. Yet, once back in Colorado Springs, the children claimed they were picked up and slammed to the ground, slapped around among other things. One of the children claimed they were hit so hard it knocked a tooth loose. The reality was the kid was about to lose a baby tooth and everyone knew it.

During the board, we exposed the lies, played the recording and successfully advocated that our client was innocent of these allegations. No basis to separate was found and he was Retained!

U.S. Army v. WO1 – Domestic Violence Board of Inquiry FAQ

1. What happens when a Soldier faces a Board of Inquiry for domestic violence allegations in the U.S. Army?
This case involved a Warrant Officer One (WO1) at Fort Sill accused of domestic violence. The Board of Inquiry was called to determine if he should be separated from the Army. It illustrates how domestic violence allegations can quickly escalate into adverse administrative action.

2. Can false domestic violence accusations during a divorce affect a military career?
Yes, even unproven allegations raised during divorce or custody disputes can trigger military investigations. In this case, the Soldier’s ex-wife and children made claims after a visitation period. Although the divorce court had already approved an amicable separation agreement, the new allegations initiated an AR 15-6 inquiry and a Board of Inquiry.

3. How do military boards evaluate evidence in domestic violence cases?
Military boards examine recordings, witness statements, and consistency of testimony. Here, our client presented a recording that confirmed only a spanking was mentioned during a phone call, not the more serious abuse later alleged. Contradictions in the children’s statements weakened the case against him.

4. What role does child visitation and discipline play in false allegations against Soldiers?
Military parents often enforce rules, chores, and standards during visitation. In this case, discipline for testing boundaries was exaggerated into abuse claims. The board considered the context of parenting and recognized that the allegations lacked credibility.

5. How can an Army officer defend against false domestic violence claims at Fort Sill or other installations?
The defense focused on exposing inconsistencies and showing the lack of evidence beyond the original phone call. Highlighting the controlling behavior of the ex-spouse and disproving claims about injuries was key. Presenting a clear, fact-based case can persuade the board to reject false allegations.

6. What was the outcome of the Board of Inquiry at Fort Sill?
The Board found no basis to separate the WO1. He was fully retained and cleared to continue his career in the U.S. Army. This outcome shows that strong defense and credible evidence can protect a Soldier’s future even in the face of serious accusations.

Fight False Domestic Violence Allegations in the Military

In this Fort Sill case, a Warrant Officer One (WO1) was accused of domestic violence after a visitation dispute. The Board of Inquiry reviewed the evidence, including a phone call recording that disproved the most serious claims, and found no basis to separate. He was fully retained and allowed to continue his Army career.

Attorney Joseph L. Jordan, a former Army prosecutor, has defended service members in AR 15-6 investigations, Boards of Inquiry, and court-martials worldwide. His experience on both sides of the military justice system provides valuable insight when false allegations threaten a Soldier’s future.

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Disclaimer: This information is for general purposes only and does not constitute legal advice for any individual case. Contacting this firm does not create an attorney-client relationship.