A recent press release issued by the White House has announced that President Trump has given clemency to two military service members and a rank restoration to another. Army First Lieutenant Clint Lorance and Army Major Mathew Golsteyn were each given an Executive Grant of Clemency (Full Pardon) for their unrelated military criminal cases. Special Warfare Operator First … Read more
Facing charges of indecent exposure under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) can be overwhelming for service members. Just what is indecent exposure, how severe are the punishments, and what defenses are available? The information here should provide everything you need to defend yourself against this accusation. The Definition of Indecent Exposure Under the … Read more
If you are a recently convicted military service member, you may wonder if you can appeal a court-martial conviction. The short answer is yes. The military has built-in protections for convicted service members, including the ability to appeal a decision, which may reduce or eliminate your sentence. The rules that apply depend on which type … Read more
Navigating the military justice system can be daunting, especially when faced with a court-martial conviction. What if you believe the decision was unjust or that errors occurred during your trial? In such cases, you may consider appealing your conviction. Learn the circumstances under which you should appeal a court-martial verdict, the steps involved, and the … Read more
Are you familiar with the civilian judicial process? Once you enter the military, you have to throw out most of what you know. After all, the military operates under its own set of rules and guidelines, making it unique from civilian courts. However, a pivotal change currently being discussed may soon align the military justice … 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
In a surprising decision that will send shockwaves throughout the military criminal justice system, the Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals (NMCCA) has held that it is unconstitutional to use Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) Article 2 to court-martial a retired service member. Within Article 2, it specifically says that court-martial jurisdiction applies to “retired members of … Read more
Are you a military service member who has been accused of committing a crime? While certain activities are illegal under both martial and civilian law, the military has a different set of codes, processes, and penalties for dealing with crimes. If you’re facing a military trial, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the differences in … Read more
When a military service member is accused of a crime under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), it triggers a complex and often misunderstood process called “titling and indexing.” Every service member facing criminal accusations should understand this process, its implications, and the pathways to amend or challenge a titling decision. The Case of … Read more
Understanding the legal framework of military law is crucial for service members accused of serious crimes under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Article 120 and Article 125 are easily confused, as they both deal with sexual activities, but they have unique definitions, prosecution standards, and penalties. Learn the differences between these two sections … Read more