What is Stolen Valor and Is It a Crime? As a former JAG officer who now defends military-related cases nationwide, I see the damage false military claims cause. Real veterans earned their honors through sacrifice. When someone steals that valor for profit, they face serious criminal charges at both federal and state levels. What Does … Read more
Sexual assaults committed by someone in the general population often give rise to criminal prosecutions, which may result in fines, jail time, probation, and sanctions against the offender, if convicted. There are similar repercussions in the military, where sexual assaults are punishable under Article 120 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Sentences may … Read more
A Military Protective Order (MPO) is a legal order issued by a commanding officer that prohibits an accused military service member from contacting the person or persons identified in the order. Learn more about the rules that apply to an MPO and how a military defense lawyer can defend you during any associated legal proceedings. … Read more
A General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand (GOMOR) is a Letter of Reprimand (LOR), or administrative warning, sent from a general officer to a military service member who fails to meet established standards or policies. A GOMOR may be filed in one of two ways: In the Military Personnel Record Jacket (MPRJ), a “local file” that … Read more
All branches of the U.S. military have rules regarding friendships, business associations, dating, and marriage among service members of different ranks and positions. Not all contact between officers and their subordinates is prohibited, and the goal is not to dissuade service members from having interpersonal relationships. Rather, the regulations are intended to prevent compromising order, … Read more
Facing a Court-Martial and Need Legal Help Right Away?If you’re in the early stages of a military criminal case—or haven’t yet been convicted—you may want to start with a broader overview of your legal rights and representation options.👉 Learn how a court-martial attorney can defend you from day one. If you’ve been convicted by a … Read more
Failing to report for military duty is a serious offense carrying severe penalties up to and including capital punishment (the death penalty) for desertion during wartime. The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) covers three charges relating to failure to report for duty—desertion, absence without leave (AWOL), and missing movement. Being absent without leave for … Read more
Military service members often experience more than their fair share of trauma while serving their country. Unfortunately, the resulting post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injuries (TBI), military sexual trauma (MST), and other behavioral and mental health conditions can lead to misconduct that garners wrongful military discharges. This is the argument Iraq War veteran Tyson … Read more
All military service members are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Specific crimes and their corresponding punishments are defined in the 146 articles of the UCMJ. Notably, the articles also provide procedural protections for members, including the right to a military defense attorney and the option to appeal courts-martial convictions. Military Crime … Read more
A plea agreement, also called a plea bargain or pretrial agreement, is when a defendant agrees to plead guilty to some or all the charges in exchange for a lesser punishment. This may include lowering the charge to something less severe or reducing the sentence. Plea agreements also sometimes require the defendant to testify against … Read more
