Court Martial Attorney
Former Army JAG prosecutor defending service members worldwide. 550+ clients. 180+ trials to verdict.
Confidential consultation. No obligation. Attorney-client privilege applies from first contact.
Under investigation? Charges preferred? Article 15 or separation action?
Call or text before you speak to anyone: (888) 256-0348
Why Service Members Retain Joseph L. Jordan
Military defense counsel work hard, but many rotate assignments, carry heavy caseloads, and operate inside the same system prosecuting your case. A civilian court martial attorney provides independent strategy, continuity, and focused attention from investigation through final resolution.
Joseph L. Jordan served as trial counsel at Fort Hood and as Chief of Military Justice for 2nd Infantry Division in Korea. He understands how charges are built, how commanders make disposition decisions, and how the government prepares cases for trial.
Independent civilian representation without rotation schedules or command influence.
Recent Case Results
Results depend on specific facts. Past outcomes do not guarantee future results.
Sexual assault, nine alleged victims
Air Force O-4, Keesler AFB
Not Guilty (Full Acquittal).
Child sexual assault
Army E-5, Fort Hood
Not Guilty (Full Acquittal).
Sexual assault
Marine Corps E-3, Okinawa
Not Guilty.
Board of Inquiry, sexual assault allegation
Air Force LTC, Wright-Patterson AFB
Retained.
View all court-martial and BOI results →
Cases Handled
Court-martial defense and military justice representation including:
- Article 120 sexual assault and sexual abuse
- Article 112a drug offenses
- Article 128 assault and domestic violence
- Article 121 larceny and BAH fraud
- Article 134 general offenses
- Article 15 nonjudicial punishment defense
- GOMOR rebuttals
- Administrative separation boards
- Board of Inquiry representation
All branches. Worldwide representation across the United States and overseas installations.
Understanding the Court-Martial System
The military justice system operates under its own rules. If you are facing charges, understanding how the system works helps you make informed decisions about your defense.
Types of Courts-Martial
Military law recognizes three levels of courts-martial, each with different procedures and maximum punishments.
Summary Court-Martial (SCM). The lowest level. A single officer serves as judge. Maximum punishment includes reduction of one grade for E-5 and above, or confinement up to 30 days for E-4 and below. You can refuse a summary court-martial, but command may then consider pursuing a special or general court-martial instead.
Special Court-Martial (SPCM). The intermediate level. Tried before a military judge, or a panel of at least four members if you choose. Maximum punishment includes confinement up to 12 months, forfeiture of two-thirds pay for 12 months, reduction to E-1, and a bad conduct discharge.
General Court-Martial (GCM). The most serious level. Tried before a military judge, or a panel of at least eight members. Maximum punishment depends on the charged offenses but can include dishonorable discharge, life imprisonment, and in rare capital cases, death.
How a Case Proceeds
Most courts-martial begin after a law enforcement investigation. CID, NCIS, OSI, or CGIS completes their report and sends it to your chain of command. The commander, with advice from the local JAG office, decides how to proceed.
Commanders have options short of court-martial: nonjudicial punishment under Article 15, administrative separation, letter of reprimand, or no action. If the commander chooses court-martial, charges are "preferred" and you become "the accused."
For a general court-martial, the case must first go through an Article 32 preliminary hearing. A Preliminary Hearing Officer reviews the evidence and recommends whether the case should proceed. You have the right to be present, to be represented by counsel, and to cross-examine witnesses. The convening authority is not bound by the PHO's recommendation, but the hearing provides an early opportunity to challenge the government's evidence.
Trial Rights
At trial, you have the right to be represented by military counsel at no cost, or by civilian counsel at your expense, or both. You may choose to be tried by military judge alone or by a panel of members. You can confront and cross-examine witnesses, present evidence, call your own witnesses, and testify or remain silent.
Unlike civilian courts, a military panel does not require a unanimous verdict. Conviction requires three-fourths of the members to vote guilty. If convicted, sentencing follows immediately.
Why This Matters for Your Defense
Understanding the system is not the same as knowing how to defend against it. An experienced court martial attorney knows where the pressure points are: which motions to file, when to push for dismissal, how to negotiate with trial counsel, and when trial is the right choice.
Some decisions cannot be undone. Statements made to investigators before consulting counsel. Waivers signed without understanding the consequences. Evidence that could have been challenged at Article 32 but was not. A civilian court martial attorney can intervene early, before mistakes become permanent.
Early contact makes a material difference. Decisions made before charges are preferred, sometimes before you even know you are under investigation, can affect whether charges are filed and what options remain available.
Call Now
You have the right to civilian counsel alongside your military defense counsel. You can have both.
Call or text 24/7: (888) 256-0348
Free consultation. Confidential. No obligation.
If investigators contact you:
"I am invoking my right to remain silent. I want an attorney. I do not consent to any searches."
(If presented with a warrant or command authorization, state that you do not consent and request counsel.)
Common Questions
How much does a court martial attorney cost?
Fees depend on case complexity and how far it proceeds. Fee information provided during consultation. Payment plans may be available.
When should I call?
Before speaking to investigators or responding to command. Early decisions can shape outcomes.
Can you represent service members overseas?
Yes. Worldwide representation including Germany, Korea, Japan, Italy, Okinawa, and the Middle East.
Should I hire a civilian attorney if I have military counsel?
You can have both. Civilian counsel adds independence and continuity that military defense counsel, bound by caseload and rotation, cannot always provide.
About Joseph L. Jordan
Joseph L. Jordan served in the U.S. Army JAG Corps from 2002 to 2012. He was stationed at Fort Hood and overseas in Germany, Japan, Italy, and Korea. He served as trial counsel prosecuting courts-martial and as Chief of Military Justice for 2nd Infantry Division before transitioning to full-time civilian defense.
550+ clients served. 180+ trials to verdict.
Avvo Clients' Choice Award 2025.
Licensed in Texas and Arkansas. Admitted to U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.
Call or text 24/7: (888) 256-0348
Killeen, Texas. Representing service members worldwide.
General information only, not legal advice. No attorney-client relationship exists until a written agreement is signed. Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Attorney advertising.