Military Discharge Types Defined
A military discharge characterization of service is a designation assigned to a service member upon separation. The characterization is based on the service member’s performance while in the military.
Can Jurisdiction Affect a Desertion Case?
People often wonder the differences between a deserter apprehended by local, state, or military police. The question is valid.
Murder
A Fort Hood soldier recently killed three people, including his 28-year-old wife. He then turned the gun on himself. Thus, making this the third murder-suicide involving troops stationed at Fort Hood in less than a year. In recent years, Fort Hood has been the center of several gruesome incidents.
Conduct Unbecoming an Officer and a Gentleman
Under Article 133 of the United States Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman is an offense that subjects a service member to a court-martial.
Non-judicial Punishment
Nonjudicial punishment (NJP) describes forms of punishment used to maintain good order and discipline in the armed forces. Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) allows for NJP. NJP has varying names depending on the service branch.
Negative Info on Military Records
Service members in each military branch commonly receive negative information permanently filed in their military records.
Should I Go Judge Alone?
One of the frequent questions I hear in my practice relates to whether or not a military member facing court-martial should “go judge alone.” Specifically, that means that a military judge rather than a court-martial panel will decide guilt or innocence and then decide on an appropriate sentence.
Temporary Disability and Severance Pay
As a Soldier, physical and mental fitness for duty is required to serve. If an injury or illness has hindered a Soldier’s ability to serve, medical retirement does not automatically follow.
When Experts Matter
We prosecuted a hard-fought trial in Pennsylvania involving the death of a woman. We obtained a full acquittal after almost two years of motions practice and battling with the prosecution. Although the trial lasted four days, the jury deliberated less than thirty minutes before reaching a verdict.
Military Plea Deals
One of the most frequent questions I hear in my practice relates to the tough decision to accept the military version of a plea deal (pre-trial agreement). This question can only be answered honestly after thoroughly reviewing a case’s facts and the unique circumstances of a client’s situation.
