Military Legal Matters
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.
What happens if you fail a military drug test?
Most armed service members know when they return to their unit after the holidays or other periods of leave, they will likely be subjected to military drug testing.
Is a Guilt finding at NJP an actual conviction?
A guilty finding at a Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP) is never a ‘conviction.’ Non-judicial punishment is not a criminal proceeding. The purpose of non-judicial punishment is to correct minor shortcomings among service members.
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.
Naturalization Through Service
Military.com ran an Associated Press story about the Army quietly discharging immigrant recruits. We found this story particularly troubling because immigration is a hot-button political issue impacting families all over this country, and the idea of a pathway to citizenship for those who demonstrate their loyalty through service is just and honorable.
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.
Double Jeopardy
It is Double Jeopardy. Unfortunately, this happens quite frequently. If civilian law enforcement charges you with a crime, not only will you face civilian charges, but you will also likely face action by your Command.
The Language of Command
Crisp Military Law recently represented a military member at their in-person appearance for Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP) under Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. While not a complete victory, the outcome was highly favorable for the client and resulted in suspended punishment.
The Military Bullet Journal
Have you ever looked around the room at a group of NCOs or Officers before a meeting? If you do, you will realize that all successful ones have something in common. They have a pen and notebook (usually a Federal Supply Service green notebook). There is a simple reason why a pen and a notebook matter. Even in a digital world, a pen and a notebook are critical gear for the success of any military member.
