If you are under investigation, it is imperative that you contact an attorney to make sure your rights are protected. Do not wait until you are arrested or served with paperwork, contact our office for a consultation today.

A court-martial is a military criminal trial, which can result in a federal conviction and significant penalties. Racquel Hawley is a skilled defense attorney with a wealth of experience in complex criminal trials, and she represents military members in court-martial actions worldwide.

If you are facing an Article 15, an attorney can help you evaluate whether to accept punishment under Article 15 or to demand a trial by court-martial. To “accept an Article 15” means to allow your commander to determine your guilt or innocence as to a particular charge as well as an appropriate punishment. If you do accept an Article 15, a defense attorney can assist you in preparing an effective presentation of your case to your commander and in appealing the commander’s decision, if necessary.

An administrative discharge, while it is not technically a criminal proceeding, can still have devastative consequences for your future. Depending on the characterization of discharge you receive, you could lose some or all of the benefits of your military service. Once you receive notification that your commander is recommending that you be discharged, contact an attorney to advocate on your behalf and assist you in preparing a persuasive response or even to present a defense to the discharge action before a Board, depending on the circumstances.