Court Martial Attorney in Portsmouth, VA
Command-Side UCMJ Experience Defending Portsmouth Service Members
Portsmouth is one of Virginia’s most military-dense communities, home to NSA Portsmouth and the Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY). For active duty members, reservists, and veterans stationed here, a court-martial notice carries stakes that extend far beyond the courtroom: a federal criminal record, loss of rank and pay, and the end of a military career. At The Griffin Law Firm, we defend service members facing court-martial charges with the kind of inside knowledge that only comes from having served in the military justice system directly.
Our founding attorney, Marshall Griffin, is a retired U.S. Coast Guard Commander and JAG officer who served as Staff Judge Advocate for more than 40 Court-Martial Convening Authorities. That role put him in the room where command decisions are made on hundreds of misconduct cases, from minor violations to the most serious offenses. He’s certified to practice before Courts of the U.S. Military, the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, and the Supreme Court of the United States. That breadth of licensure matters when your case touches more than one jurisdiction.
Contact our court martial attorneys or call us at (888) 707-4282. Our veteran-led team is devoted to defending your rights and future with integrity and skill.
Common Military Criminal Charges in Portsmouth
Service members at NSA Portsmouth and NNSY face the full range of charges that arise in active military communities. Common UCMJ offenses include absence without leave (AWOL), fraud, conduct unbecoming an officer, insubordination, drug offenses, and sexual assault. Each carries serious consequences, and the right defense depends entirely on the specific facts of the case.
We defend clients facing a wide range of UCMJ charges, from fraud and drug offenses to sexual assault. Penalties for a conviction can include dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of pay, reduction in rank, confinement, and, in the most serious cases, the death penalty. A court-martial conviction also creates a federal criminal record that can affect veterans benefits and follow a service member into civilian employment for life.
The Court-Martial Process in Portsmouth
Court-martial proceedings are governed by the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and follow procedures that differ substantially from Virginia civilian courts. For more serious offenses, the process typically begins with a command investigation or referral of charges, followed by an Article 32 hearing. The Article 32 is often compared to a civilian grand jury: an independent hearing officer reviews evidence and witness testimony from both sides before any decision on whether to proceed to trial.
Types of Courts-Martial
There are three types of courts-martial: summary, special, and general. Summary courts-martial handle minor offenses with limited punishment authority. Special courts-martial carry more significant penalties. General court-martial is the most serious level and can result in confinement, dishonorable discharge, or, in extreme circumstances, the death penalty.
Proceedings, Local Factors, & Our Role
After charges are formally referred, proceedings move through arraignment, pretrial motions, trial, sentencing, and, if necessary, appeals. Local factors in Portsmouth, including coordination with the Navy Region Legal Service Office and installation command at NSA Portsmouth, can affect timelines and procedures specific to your case. We guide clients through every stage, protecting procedural rights and addressing errors or command overreach promptly. We help you understand each step, prepare thoroughly for all hearings, and have the documentation you need to present a compelling defense.
Your Rights Under the UCMJ
Every service member facing a court-martial has rights under the UCMJ that must be actively asserted. You have the right to remain silent. You have the right to retain civilian defense counsel. You have the right to a fair and impartial proceeding. Critically, you have the right to consult with counsel from the earliest stages of an investigation, well before formal charges are filed. That distinction is one the command structure won’t emphasize on your behalf.
Mistakes made during early investigation or informal questioning can profoundly affect your defense. We educate Portsmouth clients about their rights under the UCMJ and applicable command directives, then develop tactical approaches to safeguard those rights at every stage. If you’ve been contacted by investigators or notified that you’re under review, the time to engage a court martial attorney in Portsmouth is now, not after charges are formally referred.
Why Portsmouth Service Members Choose The Griffin Law Firm
Selecting a court martial attorney with command-side experience gives you insight into how the prosecution and convening authority think, not just how the defense argues. CDR Marshall Griffin spent years advising commanding officers on exactly the decisions that can affect your case. That perspective can’t be replicated by defense-only experience, and it informs our strategy at every stage.
Command-Side UCMJ Experience
Our team comprises veterans who understand the military justice system from the inside. Having served as Staff Judge Advocate for more than 40 Court-Martial Convening Authorities, Marshall Griffin advised on hundreds of cases across the full spectrum of UCMJ misconduct. When we assess your case, we draw on direct knowledge of how convening authorities evaluate charges and what factors drive prosecutorial decisions.
Straddling Offense Representation
Some military charges overlap with Virginia state criminal law. A DUI, for example, can trigger simultaneous proceedings in both military and state courts. These are called straddling offenses, and they require an attorney who can navigate both systems without losing consistency across proceedings. We handle military and Virginia state court representation under one roof, protecting continuity of strategy and helping control costs.
Flat-Rate Pricing & Transparent Communication
Facing a court-martial is already one of the most stressful situations a service member can experience. We offer predictable flat-rate pricing so financial uncertainty doesn’t compound that stress. Our clients know what representation costs before proceedings begin, and we maintain transparent, timely communication throughout so you’re never left wondering where your case stands.
Steps to Take When Facing a Court Martial in Portsmouth
If you or a family member has received a court-martial notice, contact a qualified military criminal defense lawyer without delay. Don’t discuss the case with colleagues, supervisors, or authorities without counsel present. Document all relevant facts while they’re fresh: gather service and deployment records, communications, and the names of potential witnesses.
Attending any mandatory counseling sessions and maintaining exemplary conduct throughout proceedings can matter significantly during sentencing mitigation if needed. Early engagement with defense counsel can also create opportunities for pretrial negotiations or charge modifications before proceedings formally begin. We’re ready to guide Portsmouth clients through each step of this process.
The Griffin Law Firm offers dedicated legal support through highly experienced court martial attorneys in Portsmouth, VA. Contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Court Martial?
A court martial is a judicial proceeding used to try members of the armed services for offenses against military law. The three types are summary, special, and general courts-martial, each with different levels of authority and potential punishments. At The Griffin Law Firm, we align defense strategy to the specific type of proceeding and the charges involved.
How Does Military Law Differ from Civilian Law?
Military law, governed by the UCMJ, applies exclusively to service members and emphasizes discipline, order, and often swifter proceedings than civilian courts. Military commanders hold significant influence over the legal process, a dynamic that doesn’t exist in civilian criminal courts. Understanding how that command structure affects your case is essential to building an effective defense.
What Should I Do If I Receive a Court Martial Notice?
Contact an experienced court martial attorney in Portsmouth right away to review your case. Gather relevant documentation, including service and deployment records, communications, and witness statements, and don’t discuss the case informally, as those conversations can damage your defense. At The Griffin Law Firm, we provide thorough representation from the first notice through any appeals.
How Can a Military Criminal Defense Attorney Help?
A military criminal defense attorney can investigate charges, identify potential defenses, negotiate with prosecutors, represent you at trial, and pursue appeals if necessary. The strategy depends entirely on the facts of the case, which is why individualized representation matters. At The Griffin Law Firm, we draw on direct command-side UCMJ experience to approach each case with a realistic understanding of how the other side will proceed.
Can a Court Martial Decision Be Appealed?
Yes. Service members have the right to appeal court-martial decisions. The appellate process may involve the applicable service branch Court of Criminal Appeals and then the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (CAAF). Each level has its own criteria and procedures, and the process is demanding enough that experienced counsel is highly important.
You can read about our Portsmouth military crimes legal defense here.
Call (888) 707-4282 today to schedule your confidential consultation and let us help you move forward with confidence.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
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"Highly Knowledgeable and Passionate"
Marshall's communication style and understanding of the military law system is exceptional. As a person who has never hired a lawyer before, it was a breeze working with him. He was very knowledgeable of the situation I found myself in, and actually opened- John -
"Attorney Griffin argued with determination and commitment"
The best attorney anyone could have, without a doubt, is Marshall Griffin. He was invaluable during an extremely difficult time when our son was accused of a wrongful charge. We didn’t know what to do or who to turn to while dealing with legalities, military codes, and the overwhelming emotions of knowing our son had been charged with something very serious. Marshall made himself available for all of our needs; most importantly our son’s needs. He worked relentlessly while leading an incredible team to prove innocence. Faith in the justicial system and belief that a wrongful charge would not define a person are two of the many core values of Marshall that make him an exceptional person. Attorney Griffin argued with determination and commitment that we will be eternally grateful for.- Linda -
"Would recommend him to anyone."
Attorney Marshall recently represented my son in a legal matter. He was very understanding, patient and displayed a level of professionalism that surpassed expectation. Would recommend him to anyone.- Karen -
"I wholeheartedly endorse the Griffin Law Firm!"
I hired Mr. Griffin after I got a urinalysis result that I knew was wrong. Right from the start, he believed me and was willing to fight for me. In the end, with the expert counsel from Mr. Griffin, we beat the urinalysis and I was able to continue my career and my life. I wholeheartedly endorse the Griffin Law Firm!- William -
"Very lucky when I found The Griffin Law Firm"
I was looking online for an attorney who was specializing in military law regarding Survivor Spouse Benefit. I spoke with a few of them and have been told that my case is complicated. I didn’t feel like they were knowledgeable enough in this specific area of law or were willing to help.
I considered myself very lucky when I found The Griffin Law Firm. During our first conversation Marshall made me feel like I was talking to a good friend who I can trust. He clearly saw the problem and told me right away what he will do to resolve it. Marshall’s high professionalism, prompt acting, quick responsiveness, and willingness to help are outstanding. I greatly appreciate Marshall’s help and will recommend him to anyone who will be looking for knowledgeable and caring military lawyer.- Lana -
"The best person to have on your side."
CDR Griffin is a consummate professional and a rare gem in the sometimes shady and “who you know” world of law. His integrity and keen ability to look at all the facts and sort through what is or is not relevant sets him above others. His dedication to his faith, family and profession is evident in all aspects of his life enabling him to be the best person to have on your side.
His extensive experience with military and maritime law make him the right choice for your needs. No matter how complex my situation became, Marshall was able to explain the different approaches from all angles as a direct result of his experience as a Commanding Officer and Military/Civilian attorney.
If your considering legal advice or representation Marshall should be your first call. I will continue to use him without hesitation in the future.- Joseph
