Military members who are charged with breaches of military law can be tried by a military court. Acourt-martial is the military court that tries a member of the armed forces’ case, and it acts as a criminal proceeding within the military justice system. Active-duty service members, enlisted personnel and officers of all branches of the military can be subject to court-martial. So can Reservists and National Guard members. Civilian individuals may also be subject to court-martial in certain situations and in very specific circumstances.
The most common offenses that lead to a court-martial tend to be the more serious allegations that military commanders determine to be more complex or serious, such offenses include, but are not limited to, desertion, drug offense, larceny, murder, assault, and sexual abuse (really any sexual offense). A court-martialed individual is entitled to legal representation and a fair trial. Having the right legal representation, though, is critical because the consequences of a conviction can be severe and affect one’s life over the long term, including loss of one’s military career and a permanent criminal record.
The Griffin Law Firm has the experienced and resourcefulNorfolk military defense attorneys you need by your side if you are facing a court-martial. Due to the comprehensive and vast adverse outcomes of a conviction, having the most seasoned and knowledgeable attorney assisting you will best position you to protect your future, your military career, and the good reputation you have built.
The Most Serious Consequences of a Court-Martial Conviction
The length of time it can take for a court-martial case to come to a conclusion can vary. More complex cases, where there are multiple charges, can take months to resolve, while minor offenses may only take days. Despite the amount of time it may take to get through a court-martial, it is important to have a thorough understanding of what is at stake and what the ramifications may be should you be convicted of your charges.
- You may establish a criminal record, which will affect your ability to obtain or keep your security clearance, and potentially, your civil rights may be limited. Consider your ability to vote or own a firearm.
- You may receive a punitive discharge, leading to the loss of your veterans’ benefits.
- You may be subject to a reduction in rank and pay.
- You may have to spend time behind bars.
- You may have to forfeit some or all of your pay and allowances.
- You may have to pay costly monetary fines.
- Your reputation will be tarnished, and it can hold you back from opportunities in your military pursuits and in the civilian sector that you otherwise would have had access to.
- You may lose all of the military honors you worked so hard for.
- You may have to register as a sex offender, and such registries are often public. How long you must register can vary, but it could be for life, depending on your case.
- You may lose valued relationships with friends and family or be unable to develop new, lasting, and meaningful ones with others.
Contact a Norfolk Military Defense Lawyer
In some instances, a conviction can be appealed, but appeals do not guarantee a better outcome. It is best to try to avoid conviction at the start of a court-martial trial, and to do this, you need competent and qualified legal representation.
Call a Norfolk military lawyer at The Griffin Law Firm today at (888) 707-4282 to schedule a free consultation.