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Fort Leavenworth, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas Military Criminal Lawyers
|Last Updated on: 7th October 2023, 09:57 pm
Fort Leavenworth, Kansas Military Criminal Lawyers
If you are stationed at Fort Leavenworth and facing military criminal charges, you need an experienced lawyer on your side. Military law is complex and the consequences for convictions can be severe. This article will provide an overview of military criminal law at Fort Leavenworth and how an attorney can help.
Common Charges at Fort Leavenworth
Some of the most common charges we see at Fort Leavenworth include:
- AWOL/Desertion
- Assault
- Domestic Violence
- DUI/DWI
- Drug Offenses
- Sexual Assault
The military takes all criminal charges seriously. Even minor misdemeanors can end your military career. Felony convictions almost always result in a dishonorable discharge.
Unique Aspects of Military Law
Military law is governed by the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). There are major differences from civilian criminal law:
- Charges are referred to as “violations of the UCMJ” rather than crimes
- Guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt
- You do not have the right to a jury trial
- Judges are military officers, not lawyers
- Harsher maximum punishments than civilian courts
Because the stakes are so high, having a military law expert in your corner is critical.
How Civilian Lawyers Help
Civilian military defense attorneys have key advantages over military counsel (JAG lawyers):
- Focus exclusively on defending clients
- Not beholden to military chain of command
- Often have prior military experience
- Aggressively defend clients’ rights
- Negotiate for best possible outcomes
Don’t take chances with your military career. Hire a civilian lawyer to fight for you.
Finding the Right Attorney
It’s important to find an attorney with specific experience in military law. When researching options, look for lawyers who:
- Have represented clients from Fort Leavenworth before
- Are located in Kansas for convenience
- Have a proven track record of success
- Offer free case evaluations
- Make you feel comfortable and respond to questions
Trusted Kansas military law firms include Owens & Kurz, Joseph L. Jordan, and UCMJ Defense Lawyers.
How a Lawyer Defends You
An experienced attorney will aggressively challenge the prosecution at every stage:
- Review charges and look for errors or lack of evidence
- Interview witnesses to challenge testimony
- Gather evidence and documents to support your defense
- Negotiate with the prosecution for dismissal or lesser charges
- Present strong defense arguments at trial
- Raise procedural issues and object to improper procedures
In addition, lawyers advise clients on their best course of action. Often it is in your interest to negotiate a plea deal rather than risk trial.
Benefits of Strong Legal Defense
Outcomes are always better when you have an experienced attorney fighting for you. Potential benefits include:
- Charges dismissed due to lack of evidence
- Charges reduced to lesser offenses
- No jail time and avoidance of a federal conviction
- Sentences minimized through plea deals
- Avoidance of sex offender registration
- Honorable discharge instead of dishonorable
Don’t leave your military future to chance. The right lawyer can make all the difference.
Conclusion
Facing military criminal charges at Fort Leavenworth can be overwhelming. However, an experienced civilian defense attorney levels the playing field. They understand military law and procedure and use it to build the strongest defense. They negotiate aggressively with military prosecutors. And they advise clients on the smartest legal strategy. Trust an expert Kansas military lawyer to protect your rights and career.