Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas Military Criminal Lawyers

Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas Military Criminal Lawyers

Being charged with a crime in the military can be an incredibly stressful and frightening experience. As a member of the armed forces stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, you have rights that must be protected. Having an experienced military criminal defense lawyer on your side can make all the difference.

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at military criminal law in Fort Bliss, including common charges, potential defenses, and how a dedicated lawyer can help. We’ll also provide tips on choosing the right attorney for your unique situation.

Common Criminal Charges at Fort Bliss

Some of the most common criminal charges we see at Fort Bliss include:

• Drug offenses like use, possession, distribution, etc.
• Sexual assault and harassment
• Domestic violence and abuse
• DUI/OUI alcohol and drug charges
• AWOL and desertion
• Assault, battery, and other violent crimes
• Larceny, fraud, forgery, and other property crimes
• Failure to obey a lawful order

The military has its own set of laws and regulations separate from civilian courts. The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) outlines various criminal offenses that apply to all branches. Fort Bliss personnel can face court martial, non-judicial punishment, and other adverse consequences for violating the UCMJ.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common criminal charges we see at Fort Bliss and how a military lawyer can help:

Drug Offenses

Drug crimes like use, possession, distribution, trafficking, and paraphernalia are prosecuted aggressively in the military. Fort Bliss sits close to the US-Mexico border, so smuggling drugs onto base is an ongoing issue. Even if you’re caught with a small amount of marijuana or prescription drugs that aren’t yours, you could be slapped with a felony-level charge.

A military drug crime conviction can end your career and lead to substantial jail time. But an experienced lawyer knows how to challenge questionable searches, faulty lab tests, and other weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. In some cases, we can get charges reduced or dismissed entirely.

Sexual Assault/Harassment

The military has come under fire in recent years for mishandling sexual assault and harassment cases. While sex crimes should never be taken lightly, false allegations do happen more often than people realize. Good military defense lawyers know how to navigate “he said, she said” disputes by closely examining motives, timelines, digital evidence, and more.

These cases can get highly emotional on both sides. We take an objective, fact-based approach to ensure the truth prevails.

Domestic Violence

Domestic disturbances involving violence or threats against a spouse, child, or partner are taken extremely seriously in Fort Bliss and throughout the armed forces. Even a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction can end your military career and cost you the right to own firearms.

Skilled military lawyers understand the nuances of domestic violence cases. We dig into the complainant’s background and credibility, analyze police reports for inconsistencies, and highlight any weaknesses in the prosecution’s version of events. Our goal is getting charges reduced or dismissed so you can move forward with your life and career.

Potential Defenses in Military Criminal Cases

When facing court martial or non-judicial punishment at Fort Bliss, it’s critical to have a military attorney who knows how to build an aggressive, comprehensive defense on your behalf. Some potential defenses we may use include:

• Unlawful search and seizure – Illegally obtained evidence can be suppressed
• Self-defense – You had a reasonable fear for your safety
• False accusations – Witnesses or accusers are not credible
• Mistaken identity – You were misidentified as the perpetrator
• Alibi – You have proof you were elsewhere at the time
• Mental health issues – You were having an PTSD episode, depressive episode, manic episode, etc.
• Lack of criminal intent – You did not have intent to break the law

A skilled military law attorney will thoroughly investigate your charges, examine the evidence, and build a defense strategy that gives you the best chance of success. We have seen many Fort Bliss cases get dismissed entirely or plead down to lighter charges that allow the defendant to stay in the military.

Why Hire a Military Lawyer?

Navigating the military justice system on your own is extremely unwise. The prosecutors (JAGs) have far more experience than you and want convictions. Without an advocate fighting for your best interests, the odds will be heavily stacked against you.

The top benefits of hiring a military defense lawyer for your Fort Bliss case include:

• Expertise with military law – The UCMJ is different from civilian courts
• Negotiation skills – Lawyers can often negotiate lighter charges or sentences
• Court martial experience – Most cases end in plea deals, but if yours goes to court martial, you need an experienced trial lawyer
• Sentencing advocacy – Lawyers argue for the lightest sentence possible
• Protect your rights – Lawyers ensure you aren’t taken advantage of or treated unfairly
• Avoid career impacts – Good lawyers keep convictions off your military record whenever possible

Simply put, skilled military defense lawyers tilt the scales back in your favor. We know how to get charges reduced or dismissed so you can move on with your life and service.

Choosing the Right Military Lawyer for You

Not all military lawyers are created equal. When choosing who to entrust with your case, here are some factors to keep in mind:

• Check credentials – Do they specialize in military law? Do they have experience with courts martial? Be wary of lawyers who mostly handle civilian cases.
• Independent lawyer – Avoid military-appointed lawyers who don’t have your best interests in mind.
• Personable service – You want a lawyer who listens and puts you at ease during a difficult time.
• Customized defense – One-size-fits-all approaches don’t work. You need an individualized strategy.
• Reasonable fees – Established military lawyers don’t overcharge. Make sure pricing is fair and transparent.

Take time to research lawyers thoroughly and find someone you feel comfortable with. This is a decision you want to get right the first time.

Trusted Fort Bliss Military Defense Lawyers Ready to Help

If you or a loved one is facing military criminal charges at Fort Bliss, don’t delay in contacting an experienced attorney. The sooner you have a knowledgeable lawyer in your corner, the better.

The military defense lawyers at My Military Lawyers[1], Military Trial Defenders[2], and Capovilla & Williams[6] come highly recommended. They have extensive experience defending Fort Bliss personnel at courts martial and administrative proceedings.

Don’t leave your military career and future in the hands of chance. With an aggressive defense lawyer on your side, you can rest assured your rights will be protected. Contact a military defense attorney today to discuss your charges in a free case evaluation.