Fort Hood, Killeen, Texas Military Criminal Lawyers

Fort Hood, Killeen, Texas Military Criminal Lawyers

If you are a servicemember stationed at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas and facing military criminal charges, it is essential to have an experienced military defense lawyer on your side. The stakes are high and you need someone who understands military law and will aggressively defend your rights. This article provides an overview of military criminal law at Fort Hood, the typical charges servicemembers face, and how a dedicated defense lawyer can help.

Overview of Military Law at Fort Hood

Fort Hood is the largest active-duty armored post in the United States military. With over 45,000 soldiers stationed there, it’s not surprising that military criminal charges happen from time to time. Some common offenses servicemembers at Fort Hood face include:

• Article 120 Sexual Assault Charges
• Domestic Violence and Assault Charges
• DUI Charges
• Drug Possession and Use Charges
• Absent Without Leave (AWOL) Charges

If facing any criminal charge, servicemembers are subject to prosecution under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). This is the governing legal code for the military, similar to civilian criminal codes. One major difference is that under the UCMJ, commanding officers have a lot of discretion and can impose non-judicial punishments for minor offenses without a court-martial. However, felonies and more serious charges typically proceed to a court-martial trial.

Why a Military Lawyer is Critical

Navigating the military justice system is complex, so having an experienced military defense lawyer is critical. The consequences of a conviction can be severe and long-lasting. You may face imprisonment, sex offender registration, dishonorable discharge, or loss of benefits. An aggressive defense lawyer understands the unique rules of military trials and will fight to get charges dismissed or reduced, negotiate favorable plea deals when appropriate, and defend your rights at every stage.

Key Reasons a Military Lawyer Matters

• They understand the UCMJ and military rules of evidence.
• They have experience with military prosecutors and negotiating with command.
• They know how to challenge the validity of charges and improper procedures.
• They can argue for exceptions and dismissals where civilian courts have no jurisdiction.
• They build the strongest case possible and are skilled trial advocates.

Don’t take chances with your military career and future. Hire a military lawyer to fight for you.

Finding the Best Attorney for You

Not all military lawyers are equal, so you want to do your research to find the best one for your specific situation. Here are some tips:

• Look for lawyers with extensive military law experience, including handling cases similar to yours at Fort Hood.
• Find someone who is very responsive and makes you feel comfortable and supported.
• Ask about their negotiation skills and trial record – a lawyer who gets good results matters.
• Be sure they have resources to build a strong defense, like investigators and forensic experts.
• Understand their fees – make sure there are no hidden costs.

Speaking with several military defense lawyers before deciding gives you options. Go with your gut feeling on who seems the most knowledgeable, aggressive and committed to your case.

How a Military Lawyer Defends You

An experienced military defense lawyer will use every strategy and resource at their disposal to get you the best possible outcome. Here is how they typically defend servicemembers facing UCMJ charges:

• Thoroughly investigate the allegations and weaken the prosecution’s case.
• Determine if charges violate your Constitutional or other rights.
• Challenge improper procedures or lack of evidence through motions.
• Negotiate with command and prosecutors for dismissal or lighter charges.
• Prepare strong mitigation materials showing your excellent service record.
• Present expert witnesses and testimony showing your innocence.
• Aggressively cross-examine witnesses and evidence presented.
• Give persuasive opening and closing arguments.
• Raise objections and preserve issues for appeal.
• Guide you in testifying effectively (if you choose to).

An experienced trial lawyer intimately familiar with the UCMJ will fight tirelessly in and out of court to win dismissal or acquittal of charges whenever possible. If charges can’t be defeated, they will seek the least damaging outcome. The goal is saving your career and future.

Trusted Fort Hood Military Defense Lawyers

If you are at Fort Hood and charged under the UCMJ, I highly recommend contacting Joseph L. Jordan. He is an exceptional military trial lawyer based in the Killeen area near Fort Hood. Mr. Jordan is a former Army JAG officer himself, so he understands military law and process inside and out. He has dedicated his career to defending servicemembers and has an outstanding record of success.

Mr. Jordan and his team will provide a free case evaluation and advise you of all your rights and options. Their top priority is the best possible outcome for you. To discuss your situation in complete confidence, call military defense lawyer Joseph L. Jordan at 254-220-2573 or contact the office here.

Defending your future is too important to risk. Call a dedicated Fort Hood military lawyer today.