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Fort Sill, Lawton, Oklahoma Military Criminal Lawyers
|Last Updated on: 7th October 2023, 09:06 pm
Fort Sill, Lawton, Oklahoma Military Criminal Lawyers
If you are an active-duty servicemember stationed at Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma and facing military criminal charges, it is critical that you understand your rights and options. Having an experienced military defense lawyer on your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
Military criminal law is complex, with rules and procedures that are very different from civilian courts. The consequences for convictions can be severe, including brig time, demotions, loss of benefits, and even discharge. Don’t go it alone against the military justice system – make sure your rights are protected by hiring a military lawyer.
Why Hire a Military Criminal Lawyer?
Here are some key reasons why it is so important to have an experienced military defense attorney represent you if facing court martial or non-judicial punishment at Fort Sill:
- They understand the military justice system – The UCMJ, rules of evidence, procedures, potential sentences, and strategies are specialized areas that civilian lawyers just don’t have experience with.
- They can build the strongest defense – Military lawyers know how to examine your case for legal errors, constitutional rights violations, and other opportunities to get charges dismissed or reduced.
- They advocate for your best interests – Military defense lawyers only have one job: to protect your rights and fight for the best case resolution.
- They have relationships with military prosecutors – Your attorney may be able to negotiate a pretrial agreement or work out a deal that a civilian lawyer couldn’t.
Simply put, you need someone in your corner who knows the military system and how to defend you within it. Don’t take any chances with your military career – hire a military defense lawyer right away.
Types of Military Criminal Cases
Some of the most common criminal offenses that military lawyers defend at Fort Sill include:
- Drug charges – Use, possession, distribution, etc. of illegal substances
- DUI/DWI – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Sexual assault – Rape, abuse, harassment, inappropriate relationships
- Domestic violence – Physical, emotional, or verbal abuse of a spouse or family member
- Assault – Physical attacks, violence, or threats against others
- Larceny – Theft of military or personal property
- AWOL/Desertion – Being absent without leave or abandoning your military duties
These are very serious charges that can end your military career and follow you for life as a federal conviction. Your lawyer’s job is to examine the evidence, identify any legal errors or violations of your rights, negotiate with prosecutors, and build the strongest defense to get your charges dismissed or reduced.
Courts Martial vs. Non-Judicial Punishment
There are two paths a military criminal case can take – courts martial or non-judicial punishment.
Courts Martial – These are formal criminal trials with military judges and juries. You have the right to military counsel and often hire civilian defense attorneys too. Courts martial can result in federal convictions and severe sentences like prison time.
Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP) – Also known as an “Article 15”, NJP is less formal discipline handled by your commander. The maximum penalties are lower but can still include demotions, pay forfeiture, restrictions, and extra duties. You have the right to refuse NJP and demand trial by courts martial.
Your military defense lawyer will advise whether to accept NJP or take your case to trial. Their guidance is crucial, as refusing NJP means risking more severe punishment at courts martial. But experienced attorneys know when you have a strong case to get charges dismissed or reduced by going to trial.
Finding the Best Military Criminal Lawyer
If you are charged with a military crime at Fort Sill, it’s important to take time researching and choosing the right defense lawyer. Look for attorneys with specific experience defending courts martial and NJP for your branch. Consider factors like:
- Do they have a proven track record of success defending similar charges?
- Are they intimately familiar with the UCMJ, military courts, and your base procedures?
- Do they have strong negotiation skills to make a deal with military prosecutors?
- Will they fight aggressively to protect your rights and interests?
- Do they have availability to start preparing your defense immediately?
Also look for military lawyers that offer free case consultations, reasonable legal fees with flexible payment plans, and responsive client communication. Hiring the right military defense lawyer for your specific case gives you the best chance at the most favorable resolution.
Trusted Fort Sill Military Defense Law Firms
Here are some top-rated military criminal defense law firms serving Fort Sill that you can contact for a free case evaluation:
- My Military Lawyers – Led by a former Army JAG officer and trusted by thousands of soldiers for military criminal defense.
- UCMJ Defense Lawyers – Highly experienced attorneys defending courts martial and NJP for all branches.
- Capovilla & Williams – Veteran-owned firm with proven results dismissing charges or reducing sentences.
- Law Office of Patrick J. McLain – Respected for guidance on refusing NJP and taking cases to trial.
- Joseph L. Jordan – Aggressive and personalized representation from a top-rated military trial lawyer.
- JAG Defense Lawyers – Trusted former JAG attorneys with the experience to build a winning defense.
Don’t leave your military career up to chance – contact a skilled military defense lawyer immediately if you are facing charges. They will protect your rights, examine the evidence, and build the strongest possible defense to get your charges dismissed or reduced.