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Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia Beach, Virginia Military Criminal Lawyers
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Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia Beach, Virginia Military Criminal Lawyers
If you are a servicemember stationed at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and facing military criminal charges, you need an experienced military defense lawyer on your side. Military law is complex and the consequences for convictions can be severe. A dedicated military criminal defense attorney understands the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and can protect your rights. This article provides an overview of military criminal law at Little Creek-Fort Story, common charges, potential defenses, and how a military lawyer can help.
Overview of Military Criminal Law
All branches of the armed forces follow the UCMJ, the foundation of military law in the United States. It defines criminal offenses under military law and outlines procedures for courts-martial and non-judicial punishment. Some common features of military criminal law include:
- Commanders have authority to impose non-judicial punishment like correctional custody, forfeitures of pay, or reduction in rank for minor misconduct.
- Felony-level charges are referred to a court-martial where military judges and panels decide guilt and sentences.
- Servicemembers have rights like presumption of innocence, right against self-incrimination, and assistance of military counsel.
- Punishments may include fines, confinement, punitive discharge (bad conduct or dishonorable discharge), and reduction in rank.
The UCMJ prohibits many of the same crimes as civilian courts, like assault, theft, and sexual assault. But it also criminalizes conduct unique to the military environment like desertion, insubordination, and disrespecting superiors. Jurisdiction under the UCMJ extends worldwide to servicemembers on or off duty.
Common Charges at Little Creek-Fort Story
Some charges frequently seen at Little Creek-Fort Story include:
- Drug offenses – Under Article 112a, wrongful use, possession, manufacture, or distribution of controlled substances.
- DUI/DWI – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs under Article 111.
- Assault – Violent attacks, threats, and domestic violence under Article 128.
- Larceny – Theft of money, property, or services under Article 121.
- Adultery – Extramarital sex under Article 134.
These are just a few examples of charges – the UCMJ contains dozens of punitive articles to maintain good order and discipline. The maximum punishment depends on the offense and circumstances. All charges should be taken seriously.
Potential Defenses
In any military criminal case, the defense aims to get charges dismissed or downgraded, or win an acquittal at trial. Common defenses may include:
- Lack of evidence – The prosecution’s burden is to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Unlawful command influence – Improper influence from commanders that prejudices the case.
- Unlawful searches and seizures – Evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment.
- Self-defense – Responding with proportional force to an imminent threat.
- Mistake of fact – Acting under an honest and reasonable belief in certain facts.
An experienced attorney determines if any viable defenses apply after thoroughly examining the evidence and interviewing witnesses.
How a Military Lawyer Can Help
Facing military criminal allegations is frightening – a conviction may derail your career and future prospects. A military defense lawyer levels the playing field and protects your rights by:
- Fully investigating the facts and analyzing the strength of the government’s case.
- Identifying procedural errors and constitutional rights violations.
- Negotiating with prosecutors for dismissal or lesser charges.
- Aggressively defending you at Article 32 hearings and courts-martial.
- Presenting evidence and cross-examining witnesses.
- Raising objections and appealing convictions.
Military defense attorneys understand courts-martial procedures and will zealously challenge the prosecution at every stage. Their expertise can mean the difference between a conviction and charges getting thrown out. Never go through the military justice system alone.
Contact a Military Criminal Lawyer
Navigating military criminal allegations is challenging without guidance from counsel intimately familiar with the UCMJ and courts-martial. The experienced military defense attorneys at My Military Lawyer provide aggressive and personalized representation for servicemembers at Little Creek-Fort Story. They will protect your rights and future at every step. Call today at (888) 123-4567 for a free case evaluation.
References
[1] Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story Legal Assistance
[2] JEB Little Creek-Fort Story Military Lawyers
[3] Fort Story Military Lawyers
[4] Little Creek-Fort Story Military Lawyer