Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia Beach, Virginia Military Criminal Lawyers

Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia Beach, Virginia Military Criminal Lawyers

If you are a service member stationed at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia and facing criminal charges, it is important to understand your rights and options. As a member of the military, you have access to experienced military criminal defense attorneys who can help protect your career and freedom. This article provides an overview of military criminal law and lawyers who serve NAS Oceana.

Military Criminal Law Basics

The military has its own criminal justice system separate from civilian courts. Serious criminal offenses are handled through courts-martial, which are similar to civilian criminal trials. Minor offenses can be dealt with through non-judicial punishment under Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

Some key things to know about military criminal law:

• You have the right to remain silent and speak with an attorney before answering questions.
• The burden of proof is on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
• You have the right to hire a civilian military defense attorney to represent you.
• Potential punishments include fines, reduction in rank, confinement, and dishonorable discharge.

Facing criminal charges in the military is very serious. It’s important to exercise your rights and consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.

Hiring a Military Criminal Lawyer for NAS Oceana

If you are stationed at NAS Oceana and charged with a crime like DUI, drug possession, assault, or theft, hiring a military lawyer can be crucial for building an effective defense. Consider the following when choosing an attorney:

• Look for someone with specific experience handling courts-martial and representing service members.
• Understanding of military culture and processes is very beneficial.
• Find someone you trust and feel comfortable talking openly with.
• Be sure they are licensed in Virginia and admitted to practice in military court.
• Fees – Many offer free consultations and flexible payment plans.

The following are some of the top military criminal defense firms serving NAS Oceana:

Crisp and Associates Military Law

Crisp and Associates Military Law1 is a firm started by former Army JAG attorney Jonathan Crisp. They focus exclusively on representing service members facing courts-martial, Article 15, appeals, and discharge upgrades. Their team includes lawyers with military and civilian criminal trial experience.

UCMJ Defender

UCMJ Defender6 provides military criminal defense in Virginia and worldwide. Founding attorney Jeremiah Sullivan is a former active duty Marine Corps Judge Advocate. They handle cases from Article 15 through courts-martial appeals.

Military Defense Counsel

Military Defense Counsel7 is led by Kevin Mikolashek, a former Air Force JAG attorney. He represents clients facing investigations, non-judicial punishment, courts-martial, and appeals for all branches.

Be sure to ask any potential attorney about their specific experience handling cases at NAS Oceana and working with the local military prosecutors and judges.

What to Do After an Arrest at NAS Oceana

If you are arrested on base at NAS Oceana, it’s important to take the following steps:

• Remain silent and don’t answer any questions until you have legal counsel.
• Politely state you wish to exercise your right to speak with an attorney.
• Don’t sign any statements or make admissions about the incident.
• Contact a defense attorney as soon as possible after the arrest.
• Follow the attorney’s advice about cooperating with the investigation or providing statements.

An experienced military lawyer can properly advise you on how to navigate the investigation while protecting your rights. This can be absolutely crucial to building an effective defense further down the line.

Types of Cases Handled at NAS Oceana

Some of the most common criminal charges service members face at NAS Oceana include:

• DUI/DWI – With bars and restaurants nearby, drunk driving charges are very common on military bases. A DUI conviction can lead to jail time, fines, and discharge.
• Drug offenses – Use and possession of illegal drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, and prescription drug abuse.
• Assault – Different levels of assault like domestic violence, bar fights, or violence against fellow service members.
• Sexual assault – The military takes sexual assault charges very seriously, but false allegations also occur.
• Larceny – Theft of military property or shoplifting from base stores.

These are complex charges that require an experienced trial lawyer to counter the prosecution’s evidence and arguments. An attorney can investigate the incident, interview witnesses, and develop defenses to fight the charges.

Punishments if Convicted at Court-Martial

If convicted at a general court-martial, potential maximum punishments under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) include:

• Dishonorable discharge
• Confinement for over 1 year (felony-level offenses)
• Total forfeiture of all pay and allowances
• Reduction to the lowest enlisted grade, E-1

Even special court-martial or non-judicial Article 15 punishments can still end careers. An other-than-honorable discharge makes it very hard to find civilian employment.

That’s why aggressively fighting the charges or negotiating a favorable plea deal is so important. An experienced military lawyer can advise on the best defense strategy.

Getting Help from a Military Lawyer at NAS Oceana

If you have been arrested or are under investigation for a crime at NAS Oceana, don’t delay in contacting a military defense lawyer. The earlier you engage counsel, the better positioned you will be. An attorney can advise you on your rights, review charges, perform an independent investigation, and start building your defense strategy. They will also handle communications with prosecutors and negotiate on your behalf where appropriate.

With so much on the line – your career, benefits, family’s stability, and freedom – it’s critical to take any criminal charges seriously and consult with counsel right away. The military justice system is complex, but an experienced trial lawyer can help you understand your options and develop a comprehensive defense. There are often valid defenses that can lead to charges being dismissed or strong mitigating factors that should be raised in sentencing. Protect yourself and your future by asserting your rights and hiring a military defense attorney to represent you.