New Jersey Military Criminal Lawyers

New Jersey Military Criminal Lawyers

If you are an active duty servicemember or veteran facing criminal charges in New Jersey, you need an experienced military criminal defense lawyer on your side. The military justice system is complex and unique – having a lawyer who understands it is critical.

Military criminal lawyers in New Jersey have specialized knowledge to help servicemembers navigate the military justice process. They also know how to advocate for alternatives to conviction and incarceration through programs like veterans treatment court.

Understanding the Military Justice System

Every branch of the military has its own criminal justice system outside of civilian courts. If you are charged with a crime by military authorities in New Jersey, you will face prosecution under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

The UCMJ covers many of the same crimes as civilian law, including assault, theft, drug offenses, DUI, and more. There are also military-specific crimes like desertion, insubordination, and conduct unbecoming of an officer.

Your case will proceed through the military justice system – not civilian criminal court. This means dealing with procedures and rules specific to the military. An experienced military lawyer knows the ins-and-outs of courts-martial and non-judicial punishment under the UCMJ.

Avoiding Convictions and Incarceration

The consequences of a military conviction in New Jersey can be severe. It can lead to incarceration in a military prison, punitive discharge, demotion, loss of benefits, and impact future civilian employment.

An adept New Jersey military criminal lawyer will fight to avoid these outcomes. They may negotiate with military prosecutors for pretrial diversion programs or argue for sentences that allow you to remain in service.

For veterans, they may advocate for participation in veterans treatment court. This program provides rehabilitation services and potential dismissal of charges upon completion.

Protecting Your Military Career

Your military lawyer’s top priority is protecting your career and benefits. Any criminal conviction can jeopardize your military status. Even an accusation or investigation on your record can stall promotions or specialty training.

Your lawyer will work to minimize the impact to your military career. This may involve negotiating to keep charges off your permanent record or limiting punishments like rank reduction or pay forfeiture.

Understanding Military Culture

Military criminal lawyers have inside knowledge of military culture, organization, and procedures. They understand how charges can impact your specific service branch and military occupational specialty.

Their experience with courts-martial and military corrections also helps them advocate more effectively. Unlike civilian lawyers, they know how to work within the military justice system for the best outcome.

Common Military Crimes in New Jersey

Some of the most common military offenses charged in New Jersey include:

• Drug crimes – possession, use, distribution
• Sexual assault, harassment
• Domestic violence, child abuse
• DUI, drunk and disorderly conduct
• Absent without leave (AWOL)
• Disobeying orders, insubordination
• Larceny, theft of military property

A military lawyer can build strategic defenses against these charges using their expertise in military law and procedure.

Finding the Right Military Lawyer in New Jersey

When looking for a New Jersey military criminal defense lawyer, seek someone with specific experience representing servicemembers. Ask about their knowledge of the UCMJ, New Jersey military bases, pretrial negotiations, and sentencing.

Ideally, they should have a military background themselves. Former JAG officers and military defense counsel bring invaluable perspective. Check client reviews and ask for case results as well.

Trust an experienced New Jersey military lawyer to protect your rights and provide an aggressive defense. They have the skills to secure the best possible outcome, allowing you to move forward in your military service.