Presidio of Monterey, Monterey, California Military Criminal Lawyers

Presidio of Monterey, Monterey, California Military Criminal Lawyers

If you are stationed at Presidio of Monterey in Monterey, California 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 military justice system and will fight to protect your rights.

There are many top-notch military criminal defense attorneys in the Monterey area who regularly represent clients from Presidio of Monterey. They have years of experience with courts-martial and military law. This article provides an overview of the military justice process and how a military lawyer can defend you. It also profiles several excellent defense attorneys in Monterey who can help if you are facing military criminal charges.

Overview of Military Justice System

The military has its own justice system separate from civilian courts. If you are accused of a military crime, you will go through the military justice process under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Some key things to know:

• Military commanders control the process and decide how to handle misconduct. They can impose nonjudicial punishment or refer charges for a court-martial.
• Courts-martial are formal military trials conducted by a military judge. You have more rights in a court-martial than with nonjudicial punishment.
• The maximum penalties depend on the type of court-martial – summary, special, or general. General courts-martial can impose steep sentences like years of confinement.
• You have the right to military defense counsel at no cost, but it is wise to also hire a civilian military lawyer with specific experience.

Because the stakes are high, having a skilled trial attorney in your corner is critical. The prosecutor in a court-martial is usually a seasoned military lawyer. You need someone equally knowledgeable about military law and courts-martial procedures to defend you.

How a Military Lawyer Can Defend You

A military defense lawyer’s primary goal is getting the charges against you dismissed or securing an acquittal at trial. Here are some of the ways they defend service members:

• Evaluate the strength of the government’s case and identify weaknesses
• Challenge improper searches or coerced statements
• Negotiate with the prosecutor for lesser charges or a favorable plea deal
• Gather evidence and interview witnesses to support your side
• File motions to exclude prejudicial evidence or dismiss charges
• Aggressively cross-examine witnesses at an Article 32 hearing or court-martial
• Present evidence and witnesses to rebut the accusations
• Make persuasive arguments to the jury highlighting reasonable doubt
• Object to trial errors and preserve issues for appeal

An experienced attorney understands how to navigate the military justice system and build the strongest defense for your case.

Top Military Defense Lawyers in Monterey, CA

If you are at Presidio of Monterey and charged with a military crime, below are several excellent defense lawyers in the Monterey area who regularly handle courts-martial and military cases:

1. Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law

Joseph L. Jordan is a former Army JAG officer who now defends soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and veterans. He is one of the most respected military defense attorneys in California. Mr. Jordan has over 15 years of military law experience and defends clients against all types of military charges including courts-martial. He is a zealous trial advocate who also handles military appeals.

2. Gonzalez & Waddington

The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington focus exclusively on military law and defending service members. They are known for their aggressive defense and high acquittal rate at trial. Their team includes civilian and former JAG attorneys. Gonzalez & Waddington represent clients from all branches and have helped many soldiers based at Presidio of Monterey.

3. Military Lawyers

Military Lawyers is a law firm comprised of former judge advocates who now defend military members. Their Monterey military defense lawyers have experience as prosecutors, defense counsel, and military judges. They handle cases worldwide and are well-versed in UCMJ and courts-martial proceedings. Military Lawyers offers free case evaluations.

Conclusion

Facing military criminal charges can be overwhelming. The consequences stay with you for life. But an experienced military defense lawyer levels the playing field and fights to protect your rights. They know how to defend against military charges and negotiate the best resolution. If you are stationed at Presidio of Monterey and need a military lawyer, contact one of the attorneys profiled here for a free consultation.