Criminal Defense Lawyers

Military Criminal Summons and Court-Martial Proceedings

Understanding Military Criminal Summons and Court-Martial Proceedings

When a member of the military is accused of a crime, they face a unique legal process that is quite different from the civilian justice system. Military law is governed by the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), and the proceedings can be complex and intimidating. If you or a loved one is facing military criminal charges, it’s crucial to understand the process and your rights.

What is a Military Criminal Summons?

A military criminal summons is a legal document that orders a service member to appear before a military court or tribunal. It‘s essentially the military equivalent of a civilian arrest warrant or criminal summons. The summons will typically outline the specific charges being brought against the service member and the date, time, and location of their initial court appearance.

Types of Military Criminal Charges

Military criminal charges can range from relatively minor offenses, such as unauthorized absence or disobeying a lawful order, to more serious crimes like sexual assault, drug offenses, or even murder. Some common military criminal charges include:

• Absence Without Leave (AWOL)
• Desertion
• Insubordinate Conduct
• Dereliction of Duty
• Larceny or Wrongful Appropriation
• Assault or Battery
• Drug Offenses
• Sexual Misconduct
• Fraternization
• Conduct Unbecoming an Officer

It’s important to note that the military justice system has its own set of rules and procedures, which can be quite different from civilian courts. For example, the burden of proof in a court-martial is lower than in a civilian trial, and the accused does not have the same rights as in a civilian court, such as the right to a trial by jury.

The Court-Martial Process

If a service member is charged with a military crime, they will typically face a court-martial, which is the military‘s version of a trial. There are three types of courts-martial:

1. Summary Court-Martial: This is the lowest level of court-martial and is typically reserved for relatively minor offenses. The accused does not have the right to a lawyer, and the maximum punishment is limited to confinement for 30 days, forfeiture of two-thirds pay for one month, and reduction in rank.
2. Special Court-Martial: This is a more serious proceeding, with the accused having the right to a lawyer and a limited right to a jury (known as a “panel” in the military). The maximum punishment can include confinement for up to one year, forfeiture of two-thirds pay for up to one year, and a bad-conduct discharge.
3. General Court-Martial: This is the most serious level of court-martial and is reserved for the most serious offenses, such as murder, sexual assault, and desertion. The accused has the right to a lawyer and a full jury trial, and the potential punishments can include lengthy prison sentences, a dishonorable discharge, and even the death penalty in some cases.

The court-martial process typically begins with an investigation, followed by the preferral of charges (similar to an indictment in a civilian court). The accused will then have the opportunity to enter a plea, and if they plead not guilty, the case will proceed to a trial.

Defending Against Military Criminal Charges

If you or a loved one is facing military criminal charges, it’s crucial to have an experienced military defense lawyer on your side. A skilled attorney can help you navigate the complex military justice system and protect your rights throughout the process.Some common defenses in military criminal cases include:

• Lack of intent or mens rea (the mental state required for a particular crime)
• Unlawful command influence (improper influence on the court-martial process)
• Statute of limitations (the time limit for bringing charges)
• Lack of jurisdiction (the military court lacks authority over the alleged offense)
• Self-defense or defense of others
• Insanity or diminished capacity

It’s important to note that the rules of evidence and procedures in a court-martial can be quite different from a civilian trial, so it‘s essential to have a lawyer who is well-versed in military law.

Potential Consequences of a Court-Martial Conviction

The consequences of a court-martial conviction can be severe, depending on the nature of the offense and the sentence imposed. Potential punishments can include:

• Confinement or imprisonment
• Reduction in rank
• Forfeiture of pay and allowances
• Punitive discharge (such as a bad-conduct discharge or dishonorable discharge)
• Death penalty (in rare cases involving offenses like premeditated murder or rape)

A punitive discharge, such as a bad-conduct discharge or dishonorable discharge, can have long-lasting consequences for a service member’s future employment prospects, as well as their eligibility for certain veterans‘ benefits and services.

Seeking Legal Representation

If you or a loved one is facing military criminal charges, it’s crucial to seek legal representation as soon as possible. An experienced military defense lawyer can help you understand the charges against you, advise you on the best course of action, and protect your rights throughout the legal process.At Spodek Law Group, our team of skilled attorneys has extensive experience defending service members in courts-martial and other military legal proceedings. We understand the unique challenges and complexities of the military justice system, and we are dedicated to providing aggressive and effective representation to our clients.Our lawyers have relationships with prosecutors and insight into their strategies, which can be invaluable in mounting a strong defense. We will thoroughly investigate the charges against you, gather evidence, and build a compelling case to protect your rights and your future.