An Article 32 hearing is one of the most critical stages in the military justice process under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). It functions as a preliminary hearing that determines whether formal charges should advance to a general court-martial, the most serious form of military trial. This process is comparable to a civilian […]
What Is Article 15? Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) authorizes commanders to impose nonjudicial punishment (NJP) for minor offenses. This administrative tool allows military leaders to address minor misconduct without resorting to a court-martial. While less formal than a trial, the consequences of an Article 15 can still significantly affect […]
A General Discharge (Under Honorable Conditions) is a type of administrative discharge given to service members who have completed their military service but did not meet the standards required for an Honorable Discharge. While a General Discharge is not as damaging as an Other Than Honorable (OTH) Discharge, it can still impact a former service […]
An Other Than Honorable (OTH) Discharge is the most severe type of discharge that a service member can receive. While it is not considered a punitive discharge—like a Dishonorable Discharge or a Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD)—an OTH Discharge carries serious long-term consequences for VA benefits, civilian employment, military reenlistment, and overall military discharge status. If […]
An Honorable Discharge is the highest and most favorable type of military discharge a service member can receive. Whether in the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, or Space Force, an Honorable service characterization signifies that the service member met or exceeded the military’s required standards of duty performance, conduct, and integrity throughout […]
When a service member leaves the military, the type of discharge they receive significantly affects their future. Whether you are in the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, or Space Force, how your military service is characterized can impact access to VA benefits, civilian employment opportunities, and eligibility to reenlist. While some service […]
Navigating legal matters within the military justice system can be both intimidating and confusing, particularly for military personnel unfamiliar with the complexities of military law. While service members are entitled to a free appointed attorney, the decision to hire a civilian lawyer can offer substantial benefits that could significantly impact the resolution of a military […]
Facing accusations of a military crime can be an overwhelming experience for any service member. As a parent, seeing your child go through this can be even more daunting. You want to help, but knowing how to navigate the complexities of military law and provide the best support to your son or daughter can be […]
Being accused of a crime is a daunting experience for anyone, but for military members, it can feel even more overwhelming. Your military career, built over years of dedication and service, hangs in the balance, and the fear of losing everything can be paralyzing. Whether you tested positive on a urinalysis, were read your rights, […]
Ensuring a fair trial in the military justice system is crucial for upholding the rights of service members and maintaining the integrity of the armed forces. The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) outlines specific procedures and protections to ensure that service members receive a fair and impartial trial. However, navigating the complexities of military […]