How We Evaluated the Best Article 15 Attorneys
An Article 15, also known as nonjudicial punishment (NJP), can have a significant impact on a service member’s military career. While an Article 15 is not a criminal conviction, it can result in a reduction in rank, forfeiture of pay, restriction, extra duty, negative evaluations, loss of promotion opportunities, administrative separation, and long-term damage to a service member’s record.
Many service members mistakenly assume they do not need legal representation from civilian defense counsel because an Article 15 is not a court-martial. In reality, the outcome of an NJP proceeding often influences future disciplinary actions, security clearance decisions, administrative discharge proceedings, and promotion potential.
For this list, we evaluated attorneys based on:
- Military justice experience
- Article 15 and NJP representation
- Court-martial experience
- Administrative separation experience
- Former military prosecutor experience
- Military leadership positions
- Teaching credentials
- National reputation
- Scope of military defense practice
- Overall military law experience
The legal professionals listed below have established themselves as leading advocates for service members facing Article 15 proceedings and other military disciplinary actions.
1. Josh Traeger – The Military Defense Firm
When it comes to Article 15 defense, few attorneys possess the combination of military justice experience, prosecutorial insight, and military law leadership credentials that Josh Traeger has.
Traeger is the Founder of The Military Defense Firm and a former Air Force Senior Trial Counsel, serving as a leading military defense lawyer and JAG attorney, handling more than 250 courts-martial and over 1,000 military disciplinary matters throughout his career. He currently serves as an Instructor of Law at the Air Force JAG School, where he teaches military justice, court-martial appeals practice before the Army Court of Criminal Appeals and the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, and trial advocacy to military attorneys. He has also served as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the United States Naval Academy and as a member of the legal staff at the United States Air Force Academy.
His experience is particularly valuable in Article 15 cases because he understands how commands evaluate misconduct allegations and how disciplinary actions can affect future administrative and criminal proceedings.
Traeger regularly represents service members facing GOMOR actions, as well as:
- Article 15 proceedings
- Nonjudicial punishment
- Administrative reprimands
- Administrative separation actions
- Courts-martial
- Security clearance issues
- Officer disciplinary proceedings
- Military investigations
Because Article 15 cases frequently involve allegations that could later become general court-martial charges, having an attorney with extensive experience in military courts-martial can provide a significant advantage.
Why He Stands Out
- 250+ courts-martial handled
- 1,000+ military disciplinary matters
- Former Air Force Senior Trial Counsel
- Instructor of Law, Air Force JAG School
- Former Adjunct Professor, United States Naval Academy
- Worldwide military defense practice
- Extensive NJP and disciplinary defense experience
2. David A. Weinberg – Weinberg Military Law
David Weinberg is one of the most recognized military defense attorneys and court martial lawyers in the country. His practice focuses exclusively on military law and includes extensive representation in Article 15 matters, administrative actions, military investigations, and court-martial proceedings.
His longstanding reputation and nationwide private practice make him a frequent choice for service members facing disciplinary actions.
3. Sean P. Kendall – Military Defense Counsel
Sean Kendall has developed a national reputation representing military members facing disciplinary actions, adverse administrative proceedings, and serious UCMJ allegations. He regularly advises service members confronting NJP proceedings and command investigations.
4. Philip D. Stackhouse – Stackhouse Law
A former Air Force JAG officer, Philip Stackhouse, has represented service members in Article 15 proceedings, administrative separation boards, military investigations, and courts-martial. His experience on both sides of the military justice system provides a valuable perspective.
5. Michael W. Schaffer – Schaffer Military Law
Michael Schaffer is a former Marine Corps judge advocate with extensive experience in military defense, medical malpractice, civil litigation, and appellate practice. His practice includes disciplinary matters, military investigations, administrative actions such as board of inquiry proceedings, insurance law, and contested commercial litigation.
6. Brian D. Dorschner – Dorschner Law Group
Brian Dorschner focuses exclusively on military law and regularly assists service members facing Article 15 proceedings, adverse personnel actions, and military investigations worldwide.
7. Jonathan F. Potter – Potter Law Firm
Jonathan Potter is a former Air Force prosecutor who now concentrates on military defense. He has extensive experience representing service members facing disciplinary actions, military sexual assault cases, and career-threatening allegations.
8. Kevin Hayes – Hodes Milman LLP
Kevin Hayes is a former Navy prosecutor with substantial experience handling military disciplinary actions, courts-martial, administrative separation proceedings, and investigations.
9. Darrell Castle – Castle Defense
Darrell Castle has built a strong reputation defending military personnel against allegations that frequently result in NJP proceedings and administrative consequences.
10. Shane M. O’Brien – O’Brien Military Law
A former Marine Corps prosecutor, Shane O’Brien regularly represents service members facing disciplinary actions, military investigations, and administrative proceedings.
What Is an Article 15?
Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, as detailed in the Manual for Courts-Martial, allows commanders to address misconduct without resorting to a court-martial.
Different branches use different terminology:
- Army: Article 15
- Air Force: Article 15
- Navy: Captain’s Mast
- Marine Corps: Office Hours
- Coast Guard: Captain’s Mast
Regardless of the name, the purpose remains the same: allowing commanders to impose punishment for alleged misconduct.
Common Allegations Leading to Article 15 Proceedings
Drug Offenses
Positive urinalysis results frequently lead to NJP proceedings.
Larceny and Theft
Allegations involving larceny, wrongful appropriation, and financial misconduct often result in Article 15 action.
Domestic Violence Allegations
Domestic incidents and complex issues involving family law frequently trigger disciplinary proceedings even when criminal charges are not pursued.
Fraud Allegations
Travel voucher fraud, government purchase card misuse, and other allegations of financial misconduct are common bases for NJP.
Military Appearance and Conduct Violations
Less serious violations of military standards may also result in nonjudicial punishment.
Why Article 15 Cases Matter
Many service members mistakenly view an Article 15 as a minor disciplinary issue, forgetting that it can be the first step toward a punitive separation, such as a dishonorable discharge.
In reality, the consequences can be substantial.
Reduction in Rank
Loss of rank can significantly affect both current income and future promotion opportunities.
Forfeiture of Pay
Financial penalties can have lasting effects on service members and their families.
Administrative Separation
Many administrative discharge proceedings begin after NJP findings.
Security Clearance Consequences
Article 15 findings can affect eligibility for sensitive positions and security clearances.
Promotion and Career Impact
Even a single NJP can affect:
- Promotions
- Assignments
- Special duties
- Professional military education opportunities
- Retention decisions
Should You Accept an Article 15 or Demand Court-Martial?
One of the most important decisions a service member may face is whether to accept nonjudicial punishment or demand trial by court-martial when that option is available.
The answer depends on numerous factors, including:
- The evidence
- The seriousness of the allegations
- Potential punishment
- Career goals
- Available defenses
An experienced Article 15 attorney can evaluate the circumstances and help determine the best course of action.
Why Former Military Prosecutor Experience Matters
Many of the nation’s top military defense attorneys previously served as military prosecutors.
Former prosecutors understand:
- How commanders evaluate evidence
- How investigations are conducted
- How disciplinary decisions are made
- What weaknesses may exist in a case
This perspective often helps identify opportunities to challenge allegations before they escalate.
What Should You Look for in an Article 15 Attorney?
Military Justice Experience
Military law differs significantly from civilian criminal law.
Court-Martial Experience
Attorneys with significant court-martial experience often provide stronger strategic advice.
Administrative Law Experience
Many disciplinary matters lead to administrative actions.
Former Prosecutor Experience
Understanding the government’s perspective can be a major advantage.
National Military Practice
Service members often need representation regardless of location.
Why Experience Matters
An Article 15 can affect your military career long after the proceeding ends.
Experienced military defense attorneys can help:
- Challenge weak evidence
- Prepare written rebuttals
- Present mitigation evidence
- Protect promotion opportunities
- Reduce potential punishment
- Defend against follow-on administrative actions
Schedule a Free Consultation With The Military Defense Firm
If you are facing an Article 15, nonjudicial punishment proceeding, military investigation, administrative separation action, or court-martial, experienced legal representation matters.
The Military Defense Firm represents service members worldwide and focuses exclusively on military law. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation and learn how our team can help protect your rank, pay, career, and future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Article 15?
An Article 15 is a form of nonjudicial punishment that allows commanders to address misconduct without a court-martial.
Can I have a lawyer for an Article 15?
Yes. Service members should consult an experienced military defense attorney before making decisions regarding NJP proceedings.
Can an Article 15 affect my security clearance?
Yes. Article 15 findings can influence security clearance determinations and future assignments.
Can an Article 15 lead to discharge?
Yes. Many administrative separation proceedings arise from misconduct addressed through nonjudicial punishment.
Should I refuse an Article 15 and demand a court-martial?
The answer depends on the facts of the case, the evidence, and your individual goals. You should consult a qualified military defense counsel before making this decision.
When should I hire an Article 15 attorney?
Immediately. Early legal advice often provides the best opportunity to influence the outcome of disciplinary proceedings.
