Do you know that the military, the armed force that protects this nation, sometimes needs protection? The military has its own systems to punish wrongdoers within the armed forces.
While it is great that military personnel are punished for their crimes, you should know that the system sometimes punishes the wrong person. The system is not always right.
As a serviceman charged with a crime, you can prove your innocence with the help of reputed law firms like Military Law. They can help in the investigation and collect relevant evidence to prove your innocence and save your career.
It is natural to have many questions related to military law. This blog post answers five of the most commonly asked questions related to military law. Remember, this knowledge is not a replacement for a lawyer. If you are facing a criminal charge, hire a military defense lawyer.
Table of Contents
What is the UCMJ?
The Uniform Code of Military Justice, adopted by Congress in 1950, governs all members of the US armed forces – army, navy and air force alike. It applies equally to each branch.
What rights do military personnel have?
It is important to know that the defendants also have rights. They have the following rights:
- The defendant has the right to hire a military defense lawyer.
- A defendant has the right to remain silent throughout their case proceedings. As a defendant, only speak. When your lawyer asks you too.
- The defendant has the right to a fair trial.
- A defendant can also appeal the decision made by the court.
You should not allow anyone to violate your rights. If you let it happen, it can cost you your case.
Should I hire a military lawyer for my case?
While hiring an attorney might initially appear costly, having no choice is necessary in protecting yourself and the career that brings joy.
Military defense attorneys understand the nuances of military court systems and can offer invaluable help. A good military attorney will know how to prove your innocence by investigating your case thoroughly and gathering evidence with professional private investigators.
How long does a military court-martial trial last?
No definitive answers exist regarding this matter, although an investigation of any case typically lasts from six to 12 months. In more complex cases, it will even take more than one year.
After the investigation phase, if charges are pressed, the case will go to court in the next 6 months. It is important to know that a case will not always result in a court martial.
Depending on the crime, the commanding officer may dismiss the case with a warning. In other cases, the commanding officer will issue punishments like hard labor. Those types of cases end right there. However, some cases do go to court.
Once a trial begins, typically taking four to five days will depend heavily on factors like judge availability, jury composition and witness testimonies.
What are the consequences of a court-martial conviction?
A conviction in military court has many severe consequences. The conviction will have long-term consequences that will affect the quality of life to a great extent. The following are some of the consequences of a conviction:
- The most obvious consequence is the loss of your career. You will not be able to continue as a serviceman anymore.
- The convicted will not receive any retirement benefits.
- It will be difficult to get a job, as many won’t hire a convict.
- Prison time.
As you can see, all the above consequences are quite harsh. You can avoid these consequences simply by hiring an experienced military defense lawyer. They can prove your innocence and save you and your career.
Final thoughts
Hope this blog post answered the question that was on your mind. If you want to know more about military law, speak with an experienced lawyer. They can answer all your questions. Additionally, they can also protect your rights.
