Special Court-Martial Defense Attorney

Facing Charges? Get Help from an Experienced Lawyer!

When a military member faces intermediate-level charges, they will likely appear in a Special Court-Martial. Because this type of court-martial carries less severe maximum punishments, many service members assume it will require the same level of defense; however, the truth is that approximately 90% of military charges end in conviction. Without a strong defense, your case could easily end unfavorably.

Fortunately, you do not have to fight your charges alone. At McCormack & McCormack, we proudly represent members of the military against a host of criminal charges. Our experience, grounded in many years of court-martial experience with hundreds of court-martial jury trials enables us to take an insightful approach to every case. Retain our team today for the trustworthy counsel you deserve.

What Happens in a Special Court-Martial?

A court-martial opens with an investigation. The information gathered at this time determines your charges and, ultimately, which court-martial will handle your case. Unless you request to be tried by the military judge alone, your case will involve the military judge, a prosecuting attorney (trial counsel), your defense counsel and a jury of officer members (or if you are enlisted, you can request that your jury also include enlisted members).

The military judge oversees the proceedings and rules upon evidentiary issues. Evidence will be presented, attorneys will present their arguments for both sides, and the jury will come to a verdict. Under new rules for courts-martials, if there is a conviction, the accused may elect to be sentenced by the military judge or by the jury. Evidence will be presented in the sentencing case and the jury, or military judge will deliberate and then impose a sentence.

At its worst, a Special Court-Martial sentence can include:

• Twelve months of confinement
• Forfeiture of two-thirds base pay per month for up to twelve months
• A Bad-Conduct Discharge (BCD)
• Reduction in paygrade to E-1

Although Special Court-Martials never involve confinement for more than twelve months, they should not be taken lightly. A conviction by a Special Court-Martial equates to a criminal record for a federal conviction as well as and a BCD, both of which will remain on your record for the rest of your life. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you stand your ground against the harshest allegations.

Stand Your Ground with a Former JAG

To ensure that you are prepared for your court-martial, get in touch with McCormack & McCormack as soon as possible. The Law Firm of McCormack and McCormack has a support team of highly experienced military paralegals to assist in preparing your case for trial. Let our legal team help you fight for a positive outcome to your case.

To learn how we can help, call (888) 490-0876 and request a free consultation.