Shopping for a Military Lawyer? Part 2: Discharge Upgrade Lawyer
In one of the more obscure areas of military law, we have those who handle discharge upgrades. Few lawyers want to take these cases because they are largely technical, rather boring, and not as sexy and flashy as a court-martial. For some reason, and I don’t know why, I’ve come to enjoy helping with discharge… Read More
Shopping for a Military Lawyer? Part 1: Courts-Martial
Judging from a cursory Google search, looking for a military lawyer can be an ominous task. Yet, you’re probably searching for a lawyer who will represent you at a time when you are the most vulnerable, desperate, and in need of someone competent to stand by your side. Here are a few things to help… Read More
What would a Military Lawyer tell you?
As I see more and more cases from all branches of the military, I start to see several trends. Rather than belabor the problems, I’ll focus on solutions. Here are a few nuggets of general advice that most military attorneys would give you for the most basic military law problems. 1. Stop talking! When talking… Read More
A Few Gentle Reminders About Discharge Upgrades
Recently, I watched a youtube video by two civilian military law practitioners. The video appears high in a Google search for Discharge Upgrade Lawyers. They were attempting to explain some of the important factors about discharge upgrade cases. Unfortunately, much of what they said was wrong. I will not call them out for this, as… Read More
Office Update
It is always a privilege to represent service members and veterans. It is particularly invigorating when I have the opportunity to visit them at their duty station for a hearing or board. Here are a couple of notes from my recent travels across the midwest. 1. The Army Trial Defense Service does a fantastic job…. Read More
Social Media: A Cautionary Tale
Just a reminder to everyone out there: be careful on social media. It can cause irreparable damage to your career, your case, your potential for obtaining a discharge upgrade, your future relationships, and a whole lot more. Most military lawyers will tell you the same thing. Be careful out there. Once you post something, it… Read More
Bad Idea Files: Video Evidence
Here is a cautionary tale that most military attorneys would say stands for several basic principles. First, don’t make statements to others about your wrongdoing. Second, don’t make up a lie about your wrongdoing. Third, you especially should not lie about your military service–especially claiming combat service that you do not have. Fourth, you should… Read More
The Fight Is Far From Over
If you thought the senate would give the latest round of changes to the UCMJ some time to take hold, you thought wrong. Over the next couple of months, a battle will be waged between those who support the changes proposed by Senator Claire McCaskill (former prosecutor and District Attorney) and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (champion… Read More
Reserves as a Safety Net?
Staying on active duty is tougher now that it ever has been. With drawdowns in every branch, many who were once competitive for promotion and advancement are rethinking their career prospects. Luckily for many, Reserve and National Guard options expand whenever the active components contract. If you are facing release from active duty, be sure… Read More
Interesting Human Interest Article on Ft. Bragg Court-Martial
Today, I ran across an interesting human interest story on the court-martial of Brigadier General Sinclair at Ft. Bragg, NC. Taken at face value, it is an interesting look into the human side of the trial and the effect it has had on the parties involved. Military lawyers continue to watch this unfolding trial with… Read More