Glen Burnie Military Criminal Defense Lawyer

Glen Burnie Military Criminal Defense Attorney

Consult a Glen Burnie military criminal defense lawyer if you’re considering seeking private counsel for the charges you’re currently facing. Even though military service members are automatically appointed JAG lawyers when preparing to deal with law matters, there are several additional benefits an officer of the armed forces may find in the guidance and presentation of a civilian defense attorney.

Comparing Criminal Defense Lawyers and JAG Officers

JAG officers are lawyers who are specifically commissioned to work for a branch of the military belonging to the Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG Corps). These commissioned officers go to law school just as any other attorney does before continuing their training at their chosen branch of the armed forces. Any service member who requires representation for court-martial matters or issues regarding separation and administrative matters is appointed a JAG attorney.

JAG lawyers are prepared to, and often do, handle cases covering a wide range of law areas, including administrative and labor law, international and national security law, in addition to criminal law. Although their familiarity with military protocol and procedures often helps their service member clients, they might not have much experience with managing cases of the specific charges any particular client is facing because they have no hand in what cases they get.

A military service member who is facing a criminal offense in Glen Burnie, whether it be military-specific or a federal violation applicable to all US citizens, may find their situation could benefit from the assistance and experience of a civilian criminal defense lawyer.

Private defense attorneys often have a deeper understanding of the more common criminal offenses a service member might be facing, such as assault, harassment, or drug-related violations. Depending on a specific military service member’s charges and overall circumstances, it could be advantageous to seek a counselor with extensive experience in criminal law or in a particular type of crime — especially if the potential punishment is severe.

What Offenses May a Military Service Member Need Representation For?

A member of the armed forces can be charged for violating the state and federal laws that all citizens are subject to, as well as offenses that are unique to the expectations and obligations of a military officer. These are some of the offenses a service member may face or other legal actions they may need a lawyer’s services for:

• Domestic violence.
• Sex offenses, including prostitution.
• Drug crimes, including substance abuse and positive drug test results, along with the possession or distribution of drugs.
• Assault and battery, harassment.
• Disorderly conduct. This general offense can refer to hazing, cruelty, dishonesty, disrespect, fraudulent official statements, acting without moral standards, and displaying a disregard toward the law.
• Theft or larceny.
• DUIs.
• Failure to follow orders.
• AWOL charges — desertion or unauthorized absence.
• Article 15/Nonjudicial punishment.
• Evaluation report rebuttals.
• Administrative separation from one’s active military duty.
• Security clearance violations.
• Appeals. If a service member believes a prior verdict of the court was incorrect or unfair, they have the right to take the matter to an appellate court.

FAQs

Q: How Does a Military Defense Lawyer Differ From a JAG Officer?

A: Defense lawyers and JAG officers both represent and assist service members during legal issues — including criminal charges and penalties related to administrative and disciplinary military matters.

JAG lawyers are commissioned by the military branch they serve, able to represent its officers as well as the branch itself; service members are automatically appointed JAG lawyers during law matters. While JAG attorneys are proficient in military protocol and handle several law areas, defense attorneys may be more experienced in assisting clients with criminal charges.

Q: When Should I Hire a Civilian Defense Attorney?

A: You should hire a civilian defense attorney if you doubt your JAG officer’s proficiency with a particular offense, or if the penalties are severe, you may feel reassured by a lawyer experienced in criminal court. For example, a defense attorney is likely more familiar with drunk driving offenses compared to a JAG attorney, who is trained to assist in multiple areas of the law beyond just criminal law.

Q: What if a Military Defense Lawyer Knows His Client Is Guilty?

A: Whether a defense lawyer believes you’re guilty is inconsequential to their job as a defender in court; what’s important to defense attorneys is what can be legally proven or disproven under the law’s requirements, meaning if there’s enough evidence that establishes you as guilty of a specific offense.

Criminal trials are less about what you did or didn’t do in actuality but rather about what proof and argument are more convincing to the court between the defense and the prosecution.

Q: Should You Tell Your Military Defense Attorney the Truth?

A: You should always be truthful with your defense lawyer — having relevant facts and details creates a strong, well-informed defense case. You don’t want to be misleading or lie since your lawyer may be blindsided if the prosecutor brings up new information.

Always answer your attorney’s questions honestly, but don’t feel that you need to divulge everything; if something makes you appear guilty or admit guilt, you have attorney-client confidentiality, but such information is likely irrelevant and unusable to your lawyer.

Q: What Is the Most Common Argument a Defense Attorney Uses?

A: A defense attorney may opt to implement several defense arguments while representing their client. For clients who are military service members, their defense lawyer will first review the details of their case and gather whatever relevant evidence there is regarding the criminal accusations.

Depending on how much and the strength of the proof that’s available, a lawyer may choose from numerous defense strategies. Examples include self-defense, coercion, and lack of awareness or intent in committing the offense, among others.

Qualified and Adept Legal Guidance and Help for Military Service Members

The professional and capable team of defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, are dedicated to helping clients in need of representation and legal guidance — regardless of their military status or rank or how complex their case may be. Contact us today to consult with an experienced defense lawyer.