You may have heard the term court martial attorney before, but you might not know what this kind of lawyer does. Or whether you should hire one to represent you if you have been charged with a military crime.
Having worked in the Military since the 1970s, I have seen many trends come and go, one of which is the number of court martial attorneys that service members worldwide need. There are specific Social Security Benefits for Military, as well as specific laws that are different for civilians. The right court martial attorney can help you get the best benefits possible!
Here are some of the reasons I became a court martial attorney. Also, some advantages of hiring an experienced attorney working with clients.
Serving in the Military
You picture young people in uniform when you think about military service. Yet, even if you’re no longer on active duty, serving in various parts of the military can give you essential skills. This law applies to all private sector employers with more than 20 employees and the state.
Benefits of Becoming a Court Martial Lawyer
Learn more about my work and what sets me apart as a court martial lawyer:
Court martial attorneys represent service members in court martial proceedings. Court martial lawyers make sure that their clients have fair trials. The fair trial includes defending them against allegations that they violated military law.
My experience as a court martial lawyer has given me a deep understanding of military law. As an experienced court martial lawyer, I know how to use my knowledge of military law to defend service members against court martial charges.
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Salary of a Court Martial Attorney
The best thing about being a martial lawyer is choosing your schedule and your salary. You don’t have to worry about paying off student loans if you don’t want to; there are no bosses breathing down your neck.
You can take on enough cases to make a living without taking on too many, so it doesn’t become overwhelming. And, best of all, there aren’t any pesky clients trying to micromanage your every move! It’s not hard to see why working as a military defense attorney would be ideal for most lawyers.
So what are you waiting for? Start building your caseload today by contacting a U.S. Army JAG Corps office near you! A court martial lawyer’s salary depends on how much work they put into their job.
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Staying Current in the Military Justice System
Working as an army UCMJ attorney allows me to stay on top of military law and civilian justice systems. There are many aspects to being a successful military defense attorney. One is understanding how civilian laws have links with military laws—and vice versa.
It’s also essential for us to keep up with what’s happening in our country. So much of what we do relates to our nation’s values, so it makes sense that we need to be well-informed citizens. Plus, when you have time off between cases (often), it’s nice to know you can catch up on current events!
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Helping Military Veterans with Record Corrections and Discharge Upgrades
Anyone can make a mistake that can result in the worst possible way. Sometimes when anyone leaves from military without an honorable discharge, he or she is no more capable of Social Security benefits for military or veteran benefits. However, these mistakes can be corrected with the help of a court martial attorney.
The attorneys are aware of the procedures to follow to upgrade your discharge or rectify your records. Also, we know how to manage your appeal if your request is turned down.
Depending on your service, the process could take anywhere between six months to two years. Military discharge upgrading petitions and requests for the correction of military records are often difficult, and you’ll need a lot of patience.
Any medical records, military records, or other documentation related to your discharge upgrade or records correction request should be located and gathered. Additionally useful are any medical records that show you don’t have any problems with alcohol or drug usage.
How Did I Get Into Working as a U.S. Army Military Defense Attorney?
I graduated from West Point in 2003 and was commissioned into my branch of service upon graduation. My first assignment after basic training was in Hawaii. I spent most of my tour working as an intern for several departments under USARAK (U.S. Army-Hawaii). In 2005, I transferred to Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
I worked as a prosecutor and a defense attorney until 2008. I attended Regent University’s law school when I relocated to Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Upon graduating from law school with my Juris Doctorate in 2011, I returned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where I am currently a UCMJ attorney. My duties include representing soldiers accused of violating laws while on active duty.
What Do I Like Best About My Job?
The people! As an army UCMJ attorney, I spend most of my time with clients facing charges. My day is full of meetings, hearings, trials, and research. All while serving our country by defending those who serve it!
What’s Something Most People Don’t Know About My Job?
Most people don’t realize how many different types of cases we handle as court martial attorneys. We handle criminal cases like any other criminal defense attorney. But we also handle administrative concerns like discharges, rank reductions, and so on.
We also have civil jurisdiction, including wrongful death lawsuits involving military troops killed in training or combat operations.
Working as an Active Duty Judge Advocate
When considering whether to become a judge advocate, it’s important to know what you’re getting into. Judge advocates work long hours, travel, and face demanding challenges. But they also help soldiers and their families in some of their most difficult times.
What To Expect As a Court Martial Attorney?
There are plenty of advantages to being an active-duty military member. One is that you can access free legal help for your service members and family. Thanks to programs offered by each branch’s Judge Advocate General (JAG).
These attorneys will assist you whether you are under investigation or face deployment. And if you find yourself on trial, they could work with you through your case.
Conclusion
Most people do not realize how many unique cases are in military courts. There is something for everyone who has an interest in military law and procedure. Every lawyer should serve as a prosecutor to get experience in all legal practice areas. That’s why I became a court-martial attorney! Happy reading!
