San Diego Military Defense Lawyers

The Military Justice System vs. Civilian Criminal Court

Your military career can be at risk if you are accused of committing a serious crime. The military justice system functions far differently than civilian criminal court, and the risk of conviction is extremely high. The armed forces will provide you with a defense lawyer, but in many cases, you will be represented by an inexperienced and overloaded attorney, no matter how well-intentioned.

Don't take chances when it comes to the future of your career!

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The Help You Need from a Lawyer You Trust

If you care deeply about your career, rank, and personal freedom and are facing serious charges in civilian court, you would be well-served to call upon the San Diego criminal defense attorney at jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys for representation. Do not hesitate to call us today at (760) 630-2000.

Our founding attorney, James N. Dicks, has the following accolades:

• More than 30 years of experience
• Law enforcement background
• Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist

You can be confident that your case is in proven hands when you come to us!

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What To Expect in a San Diego Military Defense Case

The Uniform Code of Military Justice outlines all procedures and your rights. Based upon the level of the crime, you may face a summary court martial, general court martial, or a special court martial.

Each legal proceeding has specific regulations, but in each form of court martial, you have:

• The right to be provided with a defense attorney by your branch of the military
• The right to hire your own defense lawyer should you choose to do so
• The right to defend yourself against the charges and seek to avoid penalties
• The right to appeal a judgment that has been made against you

Any person who is believed to have committed a crime can be apprehended and restrained while awaiting trial. You are protected against punishment or penalty beyond the arrest and confinement while awaiting trial, and the confinement can only be at a level that is necessary to ensure your presence at trial. A member of the military facing charges and being held in confinement could, however, be subjected to a minor punishments while in custody if it is alleged that there has been an infraction of discipline. The arrest and confinement can be by any commissioned officer, who ultimately has the right to apprehend enlisted members under their direct command or authority.

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Helping You Fight Sex Crime Allegations in San Diego, CA

Criminal offenses are heavily punished in military court and recent changes in law have radically increased the number of military members facing charges for various sex crimes, including rape and sexual assault. There are cases in which an alleged victim regrets a sexual act and makes an accusation about a sexual assault, or cases in which retribution is involved.

The law states that a sexual assault is any use of force, threats, intimidation, or abuse of authority when a person does not or cannot consent to the sexual act. These acts include forcible sodomy, or any other unwanted sexual contact that is deemed to be aggravated, abusive or wrongful, or any attempt or threat to engage in these actions. The case will hinge on the issue of consent.

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Don't Take Chances with the Future of Your Career

It is absolutely imperative that you have a criminal defense attorney you can count on working for you if you are facing charges of DUI, or any other criminal offense as a military member. The system is functioning to punish these crimes, and the ramifications of a conviction will last a lifetime and could end your military career. No matter what charges you are facing in military court, contact our firm immediately for relentless representation.

Call now to speak with our San Diego military criminal defense lawyer if you are a service member at Camp Pendleton charged with a crime.

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