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NJP: Nonjudicial Punishment

NJP Lawyer for Article 15 Hearings

Nonjudicial Punishment: Aka Article 15, Office Hours, Captain's Mast

At the law office of experienced military law attorney Patrick J. McLain, we represent servicemen and women worldwide in nonjudicial punishment (NJP) and misconduct matters, known in the various branches of service as Captain's or Admiral's Mast, Office Hours, or Article 15.

Wherever in the world you are stationed, in the United States, Japan, Germany, Iraq, or Afghanistan, we have the experience and dedication to offer you sound legal advice and the independent representation you need to make the right decision about whether to accept nonjudicial punishment or to fight for your rights and your career.

Just because you are offered NJP does not mean you have to accept it! In many cases you will have a more favorable outcome if you instead demand to be heard before an independent court-martial.

If you're facing an Article 15 hearing, contact an experienced NJP lawyer who can explain your rights and help you decide which course to take.

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Article 15 UCMJ Nonjudicial Punishment

Nonjudicial punishment is reserved for low-level offenses that are not serious enough to warrant a court-martial. Nonjudicial punishment, abbreviated NJP, is the power granted to military commanders under Article 15 UCMJ to resolve allegations considered minor against a member of the armed forces in an administrative setting rather than in a court-martial; that is non-judicially.

NJP goes under many different names; Article 15 (Army and Air Force)Captain's or Admiral's Mast (Navy and Coast Guard), or Office Hours (Marine Corps). The decision to pursue nonjudicial punishment against an individual is at the sole discretion of a military member's commander, and though a superior commander can take away a subordinate commander's power to impose NJP in all cases, he or she cannot do so in a specific case.

Most significant, the decision to accept punishment under Article 15 rests solely with the accused military member (except in the case of a member attached to, or embarked on, a vessel).

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  • Former Federal Prosecutor & Military Judge
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Independent Representation to Help You Fight for Your Future

Our clients are hard chargers. They understand the long-term impact of an adverse entry like NJP on their permanent military record. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who are willing to fight for their careers both in and out of the military would do well to consult an experienced civilian military law attorney.

Patrick J. McLain is an experienced and independent advocate for your rights. He knows the system, but is not beholden to it. His focus in nonjudicial punishment matters is making certain that your rights are fully understood and respected.

Schedule a Consultation With an Attorney Experienced With NJP & Article 15 Hearings

Before you bow to pressure and accept nonjudicial punishment, consider what your military career and future civilian opportunities are worth. 

If you value your future enough to fight for it, then Patrick J. McLain is the lawyer you want fighting by your side. Contact us today.

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    A tremendous lawyer in a time of need. After being accused of conduct unbecoming an officer for personal conduct while off duty, I hired Mr. McLain to help me through the process. He diligently worked behind the scenes to make sure my voice was being heard. Despite my inability to listen to his direction early on, Mr. Mclain was patient and continued to fight on my behalf. Mr. McLain helped me win at a board of inquiry with no other disciplinary action. A sincere man, who is dedicated to his clients. Would strongly recommend and is a great asset to military clients everywhere.
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