Relief for Cause Defense Attorneys

Counsel for Service Members Relieved from Command 

Being relieved for cause is one of the most serious administrative actions a military service member can face.  It can abruptly remove you from leadership, damage your professional reputation, and threaten the military career you have spent years building.  Even when no court-martial is convened, the consequences can be immediate and lasting. 

When your command takes action against you, and you believe the decision was unjustified, disproportionate, or procedurally flawed, you need experienced counsel who understands both the law and the military system.  For many military service members throughout the country and around the world, that means coming to Law Office of Patrick J. McLain, PLLC for legal counsel.  Led by Attorney Patrick McLain, who is a former federal prosecutor, former USMC defense attorney, and a retired court-martial trial judge, we are always ready to stand up for a military service member in need of dependable legal counsel.  

Contact us online or call (888) 606-3385 immediately to discuss the first steps to take if you have been, or are being, relieved for cause.

What Does Relief for Cause Mean?

Relief for Cause, sometimes referred to as Relief from Command, occurs when a service member is removed from a duty position or leadership assignment because of alleged poor performance, misconduct, or a perceived loss of confidence in their ability to perform their duties.  Unlike a court-martial, this action is administrative rather than criminal.  It typically does not involve a trial, but it can still have consequences that rival or exceed formal punishment.  Decisions are often made quickly, based on command discretion, and implemented before the service member has a meaningful opportunity to respond. 

Relief for cause actions can arise in many situations, such as:

• Leadership disagreements
• Operational mistakes
• Policy conflicts
• Allegations that never rise to the level of criminal charges

A recent high-profile example involved Space Force Colonel Susannah Meyers, who was relieved of command at Pituffik Space Base in Greenland after reportedly expressing disagreement with senior political leadership’s plans to seize Greenland from the control of Denmark.   Regardless of the underlying facts, the case shows how swiftly command authority can remove a leader and reshape a military career.  Relief actions are powerful tools, and when used unfairly or without proper process, they should be challenged strategically and professionally. 

Consequences of a Relief for Cause Action 

Although administrative, Relief for Cause is far from minor.  It can follow you long after the initial decision and influence future opportunities.  Even if you continue serving in the military, the professional and reputational effects can be substantial. 

Common consequences of a relief for cause action include:

• Removal from a command or key leadership billet 
• Immediate reassignment or loss of responsibilities 
• Damaged credibility with superiors and peers 
• Negative documentation that can affect promotion or selection boards 
• Loss of special duty, flight, or command opportunities 
• Forced separation, early retirement, or stalled advancement 
• Long-term impact on post-service employment and professional standing 

For many service members, the most serious damage is not punishment but lost trajectory.  Years of progress can be undone overnight, so legal action and response is always the right course. 

We Represent Service Members in Relief for Cause Cases

When you face Relief for Cause, timing and preparation matter.  These cases often move quickly, and once documentation is finalized, it becomes harder to correct the record.  Our job is to step in early, assess the facts, and prepare a disciplined strategy to protect your interests. 

We represent service members at every stage, whether you are under investigation, have just been notified of relief, or are trying to repair the damage after the fact.  Our aim is to protect your record, safeguard your future, and pursue the best achievable outcome. 

Depending on the details of your case, we may:

• Check that proper procedures were followed and challenge errors or violations of regulations 
• Present evidence, context, or mitigating information that the command failed to consider 
• Advocate directly with command leadership for reconsideration or modification 
• Seek removal or correction of damaging documentation when appropriate 
• Reduce the severity of administrative consequences 
• Protect your eligibility for continued service, promotion, or retirement 
• Prepare a strong, professional record for boards or reviews 

Not every case requires confrontation.  In some situations, an organized, professional approach behind the scenes can lead to an amicable solution that preserves your career.  In others, a firm and aggressive challenge is necessary. 

Service Members Trust Our Firm

Military administrative actions demand more than textbook legal knowledge.  They require an understanding of how commands operate, how decisions are made, and how to communicate effectively within the chain of command.  That is where experience matters in relief for cause cases like yours. 

Attorney Patrick McLain is a former military judge and former prosecutor.  He understands the system from the inside and knows how commands evaluate risk, discipline, and leadership standards.  That background gives us practical insight when we advocate for you.  When your career is at stake, you need counsel who speaks the language of the military and operates with credibility. 

Clients trust us with their military-related cases because:

• We focus exclusively on military and federal defense matters, including administrative cases. 
• We understand command structure, culture, and expectations. 
• We provide direct, candid guidance without false promises. 
• We prepare thoroughly and communicate professionally with leadership. 
• We represent service members from every branch, worldwide. 
• We treat each case with discretion and respect. 

Get Professional Counsel Now – We’re Standing By

A relief for cause action does not have to define your career.  Decisions can be challenged.  Records can be corrected.  

Consequences can often be reduced or mitigated with the right strategy.  The key may be to act early, though, so you should approach the situation with disciplined legal counsel like ours.  We proudly represent service members nationwide and around the world.  Wherever you are stationed, we are prepared to stand with you. 

Call us at (888) 606-3385 today for a confidential consultation.