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Fort Liberty

Smart, Strategic Fort Liberty Civilian Defense Attorney

Located near Fayetteville, North Carolina, Fort Liberty is a United States Army installation that is home to the XVIII Airborne Corps. The installation has been in continuous operation since 1918 when it was established as an artillery training ground. Fort Liberty's strategic importance has since grown and it is now the headquarters of U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) and U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM). If you are facing disciplinary proceedings while serving at Fort Liberty, do not hesitate to contact former military judge and attorney Patrick J. McLain today.

Your Right to a Fort Liberty Civilian Defense Counsel

You do not have to face the prospect of military discipline on your own. 

To discuss your defense options, contact attorney and former military judge Patrick J. McLain right away.

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Types of Military Justice at Fort Liberty

There are two different types of disciplinary proceedings commonly used in the United States Army: nonjudicial punishment and trial by court-martial.

Nonjudicial Punishment

Nonjudicial punishment, or NJP, is a type of administrative military discipline. Commonly referred to as Article 15 in the Army, an NJP is not a formal criminal proceeding and will not result in a conviction on your permanent criminal record. That doesn't mean the consequences are not severe, however. Article 15 is initiated and overseen by your commanding officer. While there are rules related to witnesses and evidence, the process is much less formal than a trial by court-martial.

It is important to understand that you have the right to reject an NJP in favor of a trial by court-martial. This is a tradeoff, as a court-martial adds additional procedural protections but also carries steeper penalties. Never reject an NJP without first discussing your options with experienced legal counsel.

You also have the right to appeal any adverse decision. Instead of going before an appellate court, however, your NJP appeal will instead go up the chain of command.

Court-Martial

Unlike Article 15, a trial by court-martial is a formal criminal proceeding. A conviction will be reflected on your permanent criminal record. Your trial by court-martial would be overseen by a military judge. The proceedings are governed by formal rules related to the introduction of evidence.

You have the right to appeal a conviction in a Fort Liberty trial by court-martial. In fact, many cases will automatically result in an appellate review. The two dedicated appeals courts for the Army include:

  • the Army Court of Criminal Appeals; and
  • the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.
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You Need a Civilian Military Lawyer

WHY CHOOSE THE LAW OFFICE OF PATRICK J. MCLAIN?

  • Former Federal Prosecutor & Military Judge
    Attorney Patrick J. McLain's years of experience across the aisle provide him with a unique perspective.
  • Over Two Decades in the U.S. Marine Corps
  • Our Firm is Top-Rated & Award-Winning
  • Over 3,500 Cases Successfully Handled

Common Offenses at Fort Liberty

You could face either an NJP or a trial by court-martial for any violation of the UCMJ. However, some charges are more likely than others to be dealt with through nonjudicial punishment. Examples of common offenses for an NJP or court-martial proceeding are listed below.

Common NJP Offenses

  • Unauthorized absence (AWOL)
  • Drunk on duty
  • Fraternization
  • Violation of orders
  • Destroying government property

Common Court-Martial Offenses

Potential Penalties

Regardless of the type of discipline you face, the penalties from a conviction could haunt you forever. Many NJP cases result in penalties like

  • restriction
  • loss of pay
  • extra duties
  • loss of rank.

In more serious court-martial cases, you could face incarceration or a punitive discharge. Any conviction, regardless of the punishment assigned, could also lead to separation proceedings.

OUR CLIENTS SAY IT BEST

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    I cannot recommend Patrick highly enough. I won my military case due to his diligence, knowledge and experience in military law. Had I proceeded on my own, I would have lost, for the process was simply too complex. When working with Patrick, there was never a time when I felt left in the dark on my case, nor a time when his assessments and instructions were unclear. Should you be in any difficult circumstance, Patrick will work his tail off for you and keep you clearly informed on the status of your case. Again, I highly recommend the services of Patrick McLain.

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    "Amazing lawyer who fights for you!"
    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.
    - Former Client
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STAY UP TO DATE

  • Understanding the Different Types of Court-Martials: Summary, Special, and General
  • Military Appeals: Process and Tips for a Successful Appeal
  • Navigating a Court-Martial: What to Expect and How to Prepare
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