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MCAS Miramar

MCAS Miramar Civilian Defense Attorney

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar (MCAS Miramar) is the home of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. This facility, which is operated by the United States Marine Corps, was first opened in 1917. The air station is located in Miramar, just north of San Diego, California. If you are facing charges while serving at MCAS Miramar, reach out to attorney Patrick J. McLain immediately.

Civilian Counsel at MCAS Miramar

The penalties that come with these charges are often steep. It is important to remember, however, that if you win you will never face those consequences. 

To learn how you could prevail at trial, contact attorney and former Marine Corps judge Patrick J. McLain right away.

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Types of Military Justice at MCAS Miramar

At MCAS Miramar, there are two common forms of military justice. The first is nonjudicial punishment, and the second is trial by court-martial. You could encounter either form of discipline depending on the nature of your charges.

Nonjudicial Punishment

Unofficially known as “Office Hours” in the Marine Corps, nonjudicial punishment will not lead to a conviction on your permanent record. It can, however, lead to serious consequences. In some cases, a bad result could trigger separation proceedings that could end your career.

Office Hours are overseen by your commanding officer. The process is fairly informal, and appeals are heard through the chain of command. The most important factor to consider with an NJP is your right to reject the process entirely. If you choose, you have the right to face trial by court-martial instead. This carries substantial risk, as the penalties from a court-martial are more severe.

Before you make a decision regarding an NJP, it is in your best interest to discuss your options with experienced civilian defense counsel.

Trial by Court-Martial

A trial by court-martial is a criminal proceeding that is similar in many ways to a civilian trial. If convicted, it will be reflected on your permanent record. The process for a trial by court-martial is more formal than an NJP. A military judge will oversee the proceedings and ensure that the formal rules of evidence are followed by both sides.

If you are convicted at trial, you are entitled to file an appeal. In certain types of cases, an appeal could be automatic. The two appellate courts that hear Marine Corps cases include:

  1. the Navy-Marine Court of Criminal Appeals; and
  2. 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 MCAS Miramar

If you are accused of violating the Uniform Code of Military Justice, you could face either of the following two forms of discipline.

Common NJP Offenses

  • Unauthorized absence (AWOL)
  • Drunk on duty
  • Fraternization
  • Failure to obey orders
  • Destroying government property

Common Court-Martial Offenses

Potential Penalties

If convicted, the penalties in both NJP and trial by court-martial are similar in many cases. You could face:

  • Restriction
  • Loss of pay
  • Loss or rank
  • Extra duties.

For more serious charges in a court-martial, you could also face confinement or a punitive discharge.

OUR CLIENTS SAY IT BEST

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    Mr. McLain helped me through the most difficult experience in my life. As a Marine Officer facing an upcoming board of inquiry for conduct issues, I was fearful of losing a career that I deeply cherished. Mr. McLain not only gave me perfect legal advice throughout the process, but also reached out many times to see how I was doing on a personal level. A great lawyer and better person, Mr. McLain helped me become successful in my board of inquiry and keep moving forward in my career. His knowledge and experience are top notch, and his military experience and personal qualities make him the best lawyer out there to defend military personnel. Would highly recommend to anyone.
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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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    He completely cared, took my case personally, always made me feel as though I was his most important client, and was knowledgeable on all subjects. I give him the highest rating possible and totally recommend him to anyone who is 

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    "I was entirely impressed with mclain’s work on my case."

    I called McLain when the military charged me with some B.S., McLain immediately jumped into action and made things happen in my favor. Don't do it alone … your military chain of command will try to make you think that your cooperation will help you, it will NOT. I was entirely impressed with McLain's work on my 

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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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