NAS Corpus Christi Defense Attorney

Naval Air Station (NAS) Corpus Christi is United States Navy facility located six miles outside of Corpus Christi, Texas. First built in 1941, NAS Corpus Christi has been in constant use ever since. The base is home to several training squadrons and is under the control of the Navy Region Southeast. If you are facing military discipline at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, reach out to attorneys Patrick J. McLain and E. Allen Chandler today.

Types of Military Justice at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi

There are two common forms of military justice used at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi: nonjudicial punishment and trial by court-martial.

Nonjudicial Punishment

One form of administrative discipline in the Navy is known as nonjudicial punishment (NJP). These proceedings are informally known as captain's mast or admiral's mast. An NJP is not a criminal proceeding, but it still carries serious consequences.

Nonjudicial punishment proceedings are less formal than a trial by court-martial. These hearings are overseen by your commanding officer and lack the strict rules that apply to criminal trial. If you are convicted, you have the right to appeal. However, that appeal goes up the chain of command instead of through a dedicated appellate court.

While your commanding officer can bring you up on an NJP, you have the right to refuse in favor of a trial by court-martial. There are concerns involved with this decision, as a trial by court-martial carries tougher penalties upon conviction. The decision to reject an NJP is a serious one; it should never be made without first consulting your attorney.

Court-Martial

A trial by court-martial differs from an NJP due to its status as a formal criminal proceeding. Upon a conviction at trial by court-martial, you will have a permanent criminal record. These proceedings are similar to a civilian criminal trial but are overseen by a military judge. The rules regarding evidence and witnesses are closer to a civilian trial than in a captain's mast.

Your court-martial is not the last chance you have to fight the charges against you. If you are convicted, you have the right to appeal the decision. In many cases, a conviction automatically triggers appellate review. From trial through an appeal, you are entitled to the civilian defense counsel of your choice.

Common Offenses at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi

Any alleged breach of the UCMJ could lead to an NJP or court-martial. Some common offenses are provided below.

Common NJP Offenses

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

Common Court-Martial Offenses

• Drug abuse
• Rape
• Sexual harassment
• Sexual assault
• Fraud

Potential Penalties

The penalties for a court-martial or Admiral's Mast can be costly. Common penalties upon conviction include:

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

In the most serious cases, you could face confinement or separation from the Navy.

Contact Naval Air Station Corpus Christi Defense Counsel

When you are facing disciplinary charges at NAS Corpus Christi, you have the right to civilian defense counsel of your choice. To learn more about how experienced legal counsel can help your case, contact attorney Patrick J. McLain today.