Seasoned NAS JRB Fort Worth Civilian Defense Attorney

Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, better known as NAS JRB Fort Worth, was first built in 1942. It is the successor to Naval Air Station Dallas. While operated by the U.S. Navy, the base is home to reserve garrisons from the four major branches as well as the Texas Air National Guard. If you are facing military discipline at NAS JRB Fort Worth, you have the right to your choice of civilian defense counsel. Contact retired military judge and dedicated military defense attorney Patrick J. McLain today.

Types of Military Justice at NAS JRB Fort Worth

There are two commonly used forms of military discipline at NAS JRB Fort Worth: nonjudicial punishment (NJP) and trial by court-martial.

Nonjudicial punishment

Nonjudicial punishment proceedings are also referred to as captain's mast or admiral's mast. While an NJP carries significant penalties, it is not a formal criminal proceeding. For that reason, a conviction will not show up on your criminal record.

The NJP process is overseen by your commanding officer and not a judge. Witnesses are permitted, but the rules regarding testimony and evidence are relaxed. You have the right to appeal a conviction, but the appeal will not be heard by an appellate court. Instead, the appeal will go up your chain of command.

Your commanding officer not only has the right to oversee your NJP, but the right to initiate the process as well. It should be noted, however, that you have the right to refuse an NJP and demand a trial by court-martial in most cases. While a court-martial carries steeper penalties, the more formal structure could work to your advantage in some cases. You should always discuss your options with an experienced defense attorney before rejecting a captain's mast.

Court-Martial

Unlike an NJP, a trial by court-martial is a criminal proceeding. If you are found guilty, a criminal conviction will be reflected on your permanent criminal record. These trials are formal and are overseen by a military judge. The rules regarding testimony and evidence are far more formal than an NJP.

You still have options even if you are convicted at trial. Not only do you have the right to an appeal, in many cases a conviction automatically triggers appellate review. Never forget: you are entitled to legal counsel through every step of the court-martial process.

Common Offenses at NAS JRB Fort Worth

You could face either form of military discipline upon a breach of the UCMJ. Some common offenses are listed 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 NJP can be costly. Common penalties 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 NAS JRB Fort Worth Defense Counsel

If you anticipate facing military justice at NAS JRB Fort Worth, do not delay in securing defense counsel in your case. Call attorney Patrick J. McLain today to discuss your legal options.