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Naval Base Point Loma

Trusted Naval Base Point Loma Civilian Defense Lawyer

Naval Base Point Loma is located outside of San Diego, California. The base has been operated by the U.S. Navy since 1959, but its history is traced back to a Spanish fort built on the site in 1795. If you are facing disciplinary charges while serving at Naval Base Point Loma, contact attorney Patrick J. McLain right away.

Contact Naval Base Point Loma Defense Counsel

If you are placed on notice of an impending NJP or court-martial, you do not have to face these proceedings on your own. Attorney Patrick J. McLain is a former military judge that has dedicated his practice to defending the rights of service members. 

Call today for a consultation and get your questions answered at (888) 606-3385.

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Types of Military Justice at Naval Base Point Loma

Two commonly-used forms of military discipline at Naval Base Point Loma are nonjudicial punishment and trial by court-martial.

Nonjudicial Punishment

Nonjudicial punishment, or NJP, is an administrative form of a disciplinary hearing in the U.S. Navy. Informally known as Captain's Mast or Admiral's Mast in the Navy, this form of discipline is initiated and overseen by your commanding officer. If convicted, you have the right to appeal an NJP up the chain of command.

These proceedings are not as formal as a court-martial. The rules regarding evidence are lax, and there are fewer limitations on who can testify. However, the potential punishment for an NJP is often lower than at a trial by court-martial.

It should be noted that you have the right to refuse an NJP proceeding and demand a trial by court-martial. While this can open you up to tougher penalties, you may benefit from the additional protections that come with a court-martial. This decision is important and should never be made without first consulting with legal counsel.

Court-Martial

Formal criminal proceedings in the Navy are known as trials by court-martial. Court-Martial proceedings are closer to a civilian criminal trial than a Captain's Mast, and a conviction will leave a mark on your permanent criminal record. Trials are overseen by military judges and have more restrictive rules than an NJP.

Your case isn't over if you are convicted as you have the right to appeal your case to one of two military appellate courts. In fact, certain types of convictions automatically trigger an appellate review. At both the trial and appellate level, you have the right to experienced civilian defense counsel.

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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 Naval Base Point Loma

Any violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) could result in a Captain's Mast or trial by court-martial. Common examples of offenses are provided below.

Common NJP Offenses

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

Common Court-Martial Offenses

Potential Penalties

The penalties you could face at an NJP or trial by court-martial can be steep. These potential penalties may include:

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

Additionally, any conviction could result in separation proceedings against you. In the most serious cases, you are at risk of confinement.

OUR CLIENTS SAY IT BEST

    "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
    "I won my military case due to his diligence, knowledge and experience in military law."

    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.

    - Dan C.
    "Always made me feel as though I was his most important client, and was knowledgeable on all subjects."

    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 

    - Mike
    "Great lawyer and better person"
    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.
    - Jonathan
    "Thanks to him I am now able to get on with my life."

    It took some time to make it happen, but it did just like Patrick said, he is a hard charging guy that can help you get what you deserve, Thanks to him I am now able to get on with my life.

    - Chip
    "He is a hard worker and will fight for you the moment you choose him to be on your team!"

    My husband hired Patrick for his summary court martial and Patrick and his team were there every step of the way. They communicated everything they needed and were even there when either me or my husband had any questions. He is a hard worker and will fight for you the moment you choose him to be on your team!

    - Angela
    "Amazing strength and integrity with the combination of experience, insight, and knowledge of military law."

    I have found my lawyer Patrick McLain, to be honest, right to the point, consistently giving me realistic outcomes through the whole process of my case. He's definitely no nonsense, cut to the chase. As a client…I've never been left hanging; he makes sure all my correspondence is returned. He's got amazing strength and integrity with the combination of experience, insight, and knowledge of military law. He stands behind his words and expects the same in return. I say my blessings every day for him taking my case. With him as my attorney, I've achieved best possible outcomes.

    - Gina F.
    "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 

    - Chris C.
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