Naval Base Ventura County
Naval Base Ventura County is a United States Navy facility located in Port Hueneme, California. The base is made up of three different facilities that each serves as a mobilization site, deep water port, and airfield. If you are facing disciplinary proceedings at Naval Base Ventura County, you have the right to military defense counsel. Contact attorney Patrick J. McLain to discuss your defense options.
Military Discipline at Naval Base Ventura County
The two most commonly used forms of military discipline at Naval Base Ventura County are (1) nonjudicial punishment and (2) trial by court-martial.
Nonjudicial Punishment
Nonjudicial punishment (NJP) is an administrative proceeding initiated by your commanding officer. While not a formal criminal hearing, a conviction could result in steep consequences. Also referred to as Captain's Mast or Admiral's Mast in the Navy, these proceedings are less formal than a court-martial. There are fewer restrictions on the admissibility of evidence or witness testimony. If convicted, you have the right to appeal up the chain of command.
If you are facing an NJP, you have an important decision to make. You are entitled to reject an NJP and demand a trial by court-martial. This choice can be risky, given that the penalties for a court-martial conviction are steep. However, this decision may be in your best interest if you are concerned about your chances of a fair hearing before your commanding officer.
The choice to reject an NJP should not be taken lightly and should be made in consultation with experienced legal counsel.
Court-Martial
A trial by court-martial is a formal criminal proceeding. If convicted, your permanent record will reflect a criminal conviction. A trial by court-martial is overseen by a military judge and is similar in structure to a civilian criminal trial.
If you are convicted at a trial by court-martial, you will have another opportunity to fight your conviction. You are entitled to file an appeal, and in many cases, appellate review is automatically triggered. From trial to appeal, you have the right to civilian defense counsel.
Common Offenses at Naval Base Kitsap
You can be brought up on NJP or a trial by court-martial for any alleged violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Some potential offenses 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
The penalties for an NJP or a court-martial can be severe. Common penalties upon conviction include:
- Restriction
- Loss of rank
- Loss of pay, or
- Extra duties.
In more serious cases, you could face confinement or separation from the Navy.
Contact Naval Base Ventura County Defense Counsel Right Away
If you have been notified of pending charges at Naval Base Ventura County, you have the right to your choice of defense counsel. Attorney Patrick J. McLain is an attorney and retired Marine Corps judge that is ready to help you defend yourself from the charges against you. Call today to schedule your free phone consultation.