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San Diego Military Defense Lawyer

San Diego Military Defense Attorney

Aggressive Legal Advocacy for Our Servicemen and Servicewomen in Southern California

Are you a military service member facing an administrative separation board? Was your security clearance unjustly revoked? Were you charged with a crime and are now involved in a court-martial proceeding? When you are set to be tried in a military court or are facing an adverse administrative action, you need a legal advocate who understands what you are up against and how to effectively represent you. 

At the Law Office of Patrick J. McLain, PLLC, protecting your honor, future, and freedom is our highest priority. As a San Diego military defense lawyer with unparalleled experience in the field of military justice, Patrick J. McLain stands ready to relentlessly defend your rights. With over two decades of active service in the U.S. Marine Corps as well as experience as a retired court-martial trial judge, former USMC defense attorney, and former federal prosecutor, he has what it takes to protect your interests.

We proudly serve all five branches of the U.S. military, so do not hesitate to request a free initial consultation if you need legal advice. Call (888) 606-3385 or contact us online today.

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Court-Martial Defense Representation

Court-Martial are the highest level of military trial court and key components of the military justice system. They adjudicate allegations of criminal behaviors or violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) by members of the armed forces. These trials are similar to civilian trials in many respects, yet they are unique in their procedures and rules.

Court-Martial proceedings carry significant risks and implications, which underscore the importance of selecting the right defense representative. Having a civilian military lawyer on your side, especially with the experience of a former JAG lawyer, is invaluable when facing a court-martial. While you may in some cases be entitled to a free military attorney, they may be less experienced, carry higher caseloads, and face an unavoidable conflict of interest since they are active-duty military officers themselves.

Once accused, our San Diego military defense attorney will stick up for you. Patrick J. McLain brings over three decades of knowledge in military law, allowing him to anticipate legal strategies and counter them effectively. We will carefully investigate your circumstances, identify weaknesses in the government’s case, and fight to get the charges reduced or dismissed. Our firm’s team is prepared to relentlessly fight the charges brought against you and will do everything possible to secure an optimal outcome.

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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

Why Should Hire a Civilian Military Attorney?

When you are facing a court-martial or any form of corrective action within the military, hiring a civilian military defense lawyer is an investment in your future and a key part of safeguarding your rights. The intricacy of military law can be daunting, and navigating it without proficient legal counsel can jeopardize the outcome of your case. 

A seasoned civilian military defense lawyer brings several critical advantages to the table. First, they are not part of the military command structure. This independence is fundamental because it means they are free from military hierarchy and coercions that could influence the defense of an appointed military attorney. They are committed solely to your case and your best interests, without concern for the implications of their advocacy on their military careers.

Additionally, civilian lawyers can in many cases have more experience and resources than their military counterparts. They can dedicate the time needed to fully investigate your case and develop a personalized defense strategy. They are likely to be more versed in the nuances of the UCMJ and possess a breadth of experience from handling various military defense cases. This comprehensive understanding can be pivotal in identifying inconsistencies in the prosecution's arguments or in crafting sophisticated legal strategies that consider both the evidence presented and the broader implications for your military career.

With so much at stake, you need a civilian military defense attorney with the experience, knowledge, and resources your case demands. Patrick J. McLain is here for you in your darkest hour and is ready to provide the skilled representation you deserve. 

Put our experience on your side. Contact us online or call (888) 606-3385 to discuss your case with us today. 

OUR CLIENTS SAY IT BEST

    "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
    "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.
    "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 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
    "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
    "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.
    "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.
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