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Sheppard AFB

Sheppard AFB Civilian Defense Attorney

Seated only five miles north of Wichita Falls, Texas, is Sheppard Air Force Base. This United States Air Force installation has been in operation since 1941 and is operated by the Air Education and Training Command. If you have been notified of pending disciplinary charges while serving at Sheppard AFB, attorney Patrick J. McLain can help.

Speak With Civilian Defense Counsel

Never take on these criminal charges alone. Without the help of experienced legal counsel, you could take a tough situation and make it worse.

 To build a defense that could prevail at trial, reach out to attorney and retired military judge Patrick J. McLain and attorney E. Allen Chandler right away at (888) 606-3385.

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Military Justice at Sheppard AFB

When there is an alleged violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) at Sheppard Air Force Base, there are two commonly used forms of discipline. They include nonjudicial punishment and trial by court-martial.

Nonjudicial Punishment

Of the two types of military discipline, nonjudicial punishment is the least formal. Commonly referred to as Article 15 in the Air Force, Nonjudicial punishment (NJP) is an administrative proceeding that could have a major impact on your future. While a conviction does not land on your permanent record, it could carry serious consequences and even lead to the end of your career in the Air Force.

You are entitled to reject an NJP. If you do so, your case will be heard in a trial by court-martial. This choice is risky, as a court-martial carries more severe penalties compared to an NJP. That said, there are some built-in advantages of a formal trial compared to facing an NJP process overseen by your commanding officer. You should always consult legal counsel before making this decision.

You have the right to an appeal following an adverse NJP decision. However, the appeal is heard up your chain of command instead of through an appeals court.

Court-Martial

A trial by court-martial is a formal hearing overseen by a military judge. This criminal proceeding has strict rules of evidence, and a conviction will end up on your criminal record. This means a conviction at court-martial could follow you long after your military career is over.

Like with an NJP, you have the right to appeal a conviction after a trial by court-martial. Trial by court-martial appeals differ, given that they are heard by a dedicated appeals court. When the charges are serious, the courts will often initiate an appeal automatically. During trial or on appeal, you have the right to hire your choice of civilian defense counsel to defend you.

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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 Sheppard AFB

If you are accused of violating the UCMJ, you could face either type of military discipline. However, some charges are more likely to be heard at an NJP while others are more likely to be heard during a trial by court-martial.

Common NJP Offenses

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

Common Court-Martial Offenses

Penalties

For lesser offenses, the potential penalties for an Article 15 or a trial by court-martial are often similar. The four most common penalties in both types of hearings include loss of rank, extra duties, loss of pay, and restriction. A trial by court-martial could also lead to confinement.

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    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.

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    The Law Office of Patrick J. 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 afraid of losing my career. Attorney McLain gave great legal advice through the process and reached out many times to see how I was doing. 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 military experience and personal qualities make him the best lawyer to defend military personnel.
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    "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.
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    "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 

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    "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!

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STAY UP TO DATE

  • Understanding the Different Types of Court-Martials: Summary, Special, and General
  • Military Appeals: Process and Tips for a Successful Appeal
  • Navigating a Court-Martial: What to Expect and How to Prepare
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