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Travis Air Force Base Attorney

Travis Air Force Base Attorney

Built in 1942, Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California is host to the 60th Air Mobility Wing as well as the 265-bed Grant USAF Medical Center.  The base, which is known for its long history of successful humanitarian airlift operations, is also home to the Doolittle Air and Space Museum.  If you are facing a military disciplinary proceeding while stationed at Travis AFB, you have the right to be defended by a civilian attorney.

You Have a Right to a Civilian Attorney

If you are facing a disciplinary proceeding at Travis AFB, contact retired Marine Corps judge and Travis AFB military attorney Patrick McLain and E. Allen Chandler today to discuss your case.

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Types of Military Justice at Travis AFB

Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), there are two major types of disciplinary proceeding you might face: nonjudicial punishment and court-martial.

Nonjudicial Punishment

Nonjudicial punishment, also known as Article 15, is an administrative action that can be initiated against you at the discretion of your commanding officer. This common disciplinary action is not a formal criminal proceeding, but you are still entitled to a civilian attorney during the process.

While it is true that your commanding officer can choose to initiate a NJP, it is your right to reject it in favor of a formal court-martial proceeding.  In most cases you face more severe, long-lasting penalties under a court-martial than in an NJP, if you are convicted.  However, you have more rights and a better chance of acquittal on charges in the formal setting of a court-martial that is not present in an administrative hearing.   It is important to discuss your options with an attorney before you accept or reject a NJP.

If you accept NJP and receive an unfavorable result, you have the right to appeal the decision up the chain of command.  The allowed grounds for appeal are that the outcome was unjust or the punishment was disproportionate to the offense.

Court-Martial

A court-martial differs from an NJP in that it is a criminal proceeding as opposed to an administrative action.  A conviction by a court-martial will be reflected on your criminal record.  You can face charges at a court-martial hearing for any violation of the UCMJ, which includes everything from insubordination to murder.

If convicted, you have a right to an appeal. There are two levels of courts which hear appeals from Air Force court-martial convictions:

  • The Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals
  • The Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces

Just like an NJP proceeding or a court-martial, you have the right to a civilian defense attorney at every stage of your appeal.  

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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 Travis AFB

While you can face a court-martial proceeding for any violation of the UCMJ, there are some offense that are more commonly dealt with at a NJP.

Common NJP Offenses

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

Common Court-Martial Offenses

Potential Penalties

While it is true that the potential penalties for an NJP are less than those of a court-martial, that does not mean that they are not significant.  In fact, an NJP can bring about separation proceedings.  Other common penalties include:

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

A conviction at a court-martial could bring about penalties similar to those listed above, but can also include serious consequences such as incarceration or punitive discharge.

OUR CLIENTS SAY IT BEST

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

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    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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    "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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