The bar scene outside U.S. installations in South Korea is a cultural and legal minefield that has wrecked many military careers. The establishments that cluster around Osan Air Base and Camp Humphreys, particularly in Songtan and Pyeongtaek, operate on a “drink-commission” system: hostesses earn money for every overpriced drink a customer buys. The more drinks sold, the higher their pay. The women are employed to entertain customers through conversation, flattery, and light physical contact. Sometimes, that’s just the prelude to extortion. What starts as an ordinary night out can end with an Article 120 prosecution, or allegations of solicitation, or even pandering. Where False Sexual Assault Accusations Occur The areas outside Osan Air Base, Camp Humphreys, and Camp Casey, particularly Songtan, Pyeongtaek, and Dongducheon, are […]
Sexual Assault Category
Memory Science, Alcohol, Bias and Testimony in Article 120 UCMJ Sexual Assault Cases
In cases of alleged sexual assault prosecuted under Article 120 of the UCMJ, physical evidence is frequently scarce or inconclusive. The outcome often rests entirely on the testimony of the alleged victim. For the court-martial judge or panel to render a just verdict, they must conduct a rigorous, scientifically informed assessment of that testimony, moving beyond simple emotional responses. Gagne, Scherer & Associates 25-year specialization in Article 120 cases is built on the mastery of forensic science and the psychological vulnerabilities of testimonial evidence. We use established cognitive science to educate the court on the difference between a sincere witness and an accurate one, ensuring the verdict rests on fact, not flawed memory. Distinguishing the Pillars of Testimony A common mistake is treating a witness’s convincing […]
Insider Tips from a Military Attorney: How to win your Sexual Assault Case
A military sexual assault case can’t be about settling scores. It’s about staying free and staying off of the sex offender list. Here’s how you do that: Be nice Be reasonable. Be thorough. Am I telling you to be nice? I am. Bear with me. Broadly speaking, an attorney will defend a military sexual assault case in one of two ways: attack or outflank. Every particular approach falls into one of those categories. Either approach can work, but this is a classic instance where, more often than not, you’ll catch more flies with honey than vinegar. How do you do it? Strictly speaking, you do don’t do it, your attorney does. But you still have to choose how you want to be represented, because everything […]