Have You Been Investigated or Charged With a Military Crime?
When you are faced with an arrest for a military crime[1], it is important that you immediately work with an attorney that understands military law and the potential long-term obstacles that could come from a conviction. Many service members in your situation choose to rely on the appointed military defense counsel. Often times this occurs because the appointed attorney is paid for by the U.S. government and the accused does not wish to pay for representation. By retaining a civilian criminal defense attorney, however, you can maximize the chances of a successful outcome because you will be working with a lawyer who can allot sufficient time to your case and who will create a strategy for developing a strong defense on your behalf. Plus, a good civilian military attorney is likely to have far more courtroom experience than your appointed counsel.
What Steps Should You Take Before Hiring a Criminal Military Defense Attorney?
– Don’t Talk: If they have asked for an interview or have charged you with an offense, it is imperative that you remain quiet and ask for an attorney. Even seemingly innocent statements can be used against you later.
Greg Gagne, Military Lawyer. Call (773) 899-2514 now for a FREE consultation.
– Research: Before retaining a criminal military defense lawyer, it’s important for you to conduct your research. Confirm if the lawyer has received any professional complaints and obtain as much information as you can to make an informed decision. Is the criminal military defense attorney a former military JAG lawyer[2] who knows the system inside and out? Is their law practice focused on criminal military defense clients? Just as you would not select a brain surgeon that also works as a podiatrist for your health care needs, it is important to select a military defense attorney that focuses their practice and their attention in the specific area of criminal military defense.
– Consult with the Lawyer: An important quality of any criminal military defense lawyer is the ability to communicate. Be sure to discuss your situation with the attorney. After reviewing the attorney’s website, contact the firm by phone, email, or by submitting a contact request through the firm’s site. No reputable military firm charges a fee for the consultation.
Call Gagne, Scherer & Associates, LLC today to schedule a consultation with a civilian military criminal defense lawyer.
If you have been accused of a crime, it is important to consult with a civilian military criminal defense attorney. Our military lawyers are former JAGs who are dedicated solely to Military Criminal Defense. In fact, all of our clients are Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Sailors stationed around the world. To schedule a free case evaluation with one of our military criminal defense attorneys, call our office today at 877-867-5247.
References:
[1] http://www.ucmj.us
[2] http://www.afjag.af.mil
