No matter what type of court-martial charges or other adverse action is pursued against you, it could have immense consequences on both your military career and your civilian life. A conviction at court-martial may result in a rank reduction, forfeitures in pay, confinement in military prison, punitive discharge (Bad Conduct Discharge or Dishonorable Discharge), sex offender registration (depending on the offense), and a criminal record. Even an Article 15 (NJP) could result in rank reduction, leave a blemish on your service record, and lead to administrative separation with a General or Other Than Honorable discharge.
As a prior Marine Infantry Rifleman, David S. Hendrickson, knows what it is like to live as an enlisted servicemember and to lead as a Noncommissioned Officer – to include battle tested leadership in combat. Mr. Hendrickson used his skills with tactics and strategy in the courtroom as a Judge Advocate in the Army with great success. As a civilian, he fights every case he takes on with the same dedication and tenacity that he learned during his time serving our country. If you are facing a court-martial or adverse action of any kind in the Armed Forces – or even if you are only under investigation – retaining a skilled military criminal defense lawyer like David S. Hendrickson who helps service members worldwide, could make all the difference in how your case ultimately ends.
Every member of the United States Armed Forces is subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), which covers offenses similar to civilian crimes and offenses that are unique to the military. Just like civilians accused of criminal offenses, military servicemembers accused of violating the UCMJ have Constitutional and procedural rights that cannot be infringed upon, which include the right to remain silent, the right to a fair trial, and the right to legal counsel. Our lawyers in Honolulu help protect military servicemembers’ rights across the world by building vigorous defenses for those who stand accused of criminal offenses.
Depending on the severity of the alleged offense and recommendations from the chain of command, servicemembers may be subject to different levels of courts-martial. Minor violations may result in Article 15 Nonjudicial Punishment (NJP), which allows a commander to punish a servicemember without a court-martial. However, a servicemember can refuse an Article 15 and demand trial by court martial instead. The lowest level of court martial is a Summary Court Martial. Like an Article 15, punishment at Summary Court Martial is limited, and a finding of guilt does not result in a criminal record. A servicemember can also refuse a Summary Court Martial. Refusing an Article 15 or Summary Court Martial will likely result with being tried at a higher-level court martial.
Special Courts-Martial are for offenses that would generally be categorized as misdemeanors for civilians, and General Courts-Martial are for the equivalent of civilian felonies. A conviction at either of these courts result in a criminal record, and the risk for severe punishment is extremely high. The attorneys at our law firm in Honolulu could build a defense for any military servicemember across the world who is facing any type of court-martial.
Adverse administrative action can come in many forms, to include relief, re-assignment, bar to re-enlistment, reprimand, and administrative separation. The most common are administrative separations and letters of reprimand. Both have the obvious potential to end a military career. For example, if a General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand (GOMOR) is filed permanently in a Soldier’s service record, it could prevent promotion and likely lead to administrative separation with a General or Other than Honorable Discharge. A skilled defense lawyer like David S. Hendrickson, could make all the difference in preserving the reputation and military career of any servicemember who is facing criminal charges worldwide.
Make no mistake—an allegation against you that results in any kind of investigation warrants immediate and proactive action. This is a very dangerous time for a servicemember. Without the representation and protection of a skilled lawyer, it is easy to make unintentional mistakes which have devastating repercussions on your career and your life.
Once you retain David S. Hendrickson, as your Honolulu military criminal defense lawyer, he could put his experience and proven abilities to work on your behalf, tirelessly seeking a favorable outcome to your case. Although based in Honolulu Hawaii, Mr. Hendrickson is devoted to defending military personnel worldwide. If you have been accused of an offense, the system is designed to beat you – even if you are 100% innocent. Obtaining the best possible representation is paramount. Get in touch with Mr. Hendrickson today.
