ALASKA COURT-MARTIAL DEFENSE LAWYER

What’s at stake in a court-martial in Alaska?

A court-martial conviction can end your military career and follow you for years. The consequences can include confinement, a punitive discharge, reduction in rank, and forfeiture of pay. For enlisted service members, that means a bad-conduct or dishonorable discharge; for officers, a dismissal. You may also face sex-offender registration and the loss of retirement and veterans’ benefits. On top of that, a federal conviction can affect your civilian employment, housing, and future. Even though Alaska is stateside, the stakes are just as high — a federal record and a punitive discharge can follow you long after your service ends.

How are courts-martial handled at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and Eielson Air Force Base?

Courts-martial in Alaska fall under your branch and command’s convening authority. For Army cases, that is generally through U.S. Army Alaska and the 11th Airborne Division at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson or Fort Wainwright. For Air Force cases, it is the 11th Air Force at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, or the 354th Fighter Wing at Eielson Air Force Base. The convening authority decides whether to prefer charges, refer your case to court-martial, and approve any sentence. Having tried courts-martial across these Alaska commands for years, I know how they investigate, charge, and try cases — and how to mount an effective defense within that system.

When should I hire a defense lawyer?

As early as possible — ideally the moment you suspect you are under investigation by CID, NCIS, AFOSI, or your command. In fact, the most critical defense work often happens before charges are ever preferred, while the command is still gathering information and deciding how far to take the case. By getting counsel early, you can avoid statements and choices that harden the case against you. As a result, early representation can sometimes resolve matters before they ever reach a court-martial.

Won’t the military assign me a lawyer for free?

Yes — the military will assign you defense counsel at no cost, and many are capable. However, appointed military defenders in Alaska are often stretched thin, especially given the state’s remote geography and the distance between installations. They may also have limited trial experience in serious or complex cases. In addition, they rotate out on short tours, which can disrupt continuity in a case that takes months to resolve. By contrast, a civilian defense lawyer gives you dedicated, experienced representation from start to finish — chosen by you, not assigned to you.

Do I need a military defense lawyer if I am under investigation in Alaska?

If you are under investigation in Alaska, you should treat the situation seriously from the beginning. In many cases, getting legal advice before answering questions, making statements, or trying to explain yourself informally can make a major difference.

Do you handle court-martial cases in Alaska?

Yes. I represent service members in Alaska facing court-martial and other serious UCMJ matters, including cases that can affect liberty, rank, pay, promotion potential, retirement, and long-term military benefits.

Can you help if I am stationed at JBER, Fort Wainwright, or Eielson Air Force Base?

Yes. I handle military defense matters for service members stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Fort Wainwright, Eielson Air Force Base, and other commands across Alaska who are facing investigations, Article 15 / NJP, administrative separation, or court-martial.

Why do service members in Alaska hire civilian military defense counsel?

Service members in Alaska hire us because they want the strongest defense they can get and independent counsel whose only job is to protect them. Many clients come to us specifically because of our reputation for high‑quality military defense and because they want focused representation from the very beginning of a case. They often seek help before answering questions, responding to adverse paperwork, speaking with investigators, or agreeing to command requests that could make their situation harder to fix later. That level of early, strategic guidance is not usually available through base legal. Others reach out after action has already been taken against them, once they become frustrated with the limitations of their appointed military counsel and want a defense team that can push back more aggressively on their behalf.

What kinds of Alaska  military cases do you handle?

I handle court-martial defense, Article 15 / NJP defense, administrative separation matters, military investigations, adverse paperwork, sexual assault allegations, drug allegations, false official statement allegations, disobedience allegations, and other serious UCMJ-related cases.

Does it matter that I am stationed far from Anchorage or in a remote part of Alaska?

No. Being stationed far from Anchorage or at a more remote installation does not mean you have to wait to get experienced military defense representation. The important thing is getting help early, before statements are made and before the case becomes more difficult to defend.

Can you help before charges are filed?

Yes. Some of the most important defense work happens before charges are preferred, while the command is still gathering information, making decisions, and deciding how far to take the case.

If you are in Alaska and need a military defense lawyer, contact me for a confidential consultation. If you are being investigated, accused of a UCMJ offense, facing court-martial, or worried that command action is coming, now is the time to protect yourself.