CAMP FOSTER COURT-MARTIAL DEFENSE LAWYER
MILITARY JUSTICE
Camp Foster Court-Martial and UCMJ Defense
From courts-martial and Boards of Inquiry to other UCMJ defense and administrative actions, these are the cases I handle for service members at Camp Foster. Click any area below to learn more.
Court-Martial Defense at Camp Foster: What You Need to Know
Understanding how the military justice system works at Camp Foster is the first step in protecting yourself. Knowing why a seasoned civilian defense lawyer matters is the second. This section covers both.
Courts-Martial at Camp Foster
Three types of courts-martial can be convened at Camp Foster. A summary court-martial handles minor offenses and can impose limited punishments, including confinement and reduction in rank. A special court-martial handles mid-level offenses and can result in confinement, forfeiture of pay, and a bad-conduct discharge. A general court-martial handles the most serious offenses. It can impose lengthy confinement, a dishonorable discharge, and other severe penalties.
If you are facing a court-martial at Camp Foster, the prosecution has likely been building its case before you were ever charged. You need a defense lawyer who can match that preparation. You need someone with the trial experience to fight in the courtroom — not just negotiate behind closed doors.
Convening Authorities at Camp Foster
The convening authority at Camp Foster depends on your assignment. For Marine Corps personnel, the General Court-Martial Convening Authority is typically the Commander, Marine Corps Installations Pacific (MCIPAC) or the Commanding General, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st MAW). The Headquarters and Support Battalion commanding officer serves as the Special Court-Martial Convening Authority for personnel under his command. Squadron and battalion commanders can convene summary courts-martial for their assigned personnel.
For Navy personnel assigned to the U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa or other Navy commands on the installation, the convening authority may fall under Commander, Naval Forces Japan (CNFJ) or Commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet. The convening authority decides whether to refer charges, what charges to prefer, and whether to offer you non-judicial punishment instead of a court-martial.
A skilled defense lawyer can engage with the convening authority early. Before charges are referred, there may be an opportunity to advocate for your interests, present mitigating evidence, or persuade the command to take a different path.
The Office of Special Trial Counsel
Under recent military justice reforms, certain cases are now handled by the Office of Special Trial Counsel (OSTC). These include sexual assault offenses, domestic violence, and related crimes. The OSTC operates independently from the chain of command. An independent special trial counsel decides whether to refer these cases to court-martial — not your commanding officer.
This means that for certain offenses, the convening authority no longer controls whether your case goes to court-martial. Having a civilian defense lawyer who understands how the OSTC process works is critical if you are facing these types of charges at Camp Foster.
Board of Inquiry and Administrative Separation
Not every adverse action goes through a court-martial. The Marine Corps can process you for administrative separation through a Board of Inquiry or an Administrative Separation Board. A Board of Inquiry is used for officers. An Administrative Separation Board is used for enlisted service members.
These boards can end your military career. They can also determine your discharge characterization, which affects your veterans’ benefits and future employment. You have the right to a lawyer at these proceedings. A civilian defense lawyer who understands the Marine Corps administrative separation process can cross-examine witnesses, present evidence, and argue for your retention or an honorable discharge.
Article 15 / Non-Judicial Punishment at Camp Foster
Article 15 proceedings, also known as Non-Judicial Punishment, allow your commanding officer to impose discipline without a court-martial. At Camp Foster, your command can impose an Article 15 for minor offenses. If you accept an Article 15, you give up your right to a court-martial. In return, you limit the maximum punishment your command can impose.
You have the right to consult with a defense counsel before accepting an Article 15. You also have the right to demand a court-martial instead. A defense lawyer can help you weigh your options and can advocate for a reduction in punishment during the proceeding.
Why You Need a Civilian Defense Lawyer
The Marine Corps provides defense counsel through the Defense Services Organization (DSO). The DSO office for Okinawa is located right on Camp Foster, in Building 437. DSO attorneys are dedicated defense lawyers, but they are often carrying heavy caseloads. They rotate assignments, which means your attorney may change during your case. They also work within the same military structure as the prosecutors and judges in your case.
A civilian defense lawyer brings independence. I am not part of the chain of command. I am not subject to Marine Corps reassignment. When I take your case, I am with you from start to finish — and I answer only to you.
I have been traveling to Japan for years to defend service members at courts-martial and administrative boards. I know how the military justice system works here. I know the commands, the convening authorities, and the procedures. And I have the trial experience to fight for you.
About Camp Foster
Camp Foster, formerly known as Camp Zukeran, is a United States Marine Corps camp located in Ginowan City with portions extending into Okinawa City, Chatan, and Kitanakagusuku on Okinawa Island. It is part of the Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler complex, a network of Marine Corps installations spread across Okinawa. The camp is named after Private First Class William A. Foster, a Medal of Honor recipient for his actions during World War II.
Camp Foster houses the headquarters of Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler, Marine Corps Installations Pacific (MCIPAC), and the Okinawa Area Field Office of United States Forces Japan. It also serves as the headquarters for the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st MAW), the aviation combat element of III Marine Expeditionary Force. The Headquarters and Support Battalion operates the installation and provides base services for Camps Foster, Lester, and Plaza Family Housing.
Tenant commands on Camp Foster include the 3rd Medical Battalion, Marine Wing Support Group 17, Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 1, Marine Wing Communications Squadron 18, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3d Transportation Battalion, and the U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa. The installation also hosts elements of III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, including 7th Communication Battalion and 3d Intelligence Battalion. The total population includes Marines, sailors, family members, civilian employees, and Japanese workers.
Camp Foster is one of several Marine Corps camps on Okinawa that make up the Camp Butler complex, including Camp Kinser, Camp Courtney, Camp Hansen, Camp Schwab, Camp Lester, and Camp Gonsalves. Nearby Kadena Air Base and MCAS Futenma round out the major U.S. military presence on the island. Okinawa hosts approximately two-thirds of the 50,000 U.S. forces stationed in Japan. Service members at any of these installations who face military discipline need a defense lawyer who understands the unique legal landscape of Okinawa.
For military justice, courts-martial, Boards of Inquiry, and administrative separation proceedings are conducted at Camp Foster under the authority of MCIPAC and 1st Marine Aircraft Wing commanders. The Military Justice Office, Legal Services Support Section, provides prosecution and command legal services. The Defense Services Organization provides assigned defense counsel from its office on Camp Foster. If you are facing discipline at Camp Foster, you need a defense lawyer who understands the Marine Corps justice system — and who is not afraid to fight for you.
For defense at other installations in Okinawa, see our Okinawa Court-Martial Defense Lawyer page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of cases do you handle at Camp Foster?
I handle courts-martial, Boards of Inquiry, administrative separation boards, Article 15 / Non-Judicial Punishment proceedings, military investigations, and UCMJ defense for service members at Camp Foster. My primary focus is court-martial defense. This includes serious offenses such as sexual assault, drug offenses, fraud, and violent crimes under the UCMJ.
Do you represent all branches at Camp Foster?
Yes. While Camp Foster is a Marine Corps installation, it hosts tenant commands from multiple branches, including the U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa, Marine Wing communications and support squadrons, and III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group elements. I represent Marines, sailors, soldiers, airmen, Guardians, and Coast Guard personnel facing military discipline anywhere in Japan.
Why should I hire a civilian defense lawyer instead of the DSO?
DSO attorneys are dedicated defense counsel, but they are often overloaded with cases and may rotate assignments during your case. As a civilian defense lawyer, I am not subject to reassignment. I am with you from start to finish. I bring independence from the military chain of command and years of trial experience defending service members in Japan. You deserve a lawyer who has the time, focus, and experience to give your case everything it deserves.
What is a Board of Inquiry?
A Board of Inquiry is an administrative proceeding used to separate officers from the Marine Corps. The board reviews allegations of misconduct or substandard performance. It can recommend separation with a specific discharge characterization. You have the right to a lawyer at a Board of Inquiry. A skilled civilian defense lawyer can cross-examine witnesses, present evidence, and argue for your retention or an honorable discharge.
Can you help with Article 15 at Camp Foster?
Yes. I can review the evidence against you, advise you whether to accept the Article 15 or demand a court-martial, and advocate for a reduction in punishment during the proceeding. Article 15 punishments can include restriction, forfeiture of pay, reduction in rank, and extra duties. Having a lawyer involved early can make a significant difference in the outcome.
I’m under investigation — what should I do?
Do not make any statements to investigators, your chain of command, or anyone else about the allegations without consulting a lawyer first. You have the right to remain silent under Article 31(b) of the UCMJ. Contact a defense lawyer immediately. The earlier I get involved, the more I can do to protect you. This includes conducting an independent investigation, engaging with the command before charges are referred, and building a defense strategy from day one.
Can you help with sexual assault allegations under the UCMJ?
Yes. Sexual assault allegations under Articles 120, 120b, and 120c of the UCMJ are among the most serious charges a service member can face. These cases carry severe penalties, including lengthy confinement and sex offender registration. Under recent reforms, the Office of Special Trial Counsel now handles these cases independently from the chain of command. I have experience defending sexual assault cases in the military. I understand the unique evidentiary and procedural issues these cases involve. If you are facing a sexual assault allegation at Camp Foster, you need a defense lawyer who knows how to fight these specific charges.
How quickly can you get to Camp Foster?
I travel to Japan regularly for courts-martial and administrative boards. When you contact me, I will work with you to establish a timeline that meets your needs. I have been traveling to Japan for years to defend service members at courts-martial and administrative boards — and I am ready to step in when you need me.
Talk to a Camp Foster Military Defense Lawyer Now
If you are facing a court-martial, Board of Inquiry, administrative separation, or any UCMJ action at Camp Foster, do not wait. The prosecution is already building its case. You need a defense lawyer who is ready to fight for you.