CAMP LEJEUNE COURT-MARTIAL DEFENSE LAWYER
MILITARY JUSTICE
Camp Lejeune 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 Lejeune. Click any area below to learn more.
Court-Martial Defense at Camp Lejeune: What You Need to Know
Courts-Martial at Camp Lejeune
Three types of courts-martial can be convened at Camp Lejeune. 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 Lejeune, 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 Lejeune
Camp Lejeune is a Marine Corps installation. The II Marine Expeditionary Force commander, a three-star general, serves as the General Court-Martial Convening Authority for Marine Corps personnel assigned to the installation. The 2nd Marine Division commander, a two-star general, also serves as a General Court-Martial Convening Authority for personnel under his command. Subordinate regimental and battalion commanders serve as Special Court-Martial Convening Authorities. For Navy personnel assigned to tenant commands such as Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune and Field Medical Training Battalion, convening authority flows through the Navy chain. The Marine Raider Regiment falls under the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command chain for certain disciplinary matters.
The Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) advises the General Court-Martial Convening Authority on every case and drives all legal actions for the General’s signature. Special Court Martial convening authorities also have advising Judge Advocates on their staff. In cases where a convening authority makes the ultimate decision, such as an administrative separation without a board, persuading the advising Judge Advocate of your innocence may be more important than persuading the convening authority. A strong legal defense and argument is necessary.
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 Lejeune.
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 Marines. 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 Lejeune
Article 15 proceedings, also known as Non-Judicial Punishment, allow your commanding officer to impose discipline without a court-martial. At Camp Lejeune, 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). 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 defended service members at courts-martial and administrative boards at the home of Expeditionary Forces in Readiness, where Marines have deployed from the largest Marine Corps base on the East Coast to every conflict since World War II — and I know that your defense requires the same resolve and readiness those Marines bring to every fight. I know how the military justice system works. I know the commands, the convening authorities, and the procedures. When everything you have worked for is on the line, you need a lawyer who has the experience, independence, and fight to stand with you.
About Camp Lejeune
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is a United States Marine Corps installation located in Onslow County, southeastern North Carolina, near the city of Jacksonville. It is the largest Marine Corps base on the East Coast, encompassing more than 153,000 acres with 14 miles of Atlantic Ocean beachfront. The base is the Marine Corps’ premier East Coast amphibious training facility and the largest concentration of Marines in the world. Approximately 47,000 active-duty Marines and sailors are stationed at Camp Lejeune, with a total base population of over 137,000 including family members, retirees, and civilian employees.
The base was established in 1941, when the Marine Corps selected the New River area of Onslow County as the site for a large East Coast amphibious training installation. Construction began in April 1941 under the direction of Lieutenant Colonel William P. T. Hill, and the installation was originally designated Marine Barracks, New River. The 1st Marine Division arrived in September 1941, setting up camp in a sandy pine forest along the Atlantic seaboard. On December 20, 1942, the installation was renamed Camp Lejeune in honor of Lieutenant General John Archer Lejeune, the 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps, who had died the previous month. A Louisiana native and Naval Academy graduate, General Lejeune was the first Marine officer to command a U.S. Army division, leading the 2nd Division in France during World War I. He served as Commandant from 1920 to 1929.
Today, Camp Lejeune is home to the II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF), the largest of the three Marine Expeditionary Forces, commanded by a three-star general. The base hosts the 2nd Marine Division, the oldest and largest active duty division in the Marine Corps; the 2nd Marine Logistics Group; Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) and the Marine Raider Regiment; the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade; the 22nd, 24th, and 26th Marine Expeditionary Units; the 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion; the 10th Marine Regiment; Marine Corps Installations East; the School of Infantry East; the Marine Corps Combat Service Support Schools at Camp Johnson; the Field Medical Training Battalion; and Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune. The installation supports combined ground, air, and amphibious operations across its 450 miles of roads, 80 live-fire ranges, 48 tactical landing zones, and three Military Operations in Urban Terrain training facilities.
For military justice, courts-martial, Boards of Inquiry, and administrative separation proceedings at Camp Lejeune fall under the authority of the II Marine Expeditionary Force and 2nd Marine Division commanders, with the II MEF commander and 2nd Marine Division commander serving as General Court-Martial Convening Authorities and subordinate regimental and battalion commanders serving as Special Court-Martial Convening Authorities. The Defense Services Organization provides assigned defense counsel for Marine Corps personnel. Camp Lejeune’s status as the largest Marine Corps base on the East Coast, its role as home to II MEF and the 2nd Marine Division, and its designation as the “Home of Expeditionary Forces in Readiness” make it the most strategically significant Marine Corps installation on the East Coast.
For defense at other installations in the CONUS area, see our CONUS Court-Martial Defense Lawyer page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of cases do you handle at Camp Lejeune?
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 Lejeune. My primary focus is court-martial defense. This includes serious offenses such as sexual assault, drug offenses, fraud, and violent crimes under the UCMJ. Cases originating at Camp Lejeune may be handled on-base or deferred until a unit returns from deployment, but statements and evidence gathered at the base often shape the entire case.
Do you represent all branches at Camp Lejeune?
Yes. Camp Lejeune is a Marine Corps installation, but North Carolina has one of the largest military concentrations in the country. Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, and Fort Liberty all operate nearby. I represent Marines, sailors, soldiers, airmen, Guardians, and Coast Guard personnel facing military discipline anywhere in North Carolina or worldwide.
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. 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 Lejeune?
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 Lejeune, you need a defense lawyer who knows how to fight these specific charges.
How quickly can you get to Camp Lejeune?
I travel to North Carolina 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 spent years defending service members at courts-martial and administrative boards, and I am ready to step in when you need me.
Talk to a Camp Lejeune Military Defense Lawyer Now
If you are facing a court-martial, Board of Inquiry, administrative separation, or any UCMJ action at Camp Lejeune, do not wait. The prosecution is already building its case. You need a defense lawyer who is ready to fight for you.