MCAS FUTENMA COURT-MARTIAL DEFENSE LAWYER
MILITARY JUSTICE
MCAS Futenma 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 MCAS Futenma. Click any area below to learn more.
Court-Martial Defense at MCAS Futenma: What You Need to Know
Understanding how the military justice system works at MCAS Futenma 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 MCAS Futenma
Three types of courts-martial can be convened at MCAS Futenma. 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 MCAS Futenma, 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 MCAS Futenma
The convening authority at MCAS Futenma 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 MCAS Futenma commanding officer can convene special and summary courts-martial for personnel under his command. Squadron and group commanders, including the Marine Aircraft Group 36 (MAG-36) commander and the Marine Air Control Group 18 (MACG-18) commander, can convene summary courts-martial for their assigned personnel.
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 MCAS Futenma.
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 MCAS Futenma
Article 15 proceedings, also known as Non-Judicial Punishment, allow your commanding officer to impose discipline without a court-martial. At MCAS Futenma, 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 on nearby 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 MCAS Futenma
Marine Corps Air Station Futenma (MCAS Futenma) is a United States Marine Corps air station located in Ginowan City, Okinawa, Japan, approximately 5 nautical miles northeast of Naha. The airfield was constructed by U.S. Army engineers following the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. It was initially used by the U.S. Air Force, transferred to the U.S. Navy in 1957, and subsequently developed into a Marine Corps air station. Today, MCAS Futenma operates under Marine Corps Installations Pacific (MCIPAC) and is part of the Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler complex on Okinawa.
MCAS Futenma is home to approximately 3,000 Marines of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. The station hosts Marine Aircraft Group 36 (MAG-36), which provides assault support aviation and includes MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor squadrons VMM-262 “Flying Tigers” and VMM-265 “Dragons,” Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36 (MALS-36), and Marine Wing Support Squadron 172 (MWSS-172). The station also hosts Marine Air Control Group 18 (MACG-18), which includes Marine Air Control Squadron 4 (MACS-4), Marine Air Support Squadron 2 (MASS-2), and Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 18 (MTACS-18). The Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron operates the air station and provides base services.
The 9,000-foot runway supports a range of aircraft operations in support of III Marine Expeditionary Force and the U.S.-Japan alliance. MCAS Futenma serves as a critical aviation hub in the Indo-Pacific region, supporting the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and bilateral training with Japanese forces. Marine pilots and aircrew assigned to the base conduct training and provide air support to Marines throughout Okinawa and the Asia-Pacific.
MCAS Futenma is one of several U.S. military installations on Okinawa, alongside Kadena Air Base, Camp Foster, Camp Kinser, Camp Courtney, Camp Hansen, and Camp Schwab. 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 MCAS Futenma 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 MCAS Futenma, 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 on Okinawa, see our Okinawa Court-Martial Defense Lawyer page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of cases do you handle at MCAS Futenma?
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 MCAS Futenma. 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 MCAS Futenma?
Yes. MCAS Futenma is a Marine Corps installation, but it supports multi-service operations across III Marine Expeditionary Force. Navy corpsmen assigned to Marine squadrons, joint communications personnel, and other service members operate on the base. 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 MCAS Futenma?
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 MCAS Futenma, you need a defense lawyer who knows how to fight these specific charges.
How quickly can you get to MCAS Futenma?
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 MCAS Futenma Military Defense Lawyer Now
If you are facing a court-martial, Board of Inquiry, administrative separation, or any UCMJ action at MCAS Futenma, do not wait. The prosecution is already building its case. You need a defense lawyer who is ready to fight for you.