YOKOSUKA COURT-MARTIAL DEFENSE LAWYER
MILITARY JUSTICE
Yokosuka 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 Fleet Activities Yokosuka. Click any area below to learn more.
Court-Martial Defense Lawyer at Yokosuka: What You Need to Know
Understanding how the military justice system works at Yokosuka 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 Yokosuka
Three types of courts-martial can be convened at Yokosuka. 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 Yokosuka, 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 Yokosuka
The convening authority at Yokosuka depends on your assignment. For Navy personnel stationed ashore, the primary General Court-Martial Convening Authority is the Commander, Naval Forces Japan (CNFJ). For personnel assigned to ships or staffs under the U.S. Seventh Fleet, the convening authority may be the Commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet. The Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka serves as the installation commander and can convene special and summary courts-martial for shore-based personnel.
For personnel assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15 ships, the DESRON 15 commodore serves as the Immediate Superior in Command and may act as a Special Court-Martial Convening Authority. Ship commanding officers can convene summary courts-martial for their crew members.
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 Yokosuka.
Board of Inquiry and Administrative Separation
Not every adverse action goes through a court-martial. The Navy 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 Navy’s administrative separation process can cross-examine witnesses, present evidence, and argue for your retention or an honorable discharge.
Article 15 / Captain’s Mast at Yokosuka
The Navy calls Article 15 proceedings “Captain’s Mast” or “Office Hours.” At Yokosuka, your commanding officer can impose non-judicial punishment 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 Navy provides defense counsel through the Defense Service Office (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 Navy 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 Fleet Activities Yokosuka
Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) is the largest U.S. naval installation in the Indo-Pacific. Located at the entrance of Tokyo Bay, approximately 40 miles south of Tokyo, the base spans 568 acres and hosts 55 tenant commands. It serves as the headquarters for Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Japan (CNFJ) and Commander, Navy Region Japan (CNRJ), which provide shore readiness and support for all U.S. naval forces in Japan.
The base is home to the U.S. Seventh Fleet and the forward-deployed aircraft carrier strike group. Destroyer Squadron 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed destroyer squadron, is based here with its ten Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers. Major commands also include Carrier Strike Group 5, Commander Task Force 70, and Commander Task Force 71.
For military justice, Yokosuka is a significant venue. Courts-martial, Boards of Inquiry, and administrative separation proceedings are conducted regularly. The Region Legal Service Office Western Pacific (RLSO WESTPAC), based at Yokosuka, provides prosecution and command legal services. The Defense Service Office provides assigned defense counsel. If you are facing discipline at Yokosuka, you need a defense lawyer who understands the Navy’s justice system — and who is not afraid to fight for you.
For defense at other installations in Japan, see our Japan Court-Martial Defense Lawyer page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of cases do you handle at Yokosuka?
I handle courts-martial, Boards of Inquiry, administrative separation boards, Article 15 / Captain’s Mast proceedings, military investigations, and UCMJ defense for service members at Fleet Activities Yokosuka. 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 Yokosuka?
Yes. While Yokosuka is primarily a Navy installation, service members from other branches may be assigned here or to nearby commands. I represent Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, 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 Navy. 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 / Captain’s Mast at Yokosuka?
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. Captain’s Mast can result in restriction, forfeiture of pay, reduction in rank, and other punishments. 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 Yokosuka, you need a defense lawyer who knows how to fight these specific charges.
How quickly can you get to Yokosuka?
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 Yokosuka Military Defense Lawyer Now
If you are facing a court-martial, Board of Inquiry, administrative separation, or any UCMJ action at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, do not wait. The prosecution is already building its case. You need a defense lawyer who is ready to fight for you.