Camp Lejeune Base Legal Counsel
Civilian Military Defense Attorney
Military Counsel
Camp Lejeune Overview
Camp Lejeune, in Jacksonville, North Carolina, is a Marine Corps base camp between the Wilmington and Morehead City Ports. The base facilitates high-intensity training of amphibious assault and defense. It focuses on deploying troops with the utmost speed and accuracy.
Constructed in 1941, the camp was originally conceived as a training center for the armed forces during World War II. After the cessation of the war, the government converted it into a training center. At that time, it trained the Fleet Marine Force, among other units.
Camp Lejeune is located on a long stretch of land, covering 14 miles of beachside area. Recently, the military added a new state-of-the-art training area to this world-renowned facility. Five separate Marine Corps Bases/Air stations support this base including Camp Johnson, Camp Geiger, New River, Courthouse Bay, and Stone Bay.
Camp Lejeune Legal Services
Life in the military can be very challenging for service members. Military personnel often face extreme scrutiny on a daily basis. There is a strong possibility that servicemen and servicewomen alike will face serious punishment for even the most minor violations. This is likely due to the ever-increasing focus on restoring the defense services’ image and maintaining its credibility.
That is why it’s important that you seek an attorney based just outside the front gate of Camp Lejeune Base. An attorney like Aden Wilkie will represent you if you face criminal charges or face the possibility of a court-martial. Regardless of whether you’re accused of a relatively minor offense or a serious felony, a conviction could cost you your military career. In addition, it could cost a great deal of time and money and land you in the brig. You will have a permanent criminal record, not to mention ruin your hard-earned reputation.
You could lose your eligibility for benefits such as:
- Disability compensation
- Life insurance for survivors/ dependents
- GI bill
- Pension for widow or children of fallen service members
- Hospital care,
- Medical/ dental care,
- Burial benefits,
- Special housing,
- Vocational rehabilitation,
- Survivor educational assistance
Areas of Counsel
Aden Wilkie provides legal guidance for military members facing any type of charge or otherwise requiring legal services. Whether you are facing a minor misconduct offense or are called to a court-martial trial, the Devil Dog Defender will meticulously and strategically craft your defense. Here are some of the areas of counsel we provide:
Security Clearance
Security clearance is a required designation for any government contractor or employee who performs work for the U.S. government that requires access to classified information. Those who are granted security clearance are an elite few that have earned the trust of the government. However, security clearances can be taken away at any time for a number of reasons. For example, you might have your security clearance taken away if you have too much debt, because you provided a false answer on your SF-86, you defaulted on your mortgage payments, or even due to traffic violations. Aden Wilkie, the Devil Dog Defender, works with military and civilian people to restore their security clearance. He can also provide counsel for those applying for security clearance.
Administrative Discharge
Military members may be involuntarily separated from the military by administrative discharge. While the basis for administrative discharge varies between branches of service, the process is analogous in the civilian world to being fired. Due to the possible negative characterization of discharge associated with an involuntary separation, the Ad Sep process affords you much greater due process than many circumstances found in the civilian world. Aden Wilkie, a military attorney represents military members facing administrative discharge processing.
Adverse Administrative Action
While it may vary between each service branch, all have certain adverse administrative actions. A commander can take these actions against his subordinates for underperformance on the job or minor misconduct that does not rise to the level of an Article 15 or a Summary Court-Martial. Alternatively, it may be something the commander wishes to address in a forum that is relatively quick and affords the recipient less ability to fight the issue or be entitled to any real due process. That being said, in today’s military, even a General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand (GOMAR) in the Army or an adverse fitness report in any of the branches means your career is essentially over, or at the very least your chances to get promoted or reenlist are slim. So, even at this lower end of the spectrum of quasi-legal issues involving your command, it is critical to seek out assistance from an experienced civilian criminal defense attorney like Aden Wilkie.
Military Investigations
The first and seemingly most simple rule for targets facing military investigation is simple: talk to a military defense lawyer immediately. Aden Wilkie offers consultations and you can rest assured knowing that as both a lawyer and an ex-service member, he genuinely has your best interest at heart. However, during the course of military investigations, the commanding officers or personnel make targets of investigations feel as if they’re doing something wrong if they choose to seek outside counsel. Don’t let this deter you; call Aden Wilkie today.
Military Hazing Defense
We all know that in order to serve your country in any branch of the military, you must meet high standards of physical fitness. Each branch of the military has an established formal, community-specific indoctrination process. Military members must meet standards of not only physical fitness, but also marksmanship, conduct, and competence in order to be accepted and retained. Servicemen and servicewomen must often undergo physically and mentally rigorous training, which is often difficult for new recruits. Sometimes in early training, the line between acceptable behavior and excessively punishing behavior such as hazing can occur. Even if you are innocent of any and all allegations, it is always best to get advice and make an informed decision before saying anything that could be used against you and your interests. If you’ve been accused of military hazing, call The Wilkie Law Group ASAP.
UCMJ Article 134 Defense
The Uniform Code of Military Justice, or UCMJ, is a federal law enacted by Congress which defines the military criminal justice system. Article 134 of the UCMJ covers many crimes, including that of adultery, or extramarital sexual conduct. More broadly, Article 134, known as the “General Article,” addresses a range of conduct that is prohibited for military members. Each crime alleged under Article 134 has the added burden of requiring the government to prove either the conduct was discrediting to the armed forces or detrimental to good order and discipline. Aden Wilkie’s experience and firsthand knowledge of UCMJ regulations make him the best military defense attorney available. He works tirelessly to defend military men and women against such charges.
Article 15 Counseling
Your command is authorized to deal with minor violations or infractions of the UCMJ by offering you the opportunity to have a hearing pursuant to Article 15 of the UCMJ. When offered an Article 15 or NJP, you can either accept the action offered by your command or you have a right to turn down Article 15 and demand a court-martial trial. Regardless of your decision, it’s always best to speak to a civilian defense attorney for Article 15 counseling.
Counsel for Board of Inquiry Hearings
The Board of Inquiry is a panel of three officers of senior rank to the accused who hold a hearing, during which they take evidence and hear arguments. The required finding of the members at a board of inquiry is first to determine if by a preponderance (more likely than not) of the evidence the misconduct was committed by the “respondent.” The “respondent” is the term for the person facing elimination or separation. If the board concludes the respondent committed the misconduct, next the board must make a finding as to whether the misconduct warrants separation. If the board finds that elimination is warranted, then the board votes to determine the characterization of service. For your best bet at fighting elimination at a Board of Inquiry, get the Devil Dog Defender on your side today.
Court Martial Defense
Courts-martial are governed by a collection of rules including, but not limited to the following: the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ); the Rules for Court-Martial (RCM); the Military Rules of Evidence (MRE); the Constitution, applicable higher court rulings; and a number of service-specific regulations and other administrative guidance such as service/local Rules of Court. The court-martial process differs significantly from a civilian trial. For this reason, a Court-Martial lawyer representing a military member should have specific military experience. Your future, livelihood, reputation, and even freedom will depend on how well your lawyer represents you. If you’ve been notified that you are pending a Court-Martial, contact The Wilkie Law Group as soon as possible.
Sexual Assault Defense
UCMJ article 120 identifies specific criminal offenses related to sexual assault. They include rape, sexual assault, and sexual abuse. This applies to service members in the United States. It could include physical abuse or threatening abuse to another person. Specifically, abuse related to sexual contact, groping, or repeated unwanted sexual advances. Anyone who has faced charges under the UCMJ knows that it can be incredibly stressful. But don’t forget: these charges are often fraught with emotion and lacking logic. Do not give up. You can fight these charges with the help of an experienced military attorney.
Military Power of Attorney
It is not uncommon for members of the military to need power of attorney because of the nature of military duties. To hand off their responsibilities, they will need to properly sign over their affairs to a trusted representative. This could be their spouse, friend, sibling, or whoever they trust to have power over their legal and financial matters. The Wilkie Law Group is a skilled civilian military attorney with over 20 years of experience and is ready and willing to assist those interested in obtaining a Military Power of Attorney.
UCMJ Lawyer for Service Members
For a military member who has been charged with a crime, the risks are very high. Finding someone who recognizes the seriousness of the situation and can zealously advocate for them is crucial because their entire job and everything they’ve fought for are on the line. The offenses that UCMJ defense attorney Aden Wilkie defends include the following:
- UCMJ Article 31 – Self-Incrimination
- UCMJ Article 77 – Principals
- UCMJ Article 78 – Accessory after the fact
- UCMJ Article 79 – Conviction of offense charged, lesser included offenses, and attempts
- UCMJ Article 80 – Attempts
- UCMJ Article 81– Conspiracy
- UCMJ Article 82 – Soliciting commission of offenses
- UCMJ Article 83 – Malingering; fraudulent enlistment, appointment, or separation
- UCMJ Article 84 – Breach of medical quarantine
- UCMJ Article 85 – Desertion
- UCMJ Article 86 – Absence without leave
- UCMJ Article 87 – Missing movement; jumping from vessel
- UCMJ Article 87a – Resistance, flight, breach of arrest, escape
- UCMJ Article 87b – Offenses against correctional custody and restriction
- UCMJ Article 88 – Contempt toward officials
- UCMJ Article 89 – Disrespect toward superior commissioned officer; assault of superior commissioned officer
- UCMJ Article 90 – Willfully disobeying super commissioned officer
- UCMJ Article 91 – Insubordinate conduct towards warrant officer, noncommissioned officer, or petty officer
- UCMJ Article 92 – Failure to obey an order or regulation
- UCMJ Article 93 – Cruelty and maltreatment
- Article 93a – Prohibited activities with military recruit or trainee by person in position of special trust
- UCMJ Article 94 – Mutiny and sedition
- UCMJ Article 95 – Offenses by sentinel or lookout
- UCMJ Article 95a – Disrespect towards a sentinel or lookout
- UCMJ Article 96 – Release of prisoner without authority; drinking with prisoner
- UCMJ Article 97 – Unlawful detention
- UCMJ Article 98 – Misconduct as prisoner
- UCMJ Article 99 – Misbehavior before the enemy
- UCMJ Article 100 – Subordinate compelling surrender
- UCMJ Article 101 – Improper use of countersign
- UCMJ Article 102 – Forcing a safeguard
- UCMJ Article 103 – Spies
- UCMJ Article 103a – Espionage
- UCMJ Article 103b – Aiding the enemy
- UCMJ Article 104 – Public records offenses
- UCMJ Article 104a – Fraudulent enlistment, appointment, or separation
- UCMJ Article 104b – Unlawful enlistment, appointment, or separation
- UCMJ Article 105 – Forgery
- UCMJ Article 105a – False or unauthorized pass offenses
- UCMJ Article 106 – Impersonation of officer, noncommissioned officer, agent, or official
- UCMJ Article 106a – Wearing unauthorized insignia, badge, ribbon, device
- UCMJ Article 107 – False official statements; false swearing
- UCMJ Article 107a – Parole violation
- UCMJ Article 108 – United States military property – Loss, damage, destruction, or wrongful disposition
- UCMJ Article 108a – Captured or abandoned property
- UCMJ Article 109 – Property other than United States military property – Waste, spoilage, or destruction
- UCMJ Article 109a – Mail matter: wrongful taking, opening, etc.
- UCMJ Article 110 – Improper hazarding of vessel or aircraft
- UCMJ Article 111 – Leaving scene of vehicle accident
- UCMJ Article 112 – Drunkenness, disorderly conduct, and other incapacitation offenses
- UCMJ Article 112a – Wrongful use, simple possession, etc., of controlled substances
- UCMJ Article 113 – Drunken and reckless operation of a vehicle, aircraft, or vessel
- UCMJ Article 114 – Endangerment offenses
- UCMJ Article 115 – Communicating threats
- UCMJ Article 116 – Riot or breach of peace
- UCMJ Article 117 – Provoking speeches or gestures
- UCMJ Article 118 – Murder
- UCMJ Article 119 – Manslaughter
- UCMJ Article 119a – Death or injury of an unborn child
- UCMJ Article 119b – Child endangerment
- UCMJ Article 120 – Rape and sexual assault generally
- UCMJ Article 120a – Mail: deposit of obscene matter
- UCMJ Article 120b – Rape and sexual assault of a child
- UCMJ Article 120c – Other sexual misconduct
- UCMJ Article 121 – Larceny and wrongful appropriation
- UCMJ Article 121a – Fraudulent use of credit cards, debit cards, and other access devices
- UCMJ Article 121b – False pretenses to obtain services
- UCMJ Article 122 – Thefts of personal property; robbery
- UCMJ Article 122a – Receiving stolen property
- UCMJ Article 123 – Offenses concerning government computers
- UCMJ Article 123a – Making, drawing, or uttering check, draft, or order without sufficient funds
- UCMJ Article 124 – Frauds against the United States
- UCMJ Article 124a – Bribery
- UCMJ Article 124b – Graft
- UCMJ Article 125 – Kidnapping
- UCMJ Article 126 – Arson; burning property with intent to defraud
- UCMJ Article 127 – Extortion
- UCMJ Article 128 – Assault
- UCMJ Article 128a – Maiming
- UCMJ Article 128b – Domestic violence
- UCMJ Article 129 – Burglary; unlawful entry
- UCMJ Article 130 – Stalking
- UCMJ Article 131 – Perjury
- UCMJ Article 131a – Subornation of perjury (influencing or persuading another to commit perjury)
- UCMJ Article 131b – Obstructing justice
- UCMJ Article 131c – Misprision of a serious offense
- UCMJ Article 131d – Wrongful refusal to testify
- UCMJ Article 131e – Prevention of authorized seizure of property
- UCMJ Article 131f – Noncompliance with procedural rules
- UCMJ Article 131g – Wrongful interference with adverse administrative proceeding
- UCMJ Article 132 – Retaliation
- UCMJ Article 133 – Conduct unbecoming of an officer and gentlemen
- UCMJ Article 134 – General article
- Clause 1 Offenses: Disorders and neglects to the prejudice of good order and discipline in the armed forces.
- Clause 2 Offenses: Conduct of a nature to bring discredit upon the armed forces.
- Clause 3 Offenses: Noncapital crimes or offenses which violate federal law including law made applicable through the Federal Assimilative Crimes Act.
Why Should I Hire a Civilian Attorney Instead of Active Military Counsel?
To protect everything you hold dear, hiring a civilian lawyer as opposed to an active military lawyer may be necessary. For example, when you accept free legal counsel provided by the military, your case is assigned to an attorney based merely on who is available at that given moment, meaning your own preferences are not taken into account. However, when you hire a private civilian defense lawyer, you have the power to choose someone you trust and feel comfortable putting your case into their hands. You have the ultimate decision in who represents you, so you can factor in your own personal preferences and requirements. With this in mind, make sure you choose someone who meets all the standards and qualities that matter to you.
Another benefit to hiring civilian counsel is that they are not subject to threats or intimidation the way that military defense attorneys are. Things like chain of command, supervisory chain of responsibility, and ranking have no effect on civilian counsel. This means there is nothing to deter them from pursuing your best interests. For instance, a defense attorney like Aden Wilkie is not concerned about such things as an evaluation report or promotion opportunity. Unlike military defense attorneys who must work under restraints by their chain of command, Mr. Wilkie does whatever it takes to best represent the interests of his clients. Rest assured, there is no chain of command or other influencing factors at play when the Devil Dog Defender takes on your case.
Another huge advantage to hiring civilian counsel is knowing that they are completely dedicated to your case and will put in whatever time and effort it takes to present the strongest possible defense. Aden Wilkie works for himself as a private attorney, which means only he gets to choose which cases he accepts and when he accepts them. He is very careful not to overdo his caseload so that he can put enough time and resources into the cases he takes on. Meanwhile, military-provided counsel does not have a say in the cases they receive. They must take every case that comes through their door, which often means they are extremely bogged down with cases. This means less time to focus on your case, which can have extremely negative consequences on your case.
These are only a few reasons why a private civilian attorney experienced in Military law is preferable to accepting military counsel. Schedule a consultation to speak with Aden Wilkie today and see for yourself why he is the best fit for you.
Military Defense Lawyer in Jacksonville, NC
A civilian criminal defense attorney who practices military law is often significantly greater than any government-appointed defense counsel. That’s why you need a Camp Lejeune Base lawyer like Aden Wilkie. The The Wilkie Law Group has the experience you need to protect your rights. We know what it takes to defend you against the most powerful military organization in the world.
Hire the Best
Only a civilian practitioner like the Devil Dog Defender has the freedom of legal maneuver to defend clients in a way one cannot while on active duty and wearing the same uniform as the government prosecutors and commanders responsible for bringing the charges against the individual in question. In addition to providing legal services to Camp Lejeune, Wilkie also offers Fort Bragg legal services as well as military defense at camps, bases, forts, and installments across the country.
For a consultation on your case, call 910-333-9626 today or visit our website to learn more.
