Military Defense Lawyer
Military Defense Attorney Serving Jacksonville, North Carolina
Military Counsel
North Carolina Military Defense Attorney
If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime, you need to speak with an experienced military lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your options.
Regardless of whether you’re accused of a relatively minor offense or a serious felony, a conviction could land you in jail, cost a great deal of time and money, leave you with a permanent criminal record and ruin your reputation.
At Wilkie Law, the knowledgeable Jacksonville military defense attorney Aden Wilkie has years of experience handling complex criminal cases. He provides a straightforward assessment and crafts a strategic approach for each client’s defense. Located in Jacksonville, Wilkie serves the entire state of North Carolina as well as its surrounding states. He is also able to service any military installation located in the United States, but travel fees will apply.
It is crucial for you to have an experienced attorney on your side.
Give us a call at 910-333-9626 today for a consultation and decide for yourself if The Wilkie Law Group is the best choice for you.
Why Do You Need a Military Defense Lawyer?
Why should you pay for a military attorney when the government provides one for free? Simple. The same reason you would hire a criminal defense attorney, instead of a court-appointed attorney for criminal defense cases outside of the military environment.
When you’re up against the government, having a government-appointed attorney doesn’t really seem fair, does it? If the government is trying to take away your job, freedom and future, you’ll want the best possible defense–someone you can be sure is fighting for you.
With so much at stake, the cost of hiring a military defense lawyer will cost you much less than if you lose your case with a government-appointed attorney.
Additionally, if you lose at trial or at a board, you may suffer the following:
- Job loss
- Future job opportunities
- Retirement
- Housing benefits
- Medical benefits
- Enlistment bonus
Military education
While these circumstances may sound extreme, this has been the experience for many facing the military justice system.
You should also be aware that you aren’t always entitled to a free attorney. Often, you won’t be appointed one until after you’ve been charged. Government defense attorneys often can’t make time for those who haven’t been formally notified that they are being charged with a crime or being sent to a separation hearing. Also, appointed attorneys are so busy that they can’t afford the luxury of a consultation for those who aren’t in trouble “officially” yet. This means that if you haven’t been formally charged, you may not get the opportunity to speak with a free attorney.
At The Wilkie Law Group, we offer consultations all the time. If you find yourself in this predicament, give us a call!
You can hire a civilian-military lawyer at any time. Ideally, you’ll hire one at the first sight of any trouble. You should never wait until after you’ve been interrogated or formally charged before talking to a defense attorney.
Your Rights at an Army Court-Martial
During an Army court-martial, you’ll have rights derived from both the United States Constitution and an even greater number of rights under the UCMJ.
If investigators arrest you or even say they want to talk to you, demand to speak to an attorney or refuse to answer questions. This is your right!
Don’t fall for their threats, promises or attempts to make the conversation seem nonchalant.
If you wait until you have been interrogated or have been formally charged to get a military defense attorney, you’ll be at a disadvantage. The sooner you get an attorney, the better chance you have at a favorable outcome.
Remember, the odds are stacked against you from the beginning. When you go up against the military justice system, you have to understand that it’s not a fair fight. The government have unlimited financial resources. Despite the legal presumption of innocence, you should expect to be presumed guilty by your chain of command and everyone in the legal office. You can’t expect mercy from the prosecution or the commanding offers.
Experienced Military Defense Attorney
It’s highly unlikely that you’ll get an appointed attorney with as much skill and experience as a good military defense attorney. We acknowledge that there are some excellent appointed attorneys in the military. It’s up to you to determine whether your appointed JAP has the experience and personality you want representing you. In order to make that determination, you should take time to weigh your appointed attorney’s background against the background you would have working for you if you hired a good attorney. If you’re ready to fight the charges against you, contact the experienced military defense lawyer Aden Wilkie at 910-333-9626.
Military Criminal Defense FAQs
The rights guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution include:
- The right to avoid self-incrimination
- Presumption of your innocence
- The right to face your accuser
- Protection against unlawful search and seizure
- The right to call witnesses
- Protection against double jeopardy
- The right to a fair and speedy trial
Of course, that is certainly your right. However, there may be other ways to resolve the case that would be much better for you, long-term. Pleading guilty to a misdemeanor in North Carolina will damage your criminal record, possibly forever.
Remember, in North Carolina, almost every criminal conviction lasts forever. So, if you’re convicted of even a simple misdemeanor, it will stay on your record and follow you the rest of your life.
Furthermore, even misdemeanor crimes can have serious consequences. You will have to admit to being convicted of a crime moving forward, on every future job application. If you’re convicted of a misdemeanor domestic violence offense, you may not be able to legally own a gun, for any reason. A misdemeanor drug offense can prevent you from receiving federal grants for college.
The initial consultation is free and you’re under no obligation. If you have paperwork, just bring a copy of the charge and warrant and any conditions of release paperwork.
The specific penalty you face upon conviction will depend in large on the evidence brought against you by trial counsel, as well as the evidence that your defense counsel presents. Upon a conviction, the penalties allowed under the UCMJ include:
- Reprimand
- Fines
- Restriction
- Forfeiture
- Hard labor without confinement
- Punitive discharge
- Death
- Reduction in grade
- Confinement
Military Defense Counsel
The list of possible consequences you could face for a conviction in a court-martial proceeding is lengthy, you could avoid them entirely if you and your military defense attorney prevail at trial. If you’re ready to fight the charges against you, contact military defense lawyer Aden Wilkie. Aden Wilkie is located in Jacksonville, NC and services armed forces at Camp Lejeune and Fort Bragg as well as other bases, camps, stations, and posts located across the nation. Give him a call today at 910-333-9626 for a phone consultation.
