Articles of UCMJ

The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) is a set of laws that apply to members of the United States armed forces. It establishes standards of conduct and discipline that all military personnel must adhere to and provides a system for addressing and punishing UCMJ article violations. The UCMJ is divided into several articles, each addressing a specific area of military law. Some of the more notable articles of the UCMJ include:

• Article 90: This bars willfully disobeying or assaulting a superior commissioned officer.
• Article 91: This bars insubordinate conduct against a noncommissioned officer, warrant officer, or petty officer.
• Article 134: This is a general article that bans conduct that is detrimental to the armed forces or is against discipline and order.

These articles provide a framework for maintaining order and discipline within the military and are an essential part of the legal system that governs the armed forces.

At The Law Center P.C., our experienced court-martial defense lawyers can help if you are accused of violating the UCMJ. We have represented clients in military courts worldwide and understand the complexities of military law and the UCMJ. Our skilled military attorneys can provide legal representation for any matter, from a minor infraction to a major crime. If you face court-martial proceedings, we can provide the aggressive representation you need to protect your rights and future. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.

What Are the Most Common UCMJ Violations?

Some of the most common violations of the UCMJ include:

• Absent Without Leave (AWOL) or Desertion: This occurs when someone is absent from their unit or place of duty without permission. This is a serious offense because it violates the duty of military personnel to be present and ready to serve when called upon.
• Fraternization: These are inappropriate relationships with other military personnel, such as relationships between officers and enlisted personnel or between members of different ranks. Fraternization can damage morale and discipline within a unit and is therefore prohibited by the UCMJ.
• Hazing: This happens when a member of the military subjects another member to physical or psychological abuse as part of an initiation or to establish superiority. Hazing is not only harmful and potentially dangerous, but it is also a violation of the values and standards of the military.
• Disrespect: This is disrespect toward a superior officer or NCO. Disrespect can take many forms, such as insubordination, disobedience, or rudeness. Military personnel must maintain a respectful and professional relationship with their superiors to maintain discipline and cohesion within the unit.
• Drunk on Duty: Alcohol use can impair judgment and performance and is therefore strictly prohibited for military personnel on duty or about to go on duty.
• Assault: This is charged when military personnel intentionally or recklessly cause bodily harm to another person. Assault can take many forms, including physical assault, sexual assault, and verbal assault. It is a serious offense that can have severe consequences for the perpetrator.
• Larceny and Wrongful Appropriation: This occurs when military personnel take property that belongs to someone else without permission. This can include taking someone else’s personal property or misusing government property for personal gain.
• Dereliction of Duty: This is the failure to perform one’s duties or responsibilities to the best of one’s ability. Dereliction of duty can take many forms, such as neglecting to follow orders, maintaining equipment, or reporting for duty.
• Misuse of Government Property: This occurs when military personnel use government property for personal gain or in a way that is not authorized. Misuse of government property can include using government vehicles for personal use or taking government supplies for personal use.
• Adultery: This arises when a member of the military engages in sexual relations with someone who is not their spouse while their spouse is still alive. Adultery can damage morale and discipline within a unit and is therefore prohibited by the UCMJ. To maintain a healthy and productive military career, military members need to maintain the trust and respect of their spouse and family.

Why Do You Need a Military Defense Attorney?

Military defense attorneys are specialized lawyers trained to represent military members in criminal or disciplinary proceedings. There are several reasons why military personnel may need a military defense attorney:

• Military law is different from civilian law: The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) is a unique legal system that applies specifically to military members. It has its own set of rules and procedures, and military defense attorneys are skilled at navigating this system. For example, the UCMJ allows for the use of court-martial to try military personnel for certain offenses. A court-martial is different from civilian courts in its procedures and rules of evidence.
• Military cases can have severe consequences: A conviction under the UCMJ can carry serious penalties, such as imprisonment, reduction in rank, loss of pay, and dishonorable discharge. These consequences can significantly impact a military member’s career and future prospects. However, military defense attorneys are experienced at building strong defenses to help their clients avoid these consequences.
• Military cases can involve complex procedures: Military cases often involve many different agencies and levels of review. These can involve procedures such as courts-martial, administrative boards, and appeals. Military defense attorneys are familiar with these procedures and can provide guidance and representation throughout the process. For example, a military defense attorney may help a client navigate the process of appealing a court-martial conviction or challenging the decision of an administrative board.
• Military personnel have unique legal needs: Military personnel may face legal issues that are specific to their status as military members, such as issues related to deployment, security clearance, or the use of deadly force. Military defense attorneys are familiar with these issues and can provide specialized legal representation. For example, a military defense attorney may represent a client who is facing disciplinary action for an incident that occurred while deployed or who is challenging the revocation of their security clearance.

Overall, military defense attorneys play an essential role in ensuring that military personnel receive fair and effective legal representation in criminal and disciplinary proceedings. They are trained to handle the unique legal needs of military personnel and navigate the complex procedures of the military justice system.

What Is Article 77 of the UCMJ?

Article 77 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice is a provision that establishes the jurisdiction of general courts-martial, which are the most severe level of military courts. General courts-martial have the authority to try any person subject to the UCMJ for any offense made punishable by the UCMJ. They also have the power to impose any punishment authorized by the UCMJ. These include imprisonment, a reduction in rank, a loss of pay, and a dishonorable discharge.

This broad jurisdiction of the military justice system is an important aspect of the UCMJ, as it allows for prosecuting military personnel for a wide range of offenses. It is one of several articles of the UCMJ that outlines the powers and jurisdiction of the military justice system. It is an essential part of the legal framework that applies to members of the military.

The jurisdiction of general courts-martial is not limited to specific types of offenses or to offenses committed in a particular location. Rather, it applies to any offense made punishable by the UCMJ, regardless of the circumstances or location in which the offense was committed. This means that a general court-martial can try military personnel for offenses that range from minor infractions to serious crimes if the offense is punishable under the UCMJ.

Questions to Ask Your Military Defense Attorney

If you are facing military criminal or disciplinary proceedings, it is important to have a skilled military defense attorney represent you. When choosing an attorney, there are several key questions you may want to ask to ensure that you are getting the best legal representation possible:

• What is your experience with military law? It is important to choose an attorney who deeply understands military law and the unique legal issues that military personnel may face. Inquire about their background and experience in military law.
• Have you handled cases similar to mine in the past? It is helpful to choose an attorney with experience handling cases similar to yours, as they will be better equipped to anticipate and respond to the specific legal challenges you may face. Learn more about their experience with cases that are similar to yours and how they have successfully navigated similar legal issues in the past.
• What is your strategy for defending me in this case? A good attorney will have a clear and well-thought-out plan for defending you in your case. They should have a strategy and a plan to build a strong defense on your behalf.
• How do you anticipate the prosecution will approach this case? It is helpful to have an attorney who understands how the prosecution is likely to approach your case. See what they think about the prosecution’s strategy and how they plan to counter any arguments or evidence that the prosecution may present.
• What are the potential outcomes of this case, and how do you plan to mitigate any negative consequences for me? It is critical to understand the potential implications of your case and to have an attorney who is focused on minimizing any negative impact on your career or future prospects. Ask them about the potential outcomes of your case and how they plan to mitigate any negative consequences.
• How will you keep me informed about the progress of my case? It is vital to have an attorney who keeps you informed about your case’s progress and is available to answer your questions and address your concerns. You should know their communication style and how they plan to keep you informed about the progress of your case.
• What resources do you have available to assist in my defense? A good attorney will have access to various resources that can help in your defense, such as expert witnesses, investigators, and other legal professionals. See what resources they have and how they plan to use them to assist in your defense.
• How do you plan to communicate with me throughout the legal process? It is important to have an attorney who is responsive and available to communicate with you throughout the legal process. Find out their preferred method of communication and how they plan to stay in touch with you.
• What are your fees, and how do you bill for your services? It is crucial to understand the cost of legal representation and to choose an attorney who is transparent about their fees. Ask about their fees and how they bill for their services. Make sure you understand the terms of their representation.
• Is there anything else I should know about my case or the legal process? A good attorney will be open and honest with you about your case and the legal process. They will make sure you have all the information you need to make informed decisions. Ask if there is anything else you should know about your case or the legal process. Make sure you are comfortable with their representation.

Asking these questions can help you get a sense of the attorney’s approach and experience and can help you make an informed decision about who to hire to represent you. Make sure to ask any other questions that may be relevant to your case and take the time to evaluate potential attorneys to find the one that is the best fit for you.

Contact The Law Center P.C. Today for Military Criminal Defense

If you are facing a legal issue and need experienced and knowledgeable representation, contact The Law Center P.C. today. We understand the legal process and have a proven record of success in defending our clients. Our attorneys can take the time to listen to your story, review your case, and provide you with an honest assessment of your legal options. We can work tirelessly to build a strong defense on your behalf and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you.