Military Law Blog
Can an incomplete and unfiled written reprimand be used against me in my court-martial?
Today on November 28, 2017, the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (CAAF) is set to review this very issue in United States v. Jerkins. In this case, Army Major Jerkins was convicted of assault consummated by a battery upon a child after hitting his three-year-old step-son with a belt. Following his conviction, MAJ … Read more
Service Appellate Courts’ application of CAAF’s ruling regarding the propensity instruction appear inconsistent.
In United States v. Hills in 2016, the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (CAAF) held that if a servicemember is charged with more than one sexual offense in a court-martial, one charge cannot be used as “propensity evidence” to show that one of the other charges occurred. More specifically, the Court held that … Read more
Recent Argument
I had the honor of arguing the case of United States v. Eppes at the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces last week. I have argued before this court on numerous occasions, and this is the third time I have been asked to participate in a “Project Outreach” argument. They do these arguments at … Read more
Valor Radio
While in NY recently, I had the privilege of appearing on the radio show Valor Radio, which covers military and veteran’s affairs. We discussed a wide range of military legal topics, including the Bowe Bergdahl trial, the case involving the Judge Advocate General of the Navy, VADM Crawford, the contempt proceedings against BG Baker, and … Read more
If I choose the wrong attorney to defend me, can’t I just later appeal the court-martial claiming that I had a bad defense counsel?
The claim that you received ineffective assistance of counsel (IAC) is an appeal that can be made following a court-martial. However, this claim must come with evidentiary support. It is not an easy claim to make and for that reason it often is not a successful argument on appeal. Counsel are presumed competent, and the … Read more
CAAF decides Power Bars should not get you court-martialed, reversing the Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals.
In August, I posted a blog about the Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals decision in United States v. Pugh. See https://courtmartial3.wpengine.com/can-power-bars-get-court-martialed/. Major Pugh was charged with use of drugs, and willful dereliction of duty by consuming Strong and Kind bars, both of which contain hemp seeds, in violation of AFI 90-507. Major Pugh was … Read more
Just because there is a search warrant doesn’t mean they can search whatever they want! CAAF to hear my argument this week.
This week I am set to argue in front of the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (CAAF) on behalf of my client, Captain Eppes, an Air Force officer. In this case, special agents of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) went beyond the scope of a search warrant when they searched … Read more
I filed a request to a board to remove something in my file and they denied it. What now?
If at some point in your military career a commander has filed a written reprimand or non-judicial punishment in your permanent file, chances are it is still sitting in your file. It interferes with promotion and sometimes may prevent you from getting a fresh start everywhere you go. It is a problem and there is … Read more
Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces upholds judge’s suppression of cell phone evidence due to Fifth Amendment violation.
Army Sergeant (SGT) Mitchell was accused of using his cell phone to harass his wife. After SGT Mitchell was escorted to the military police station, he was read his rights. SGT Mitchell invoked his 5th Amendment right to an attorney. However, two hours after invoking his right to counsel, the police asked SGT Mitchell to … Read more
Newly Announced Department of Defense Guidelines
On August 25, 2017, the Department of Defense announced clarifying guidance to the Military Discharge Review Boards and Boards for Correction of Military Records for Veterans who petition for either an upgrade or a correction to their discharges based on mental health conditions, such as PTSD and TBI, that existed at the time of discharge … Read more