Non-Judicial Punishments (NJP) are specific limited punishments that are handed out for minor to medium-level disciplinary offenses by a commanding officer. Called “Captain’s Mast” or “Mast” in the Navy, “Article 15” in the Army and Air Force, and “Office Hours” in the Marine Corps, these punishments, while not severe, can range from a simple reprimand […]
A General Court-Martial is the most serious level of military courts, above both Summary and Special Courts-Martial. It consists of a military judge, trial counsel, defense counsel, and at least five court members. As with the other Courts-Martial, enlisted accused service members may request a court composed of at least one-third enlisted personnel. Unless the […]
A Special Court-Martial is the intermediate court level; more serious than a Summary Court-Martial and less serious than a General Court-Martial. It consists of a military judge, defense counsel, trial counsel (prosecutor), and a minimum of three officers serving as a jury or panel of court members. An enlisted accused service member does have the […]
This will be the first in a series discussing the three types of courts-martial to which service members may be subject. The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) provides for three categories of courts-martial. These are (1) Summary Court-Martial, (2) Special Court-Martial, and (3) General Court-Martial. Each type of court-martial is associated with a distinctive […]
Today, Friday, November 11, 2011, our nation comes together to celebrate and thank veterans for their legacy of service and sacrifice and otherwise honor the commitment they have shown in the defense of our freedom and safety. Beginning in 1919 as “Armistice Day,” Veterans Day is intended to be celebrated on the 11th day, of […]
It is the policy of the U.S. Military Physical Disability Board of Review (PDBR) to allow veterans with military separation dates between 11 September 2001 and 31 December 2009 to, for medical reasons, have their file reviewed for fairness and accuracy. According to the PDBR, more than half of those re-evaluated became eligible for a […]
Welcome to our new website. Here you will find, among other improvements, a regularly-updated blog covering news related to our practice areas. We will provide you with these features on a weekly basis and are open to your suggestions and comments. William Cassara is an accomplished attorney that represents both service members and veterans and […]
Mr. Cassara represented an Army Sergeant accused at a court-martial of conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, and numerous other charges arising out of a shooting in Germany. His co-accused went to trial before him and was convicted of several charges and sentenced to two years confinement and a bad-conduct discharge. One of the main […]