[ Ссылка ] - Criminal defense attorney, Michael Waddington, discusses what may happen if a military service member is convicted at a military court-martial? Call 1-800-921-8607 to speak with a criminal defense attorney today.
If a military service member is convicted at a military court-martial, several consequences can follow, depending on the severity of the offense, the nature of the conviction, and the type of court-martial. Here are some potential outcomes:
Reduction in Rank or Pay: The service member may face a reduction in rank or a decrease in pay. This can impact their career progression and financial stability.
Incarceration: Depending on the offense, the service member could be sentenced to incarceration in a military prison.
Fines and Restitution: The court may impose fines or require the service member to make restitution, particularly if the offense involved financial misconduct or damage to property.
Bad Conduct or Dishonorable Discharge: A serious conviction may lead to a bad conduct discharge (if convicted by a special court-martial) or a dishonorable discharge (if convicted by a general court-martial). This type of discharge has significant long-term consequences, such as loss of veterans' benefits and difficulties in finding civilian employment.
Loss of Benefits: Convicted service members may lose their military benefits, including retirement benefits, healthcare, and access to the GI Bill.
Impact on Civilian Life: A conviction can affect a service member's civilian life, such as limiting employment opportunities, impacting their ability to own firearms (especially in cases of felony convictions), and affecting their social standing.
Record of Conviction: The conviction becomes part of the service member's permanent record, which can impact future career opportunities both within and outside the military.
Other Penalties: Depending on the specific charges, other penalties may be imposed, such as restrictions on liberty, mandatory participation in treatment programs, or demotions.
It's important to note that the specific consequences depend on the nature of the offense and the type of court-martial (summary, special, or general). The decision-making process in a military court-martial includes legal counsel for both the defense and prosecution, and the accused has rights similar to those in civilian criminal courts.
Court Martial Attorneys:
Michael Waddington
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Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington
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Michael Waddington
Criminal Defense Attorney
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