By now, you might be aware that you’re under investigation. Perhaps military investigators have already spoken to you about your charges, and it’s left you feeling scared and unsure about what steps to take next.
Fortunately, unlike many people in the country, you have the right to a free lawyer. You might have already met with the military defense attorney assigned to your case. However, despite having this option, you’ve been searching online for additional help from a lawyer who can safeguard your future. Although you’re provided a military defense attorney at no cost, here are three reasons to consider hiring a civilian Military attorney Matthew G. Jubelt for your military case:
Experience
One of the biggest reasons to go for a civilian attorney is their experience in not just handling military legal matters but actually going to trial for criminal cases. When you’re up against criminal charges, having a lawyer who’s been through trials similar to yours is crucial. You don’t want someone new to the game when your life is at stake.
Military defense attorneys often lack experience, which can be surprising. While some really good ones exist, you might not get lucky enough to have one on your case. A recent Department of Defense Report revealed this trend:
- In the Army, there’s no set minimum experience required for attorneys to become defense counsel. Some start this role without any trial experience.
- Air Force attorneys usually have less than ten trials under their belt before becoming defense counsel, and most of their past cases end in guilty pleas.
- Navy attorneys can become defense counsel after just two years of dealing with administrative issues, not necessarily trials.
- In the Marine Corps, most defense counsel are new lawyers on their first tour, fresh out of law school.
Instead of someone new to the field, you’d want a seasoned pro on your side. Experience means your civilian attorney has been through over a hundred trials, seen it all, cross-examined numerous witnesses, dealt with many accusers, delivered countless closing arguments, and secured numerous “not guilty” verdicts. Experience means your attorney knows how to handle surprises from the prosecution or witnesses. It brings stability when you’re facing uncertainty.
Investment
You need an attorney who’s truly committed to your case. Hiring a military law firm for your military situation can come with a hefty price tag. But what you’re paying for is someone who’s dedicated to working hard on your behalf, always ready to address your questions or worries.
Military defense attorneys, aside from being inexperienced, often have a lot on their plate. They handle various issues, from minor counseling matters to full-fledged court-martials. Sometimes, they’re juggling hundreds of clients. Plus, they usually stick to their regular duty hours and days. They’re not obliged to put in extra time, and honestly, they’re not paid enough to do so. While military defense attorneys manage to get the job done, you’re looking for more. You want a military attorney who is truly invested in making your case a success.
When you invest in a military law firm you’re paying for their responsiveness. You want assurance that when you call, they pick up. It’s crucial that your military law firm tirelessly investigates the accusations against you and works relentlessly on building your strongest defense.
Independence
Lastly, hiring a military law firm gives you independence. While your military defense attorney may not belong to your exact chain of command, they’re active-duty military officers having links directly to your military organization or base. Once they finish their defense counsel term, many return to the prosecutor’s office. They essentially never stop being part of the military.
A military attorney, on the other hand, operates independently from the military system. They can challenge military leadership without worrying about consequences to their careers. By staying outside the chain of command, a military law firm can advocate solely for you. At a time when Congress is pressing military leaders to prosecute military crimes fully, having an independent civilian attorney focusing solely on your interests becomes crucial.
You’ve bravely volunteered to serve your country, granting you the right to a free military defense attorney. However, considering what’s at stake, hiring a seasoned military attorney ensures dedication, experience, and, most importantly, independence for your case.
Conclusion
We think the advantages of hiring a military law firm are worth it, and we encourage anyone who qualifies to consider getting legal help from these experts. Have you ever worked with a military attorney? How was your experience? Share your thoughts in the comments!