Civilian Defense Lawyer

Our team is uniquely equipped to provide comprehensive legal services to Army members facing legal challenges. Military Law is at your disposal, whether you’re dealing with allegations under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) or administrative procedures or seeking advice on military-related legal matters. Our experienced civilian defense lawyers are here to offer expert guidance and representation tailored to your unique situation.

Call us at (800) 235-3645 for a consultation.

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Military Suspect Rights Guide

• Understanding the UCMJ and Your Rights
• Why Choose Our Civilian Defense Lawyers?
• What Are My Defense Options?
• What is the Court-Martial Process?
• Contact a Civilian Defense Attorney to Protect Your Future

Understanding the UCMJ and Your Rights

The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) is the foundation of military law in the United States and applies to all military branches, including the Army. It outlines legal standards, procedures, and penalties for service members, ensuring discipline and justice within the military framework.

When an Army member faces misconduct allegations, it can initiate a complex process involving investigations by command authorities or specialized units such as the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) and Military Police Investigators (MPI).

While facing such allegations can be intimidating, with concerns over the potential for high conviction rates within the Army, service members have rights, and defenses and options are available.

Why Choose Our Civilian Defense Lawyers?

Our military heritage has had a profound impact on our family. Generations before us, including parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and other relatives, have proudly served in the military. Their participation in conflicts such as World War I and World War II and various overseas operations has instilled a sense of patriotism and dedication. Their exemplary service has inspired us to carry on their legacy and embrace the noble tradition of military service.

Jeremy and Sheena Snyder, a husband-and-wife team of a veteran military lawyer and a professional investigator, founded Military Law. We have dedicated our adult lives to service in and for the U.S. military community. We started Military Law because there is no better way for us to use our skills and life experiences in the law, investigations, and the military to help others.

Jeremy Snyder

Jeremy, a seasoned military trial attorney, has defended clients in over a hundred courts and boards worldwide, leveraging his extensive background in military justice. He has averaged 10+ courts per year for every year he has served as a full-time trial attorney.

He has defended thousands of military justice actions, including allegations of:

• Assault and battery, including aggravated assault (Article 128)
• Sexual assault, abusive sexual contact, and rape (Article 120)
• Cases involving multiple alleged victims and international crimes
• Negligent homicide (Article 134) and involuntary manslaughter (Article 119)
• Attempted murder (Article 80 and Article 118)
• Drug offenses of all kinds (Article 112a)
• Larceny (Article 121) and fraud (Article 132)

Jeremy defends U.S. service members worldwide. He’s traveled and worked in 31 U.S. states: England, Germany, Italy, Kuwait, Turkey, Japan, and South Korea.

Jeremy Snyder has also represented clients from all service branches: the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. He has directly advised senior leaders, including General Officers and a U.S. Ambassador.

Sheena Snyder

Sheena Snyder, the daughter of an Air Force pilot, is the co-founder of Military Law alongside her husband, Jeremy Snyder. With over 12 years of experience as a military spouse and mother, Sheena has a profound understanding of the challenges and sacrifices faced by military families.

During her time in Kuwait, Sheena worked as a Special Investigator for the U.S. Department of State, conducting background investigations for security clearances and regularly interacting with U.S. diplomats and deployed military personnel. This experience has deepened her connection to the military community and strengthened her commitment to ensuring the well-being of service members and their families.

Sheena’s passion for military families extends beyond her professional endeavors. She actively seeks to raise awareness and enhance opportunities for military children, recognizing the disruptions and sacrifices they often face as they accompany their parents in serving our country.

Amanda Bautista, Investigator

Amanda Bautista is a U.S. Army veteran and military spouse who proudly supported her husband and family during his 25-year military career.

Throughout their time in the military, Amanda, her husband, and their children had the opportunity to live in Japan, Ecuador, and Brazil.

During an assignment to the U.S. Embassy in Brazil, Amanda started her work as a Special Investigator for the U.S. Department of State. As a Special Investigator, she was responsible for conducting background investigations in support of national security and engaging with diplomats and members of various government agencies.

Amanda’s past assignments and experience include:

• Special Investigator, U.S. Department of State:
• Conducted background investigations for diverse regions overseas and domestically
• Area Coordinator, U.S. Department of State: supervised, led, and trained Special Investigators in the Overseas Region, supporting our U.S. Embassies worldwide and the Domestic Regions.
• Played a significant role in the development of the Overseas Region’s current structure of day-to-day operations
• Created a training guide specifically tailored for onboarding new Area Coordinators
  

  Military Defense Lawyers

She has handled thousands of leads, including:

• Interagency and high-priority cases
• Full subject interviews
• Reference interviews
• Financial records checks
• Employment records checks
• Adverse information cases
• Police and court records checks

Amanda’s background as a Special Investigator and her collaboration with law enforcement agencies have honed her skills in collecting information and advocating for her clients.

She assists clients facing various investigations, including AR 15-6 administrative inquiries, commander inquiries, commander-directed investigations (CDIs), and criminal UCMJ investigations conducted by organizations such as the Military Police, Army CID, Air Force OSI, NCIS, or CGIS.

What distinguishes Amanda is her deep connection to the military community. As a military veteran, spouse, and mother of a son serving in the U.S. Army Reserves, she profoundly understands the unique challenges and sacrifices military families face.

Recognizing that when one family member serves, the entire family serves, Amanda’s combined professional experience and personal empathy make her exceptionally dedicated to supporting her military clients and their families.

What Are My Defense Options?

Here’s an overview of the defense options we can explore together:

Challenging the Evidence’s Validity

One of the cornerstones of a strong defense strategy is scrutinizing the evidence presented by the prosecution. This involves thoroughly examining how the evidence was collected, handled, and presented.

Our team is skilled at identifying inconsistencies, procedural errors, or any breaches of protocol that may compromise the integrity of the evidence. We can weaken the prosecution’s case and protect your rights by challenging its validity.

Arguing the Absence of Intent

Demonstrating that the alleged misconduct lacked intent can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Our approach includes gathering compelling evidence and presenting logical arguments to support the notion that actions were not deliberate or premeditated. This defense strategy can be particularly effective in cases where intent is a key element of the alleged offense.

Demonstrating Extenuating and Mitigating Circumstances

Life is unpredictable, and circumstances beyond our control can sometimes lead us into challenging situations. We understand this deeply and are skilled in presenting extenuating and mitigating circumstances that may have contributed to the situation.

Whether it’s undue stress, personal hardship, or a lack of awareness, highlighting these factors can play a role in the defense, potentially leading to reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.

What is the Court-Martial Process?

Should your case proceed to a court-martial, you will face a military court where they will try the charges against you. In this scenario, you have the right to a fair trial, to confront witnesses against you, and to present evidence in your defense. The court-martial process can intimidate anyone, but you can handle it effectively with the right preparation and legal representation from our firm.

Your Rights at a Court-Martial

Your rights during a court-martial are grounded in the U.S. Constitution and the UCMJ, offering a broad spectrum of protections that ensure a fair and just process.

These rights protect against self-incrimination, guarantee the opportunity to confront accusers, and secure the entitlement to a fair trial. Unique to the military justice system are additional rights under the UCMJ, which include more extensive protections against self-incrimination than civilian Miranda rights and the entitlement to government-funded professional consultation for your defense.

Consequences of a Conviction

The implications of a conviction under the UCMJ can be severe, affecting your military career and your civilian life.

Impact on Military Career

A conviction under the UCMJ carries serious repercussions that can severely impact your military trajectory.

One of the primary concerns is the effect on rank and pay. Reducing either can significantly alter your current financial situation and long-term retirement benefits.

In severe cases, you may face discharge from service, ranging from administrative to dishonorable. The latter carries a stigma that extends well into civilian life, affecting future opportunities and personal relationships.

We can work hard to prevent that from happening.

Consequences in Civilian Life

Transitioning to civilian life can be markedly challenging for those with a military conviction. Such individuals may encounter difficulties securing employment, especially in fields requiring a clean criminal record or a security clearance.

A dishonorable discharge or similar military conviction can constitute a red flag for potential employers, casting doubts on your character and reliability.

Additionally, a conviction may result in the loss of valuable veterans’ benefits, including educational opportunities, healthcare, and housing assistance, further complicating the adjustment to civilian life.

Always seek experienced legal counsel to safeguard your military career and the essential benefits that contribute to your post-service well-being.

Legal and Social Implications

Beyond the immediate military and employment ramifications, a UCMJ conviction can lead to enduring legal and social consequences. Some convictions may be entered into civilian criminal databases, affecting your ability to pass background checks for employment, housing, and financial loans.

The social stigma associated with a military conviction can strain personal relationships and impact family members and close associates. A conviction can affect both public perception and private life.

Financial Repercussions

Financially, a conviction under the UCMJ can be burdensome. Fines and the requirement to pay restitution can significantly strain families, affecting financial stability and future planning. Securing adept legal representation becomes crucial to navigating the immediate legal challenges and mitigating the long-term financial repercussions of military convictions.

Loss of Rights

Certain convictions may also result in losing fundamental rights, such as owning firearms or voting. These losses underscore a military conviction’s broad impact, extending beyond immediate penalties to affect basic civil liberties. Therefore, securing effective legal representation is vital to safeguarding your immediate future and your long-term rights and freedoms.

Contact a Civilian Defense Attorney to Protect Your Future

Jeremy Snyder, Military Criminal Defense Lawyer

Military charges can be an intimidating and overwhelming experience, filled with uncertainty and concern for your future and career.

Remember that you are not without options or defense. At Military Law, we comprehend the gravity of your situation and dedicate ourselves to crafting a robust defense strategy tailored to your needs during this critical time.

Our team is here to guide you through the court-martial process and ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way. We are committed to fighting for the best possible outcome for you. Our goal is not just to resolve the current charges but to defend your future opportunities within the military and civilian life.

The path ahead may seem challenging, but with Military Law’s experienced defense team by your side, you can face the proceedings with confidence. We are deeply committed to the men and women serving our country. We understand your sacrifices and the importance of your service, which fuels our dedication to defending your rights and your future.

We encourage you not to delay in seeking the legal support you need during this time. Early intervention can be critical in developing an effective defense strategy.

Military Law is ready to stand with you whether you’re dealing with allegations under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, facing administrative actions, or needing advice on military-related legal matters.

Your future is worth defending; choosing the right legal team can make all the difference. Let us bring our experience, dedication, and personalized care to your defense.

Contact a civilian defense attorney for a comprehensive defense strategy that protects your rights and fights for your future. We can work through this challenge together and secure a positive resolution for you and your career.

Call us at (800) 235-3645 or fill out our online contact form.

Get Help Now