Skip to Content
Top
NJP: Nonjudicial Punishment

NJP Lawyer for Article 15 Hearings

Nonjudicial Punishment: Aka Article 15, Office Hours, Captain's Mast 

At the law office of experienced military law attorney Patrick J. McLain, we represent servicemen and women worldwide in nonjudicial punishment (NJP) and misconduct matters, known in the various branches of service as Captain's or Admiral's Mast, Office Hours, or Article 15.

Wherever in the world you are stationed, in the United States, Japan, Germany, Iraq, or Afghanistan, we have the experience and dedication to offer you sound legal advice and the independent representation you need to make the right decision about whether to accept nonjudicial punishment or to fight for your rights and your career.

Just because you are offered NJP does not mean you have to accept it! In many cases you will have a more favorable outcome if you instead demand to be heard before an independent court-martial.

If you're facing an Article 15 hearing, contact an experienced NJP lawyer who can explain your rights and help you decide which course to take.

In Administrative Proceedings DEFENDING
YOUR RIGHTS
Don't let an administrative decision halt your military career. Learn the truth about your rights and the potential consequences of a conviction or plea agreement.

Article 15 UCMJ Nonjudicial Punishment

Nonjudicial punishment is reserved for low-level offenses that are not serious enough to warrant a court-martial. Nonjudicial punishment, abbreviated NJP, is the power granted to military commanders under Article 15 UCMJ to resolve allegations considered minor against a member of the armed forces in an administrative setting rather than in a court-martial; that is non-judicially.

NJP goes under many different names; Article 15 (Army and Air Force)Captain's or Admiral's Mast (Navy and Coast Guard), or Office Hours (Marine Corps). The decision to pursue nonjudicial punishment against an individual is at the sole discretion of a military member's commander, and though a superior commander can take away a subordinate commander's power to impose NJP in all cases, he or she cannot do so in a specific case.

Most significant, the decision to accept punishment under Article 15 rests solely with the accused military member (except in the case of a member attached to, or embarked on, a vessel).

Continue Reading Read Less
You Need a Civilian Military Lawyer

WHY CHOOSE THE LAW OFFICE OF PATRICK J. MCLAIN?

  • Former Federal Prosecutor & Military Judge
  • Over 3,500 Cases Successfully Handled
  • Our Firm is Top-Rated & Award-Winning
  • Over Two Decades in the U.S. Marine Corps

Independent Representation to Help You Fight for Your Future

Our clients are hard chargers. They understand the long-term impact of an adverse entry like NJP on their permanent military record. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who are willing to fight for their careers both in and out of the military would do well to consult an experienced civilian military law attorney.

Patrick J. McLain is an experienced and independent advocate for your rights. He knows the system, but is not beholden to it. His focus in nonjudicial punishment matters is making certain that your rights are fully understood and respected.

Schedule a Consultation With an Attorney Experienced With NJP & Article 15 Hearings

Before you bow to pressure and accept nonjudicial punishment, consider what your military career and future civilian opportunities are worth. 

If you value your future enough to fight for it, then Patrick J. McLain is the lawyer you want fighting by your side. Contact us today.

OUR CLIENTS SAY IT BEST

    "Amazing lawyer who fights for you!"
    A tremendous lawyer in a time of need. After being accused of conduct unbecoming an officer for personal conduct while off duty, I hired Mr. McLain to help me through the process. He diligently worked behind the scenes to make sure my voice was being heard. Despite my inability to listen to his direction early on, Mr. Mclain was patient and continued to fight on my behalf. Mr. McLain helped me win at a board of inquiry with no other disciplinary action. A sincere man, who is dedicated to his clients. Would strongly recommend and is a great asset to military clients everywhere.
    - Former Client
    "He is a hard worker and will fight for you the moment you choose him to be on your team!"

    My husband hired Patrick for his summary court martial and Patrick and his team were there every step of the way. They communicated everything they needed and were even there when either me or my husband had any questions. He is a hard worker and will fight for you the moment you choose him to be on your team!

    - Angela
    "I was entirely impressed with mclain’s work on my case."

    I called McLain when the military charged me with some B.S., McLain immediately jumped into action and made things happen in my favor. Don't do it alone … your military chain of command will try to make you think that your cooperation will help you, it will NOT. I was entirely impressed with McLain's work on my 

    - Chris C.
    "I won my military case due to his diligence, knowledge and experience in military law."

    I cannot recommend Patrick highly enough. I won my military case due to his diligence, knowledge and experience in military law. Had I proceeded on my own, I would have lost, for the process was simply too complex. When working with Patrick, there was never a time when I felt left in the dark on my case, nor a time when his assessments and instructions were unclear. Should you be in any difficult circumstance, Patrick will work his tail off for you and keep you clearly informed on the status of your case. Again, I highly recommend the services of Patrick McLain.

    - Dan C.
    "Made me feel like the most important client."
    They completely cared, took my case personally, always made me feel like the most important client, and were knowledgeable on all subjects. I give the Law Office of Patrick J. McLain, PLLC the highest rating possible and totally recommend them.
    - Mike
    "Amazing strength and integrity with the combination of experience, insight, and knowledge of military law."

    I have found my lawyer Patrick McLain, to be honest, right to the point, consistently giving me realistic outcomes through the whole process of my case. He's definitely no nonsense, cut to the chase. As a client…I've never been left hanging; he makes sure all my correspondence is returned. He's got amazing strength and integrity with the combination of experience, insight, and knowledge of military law. He stands behind his words and expects the same in return. I say my blessings every day for him taking my case. With him as my attorney, I've achieved best possible outcomes.

    - Gina F.
    "Thanks to him I am now able to get on with my life."

    It took some time to make it happen, but it did just like Patrick said, he is a hard charging guy that can help you get what you deserve, Thanks to him I am now able to get on with my life.

    - Chip
    "The best lawyer to defend military personnel."
    The Law Office of Patrick J. McLain helped me through the most difficult experience in my life. As a Marine Officer facing an upcoming board of inquiry for conduct issues, I was afraid of losing my career. Attorney McLain gave great legal advice through the process and reached out many times to see how I was doing. A great lawyer and better person, Mr. McLain helped me become successful in my board of inquiry and keep moving forward in my career. His military experience and personal qualities make him the best lawyer to defend military personnel.
    - Jonathan
Our Blog

STAY UP TO DATE

  • Understanding the Different Types of Court-Martials: Summary, Special, and General
  • Military Appeals: Process and Tips for a Successful Appeal
  • Navigating a Court-Martial: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Proudly Serving All 6 Branches of the Military Worldwide

PUT EXPERIENCE ON YOUR SIDE.

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy
Locations
Follow Us