Camp Butler, Okinawa Base
Camp Butler Okinawa – formally known as Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler – is a Marine Corps facility located in the Japanese prefecture of Okinawa. Camp Butler is a series of facilities operated by the Marines since 1955. Before then, the base was an Army facility known as Fort Buckner. If you are facing military discipline while stationed at Camp Butler, Contact attorney Patrick J. McLain right away.
Contact an Experienced Camp Butler Civilian Defense Counsel
If you are facing either an NJP or trial by court-martial at Camp Butler, your freedom and career could be at stake. However, with a strong defense, you could prevail in your case and avoid any penalties.
To learn more, contact retired Marine Corps judge and attorney Patrick J. McLain right away.
Military Discipline at Camp Butler Okinawa
At Camp Butler, there are two forms of military discipline: nonjudicial punishment and trial by court-martial.
Nonjudicial Punishment
An administrative form of military justice, nonjudicial punishment (NJP) will not result in a mark on your permanent criminal record if convicted. That does not, however, mean there are limited consequences. In addition to the potential penalties, a bad result in an NJP could lead to separation proceedings.
Also known informally as office hours, these proceedings are initiated by your commanding officer. It is your right to reject an NJP in favor of a trial by court-martial. While this may seem risky given the higher potential penalties of a court-martial, there are advantages in some cases. This decision is a significant one, and you should never make it before discussing your options with an experienced defense attorney.
You have the right to appeal the decision at your NJP. However, this process does not involve a dedicated appeals court as in a civilian trial. Instead, appeals are heard up your chain of command.
Trial by Court-Martial
A trial by court-martial differs from an NJP in that it is a formal criminal proceeding. A conviction will lead to a criminal record. A trial by court-martial is more formal than office hours; it is overseen by a military judge and has strict rules of evidence.
If convicted, you are entitled to appeal the decision. In fact, there are many cases where an appeal is triggered automatically. During the course of your appeal, you have the right to the counsel of a civilian defense attorney. Appeals from a Marine Corps court-martial are heard by either the Navy-Marine Court of Criminal Appeals or the Court of Appeals for the Armed Services.
WHY CHOOSE THE LAW OFFICE OF PATRICK J. MCLAIN?
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Former Federal Prosecutor & Military JudgeAttorney Patrick J. McLain's years of experience across the aisle provide him with a unique perspective.
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Over Two Decades in the U.S. Marine Corps
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Our Firm is Top-Rated & Award-Winning
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Over 3,500 Cases Successfully Handled
Common Military Offenses at Camp Butler
While the many offenses Marines face at Camp Butler are common crimes in the civilian world, some offenses are specific to military life.
Common Military Offenses
- Unauthorized absence (AWOL)
- Drunk on duty
- Fraternization
- Insubordination
- Destroying government property
Common Court-Martial Offenses
Potential Penalties
Many penalties are similar for a conviction at either office hours or a trial by court-martial. In either type of proceeding, you could face:
- restriction;
- loss of pay;
- extra duties; and
- loss of rank.
However, there are other severe penalties only available in a court-martial. These include confinement or a punitive discharge. In either case, a conviction could lead to separation proceedings from the Marine Corps.
OUR CLIENTS SAY IT BEST
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"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
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"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 -
"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
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"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. -
"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 -
"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. -
"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. -
"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
STAY UP TO DATE
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Understanding the Different Types of Court-Martials: Summary, Special, and General -
Military Appeals: Process and Tips for a Successful Appeal
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Navigating a Court-Martial: What to Expect and How to Prepare
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