Dyess AFB Defense Attorney
Resting on more than 6,000 acres of land near Abilene, Texas, Dyess Air Force Base has been in operation since 1942. Originally an Army airfield, the base is currently under the control of the United States Air Force. Dyess AFB is the home to both the 7th Bomb Wing and the 317th Airlift Group. If you are facing charges while serving at Dyess Air Force Base, contact attorney and retired military judge Patrick J. McLain immediately.
Contact a Dyess AFB Civilian Defense Counsel
The reality of the charges against you is that a conviction is not guaranteed. By fighting back, you could avoid a conviction and any related penalties.
To learn more, contact attorney Patrick J. McLain right away.
Military Discipline at Dyess Air Force Base
Any violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) could result in discipline. There are two common forms of military justice used at Dyess AFB: nonjudicial punishment and trial by court-martial.
Nonjudicial Punishment
A common type of disciplinary proceeding in the Air Force is nonjudicial punishment. Also referred to as NJP or Article 15, these administrative hearings will not result in a permanent mark on a criminal record. Despite that fact, the consequences resulting from an NJP are significant.
Your commanding officer – not a military judge – oversees an NJP. While there are rules regarding evidence and testimony, the process is far more informal than a civilian trial. You also have the right to appeal a decision, but the appeal is heard up the chain of command as opposed to in a dedicated appeals court.
The most important thing to understand about Article 15 is that you have the right to reject it entirely. That does not mean you are out of the woods, as your case will then be decided in a trial by court-martial. This decision is serious, as there are costs and benefits in both directions. You should always discuss your options with an experienced attorney before you make any decision for or against rejecting an NJP.
Court-Martial
A formal criminal proceeding, trials by court-martial carry steeper penalties than an NJP. What's more, a conviction will show up on your permanent record. These trials are formal, with complex rules related to the admission of evidence. These rules are overseen by a military judge.
If you are convicted, you could appeal your case to a dedicated appellate court. In fact, certain types of cases result in automatic appellate review. During the course of the trial and appeal, you are entitled to hire the civilian defense counsel of your choice.
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 Offenses at Dyess AFB
Some charges are likely to result in an NJP, while others are often lead to a court-martial. Examples of common charges are listed below.
Common NJP Offenses
- Unauthorized absence (AWOL)
- Drunk on duty
- Fraternization
- Violation of orders
- Destroying government property
Common Court-Martial Offenses
Potential Penalties
There is a wide variety of potential penalties that can result from an NJP or a conviction in a court-martial. These shared penalties include restriction, loss of rank, loss of pay, and extra duties. In the most severe cases, you could also face punitive discharge or confinement.
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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"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 -
"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. -
"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
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"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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"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. -
"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.
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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