Trusted Fort Sill Civilian Defense Lawyer
First built during the height of the First Nation Wars in 1869, Fort Sill has long served as a United States Army post. A National Historic Landmark, Fort Sill is located just north of Lawton, Oklahoma.
Your Right to a Civilian Defense Attorney
If you face a disciplinary hearing while stationed at Fort Sill, you are entitled to hire the defense attorney of your choice.
For vigorous representation, contact former military judge and Fort Sill military attorney Patrick McLain today.
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Types of Military Justice at Fort Sill
Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), there are two forms of military justice frequently used at Fort Sill:
- nonjudicial punishment; and
- trial by court-martial.
Nonjudicial Punishment
Nonjudicial punishment (NJP) is more commonly known as Article 15 in the Army. An NJP is a form of administrative punishment that can be initiated by your commanding officer. While the potential consequences for an NJP are serious, it is not a formal criminal proceeding. That means that a bad outcome will not result in a criminal conviction on your permanent record.
You have the right to reject nonjudicial punishment in favor of a trial by court-martial. While a court-martial proceeding carries stiffer penalties, it also provides you with more rights than an NJP. The decision to reject an NJP in favor for trial by court-martial is a serious one that should not be made without speaking with military defense counsel first.
If convicted, you have a right to appeal the outcome of an NJP up the chain of command. An appeal must be based on one of two grounds: that the outcome was unjust or that the punishment was disproportionate.
Court-Martial
A trial by court-martial differs from an NJP in that a court-martial is a formal criminal proceeding. If convicted, you will have a conviction on your criminal record that could carry over into your civilian life. Any violation of the UCMJ may result in a trial by court-martial. A trial by court-martial is overseen by a military judge and has more formal rules than an NJP.
If you are ultimately found guilty, you have the right to an appeal. In fact, many convictions automatically trigger appellate review. The two appellate courts that hear appeals from Army court-martial proceedings are:
- The Army Court of Criminal Appeals; and
- The Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.
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 Fort Sill
For the most part, offenses committed at Fort Sill could result in either an NJP or a trial by court-martial. While any violation of the UCMJ can lead to a court-martial, minor charges are frequently dealt with via an NJP.
Common NJP Offenses
- Unauthorized absence (AWOL)
- Drunk on duty
- Fraternization
- Violation of orders
- Destroying government property
Common Court-Martial Offenses
Potential Penalties
The potential penalties you may receive through an NJP or court-martial can have lasting consequences. Common penalties in an NJP include restriction, loss of pay, extra duties, and loss of rank. A trial by court-martial carries the same penalties as an NJP in addition to more serious consequences like incarceration or punitive discharge.
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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"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 -
"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 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. -
"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.
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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