Kadena Air Base Attorney
Kadena Air Base is a United States Air Force installation in Kadena, Okinawa, Japan. Known as the “Keystone of the Pacific,” this base has been held by the Air Force since the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. The Kadena Air Base serves as the home to both the 18th Wing and the 353rd Special Operations Group. If you are facing disciplinary charges while serving at Kadena Air Base, contact attorney Patrick J. McLain today.
Your Right to Civilian Defense Counsel
Regardless of the charges you face, you are entitled to hire the civilian defense counsel of your choice.
To discuss your defense options, call attorney and retired military judge Patrick J. McLain and attorney E. Allen Chandler right away at (888) 606-3385.
Types of Military Discipline at Kadena Air Base
There are two common forms of military justice used at Kadena Air Base: nonjudicial punishment and trial by court-martial. Both forms of justice are different but carry serious consequences.
Nonjudicial Punishment
One common form of military justice is known as nonjudicial punishment. Also known as NJP or Article 15, this form of administrative proceeding could have severe consequences. Initiated by your commanding officer, this informal proceeding lacks the formality of a criminal trial. If you are convicted, you have the right to an appeal. However, the appeal will be heard up the chain of command as opposed to in an appellate court.
You have the right to reject nonjudicial punishment and demand a trial by court-martial. While a court-martial carries more severe penalties than Article 15, it also has some advantages. A court-martial might make sense if you have concerns about getting a fair hearing from your commanding officer.
The choice to reject NJP is important. Discuss your options with an experienced civilian defense counsel before making a decision.
Court-Martial
A trial by court-martial differs from NJP in that it is a criminal proceeding. If you are convicted at trial, your permanent record will reflect a conviction long after your military service ends. A military judge will oversee your trial and enforce a strict set of rules regarding the admission of evidence.
If you are convicted at a trial by court-martial, you have the right to appeal the decision. With some charges, an appeal will occur automatically. There are two appellate courts that hear appeals from Air Force trials by court-martial: the Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals or 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 Kadena Air Base
Any violation of the UCMJ could result in a trial by court-martial. However, lesser offenses often result in NJP instead. Some common offenses 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
The penalties from a trial by court-martial or NJP can both include restrictions, loss of pay, loss of rank, or extra duties. For serious charges, a court-martial could also carry the risk of confinement or a punitive discharge. Unfortunately, any conviction could also lead to separation proceedings from the Air Force. Thankfully, you could avoid these consequences with the help of legal counsel.
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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"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
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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.
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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