Laughlin AFB Civilian Defense Attorney
The largest pilot training base in the United States Air Force is Laughlin Air Force Base. In operation since 1943, the base was originally an Army airfield before the Air Force took it over. Laughlin AFB is home to both the Air Education and Training Command as well as the 47th Flying Training Wing. If you have been notified of pending disciplinary charges while serving at Laughlin AFB, contact attorney Patrick J. McLain immediately.
Contact Experienced Civilian Defense Counsel Today
You do not have to resign yourself to facing these consequences. With the help of experienced civilian defense counsel, you can beat the charges lined up against you.
To learn how, reach out to attorney Patrick J. McLain immediately at (888) 606-3385.
Military Justice at Laughlin Air Force Base
There are two types of military justice at Laughlin AFB. These are nonjudicial punishment and trial by court-martial.
Nonjudicial Punishment
The process of nonjudicial punishment (NJP) is an administrative hearing, not a criminal trial. While a conviction will result in serious consequences, it will not lead to a conviction on your permanent record.
NJP is also commonly referred to as Article 15 in the Air Force. This process is often initiated by your commanding officer, who will also oversee the hearing. The rules of evidence are loose compared to those of a civilian criminal trial. You have the right to appeal a conviction up your chain of command.
You are under no obligation to agree to an NJP. Instead, you are entitled to reject it and face trial by court-martial instead. The maximum penalties in a court-martial are much higher compared to an NJP, so there are risks in this decision. However, there are also benefits in selecting a trial by court-martial. Discuss your options with an experienced attorney before making your final decision.
Trial by Court-Martial
While an NJP will not lead to a mark on your criminal record, a conviction at trial by court-martial will. This criminal proceeding is overseen by a military judge and has formal rules similar to civilian trials.
A conviction at trial is not the end of your case, however, as you have the right to appeal. In many cases, appellate review is automatically triggered. A trial by court-martial differs from an NJP in that a dedicated appellate court hears the appeals. The right civilian defense counsel could help you beat the charges against you at either the trial or appellate level.
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 Laughlin Air Force Base
Some common offenses that Air Force members often face 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
In many cases, the penalties that follow a conviction at trial by court-martial are the same at those that can result from an NJP. Examples include loss of rank, loss of pay, restriction, and extra duties. However, there are other penalties a Laughlin Air Force member could face if convicted of an offense via court-martial proceedings. These include confinement or a punitive discharge.
Unfortunately, a bad result in either case can also lead to separation proceedings from the Air Force.
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 -
"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
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"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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"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. -
"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
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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