Resourceful Naval Base Kitsap Civilian Defense Attorney
Naval Base Kitsap is a U.S. Navy facility created in 2004. Located on the Kitsap Peninsula in Washington state, Naval Base Kitsap was formed through the combination of Naval Station Bremerton and Naval Submarine Base Bangor. If you are facing military discipline while stationed at Naval Base Kitsap, contact attorney Patrick J. McLain.
Contact Naval Base Kitsap Defense Counsel
If you are on notice of a pending nonjudicial punishment or trial by court-martial at Naval Base Kitsap, you have the right to face those charges with civilian defense counsel at your side. Attorney Patrick J. McLain is a retired military judge that has dedicated his legal practice to defending the legal rights of service members.
To discuss your legal options, call today for your free phone consultation at (888) 606-3385.
Types of Military Justice at Naval Base Kitsap
The two forms of military justice most frequently used at Naval Base Kitsap are known as nonjudicial punishment and trial by court-martial.
Nonjudicial Punishment
A common administrative form of discipline in the U.S. Navy is nonjudicial punishment (NJP). In the Navy, an NJP is unofficially known as a Captain's Mast or Admiral's Mast. An NJP is not a formal criminal proceeding, but its consequences are still potentially severe.
An NJP lacks the formality of a court-martial. Instead of a military judge, the proceeding is overseen by your commanding officer. The rules regarding evidence and witness testimony are also less restrictive. If convicted, you have the right to appeal the decision up the chain of command.
You have the right to refuse nonjudicial punishment in favor of a formal trial by court-martial. Choosing a court-martial might open you up to stiffer penalties, but it also has advantages in certain situations. The choice to reject an NJP can have major ramifications on your life and career and should never be made without first consulting experienced legal counsel.
Court-Martial
Unlike an NJP, a trial by court-martial is a formal criminal proceeding. In other words, a conviction could be reflected on your criminal record. A trial by court-martial is similar to a civilian criminal trial in that the rules of evidence are restrictive compared to an NJP. Additionally, the proceedings are overseen by a military judge.
A conviction at trial by court-martial doesn't mean the fight is over. You still have an opportunity to contest your conviction on the appellate level. In certain types of cases, appellate review is triggered automatically. At every stage of the court-martial process, you are entitled to experienced civilian defense counsel.
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 Naval Base Kitsap
Any alleged breach of the UCMJ could lead to an NJP or court-martial. Some common offenses are provided 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 for a court-martial or Captain's Mast can be costly. Common penalties upon conviction include:
- restriction,
- loss of pay,
- extra duties, or
- loss of rank.
In more serious cases, you could face confinement or separation from the Navy.
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 -
"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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"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. -
"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. -
"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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