Sheppard AFB Civilian Defense Attorney
Seated only five miles north of Wichita Falls, Texas, is Sheppard Air Force Base. This United States Air Force installation has been in operation since 1941 and is operated by the Air Education and Training Command. If you have been notified of pending disciplinary charges while serving at Sheppard AFB, attorney Patrick J. McLain can help.
Speak With Civilian Defense Counsel
Never take on these criminal charges alone. Without the help of experienced legal counsel, you could take a tough situation and make it worse.
To build a defense that could prevail at trial, reach out to attorney and retired military judge Patrick J. McLain and attorney E. Allen Chandler right away at (888) 606-3385.
Military Justice at Sheppard AFB
When there is an alleged violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) at Sheppard Air Force Base, there are two commonly used forms of discipline. They include nonjudicial punishment and trial by court-martial.
Nonjudicial Punishment
Of the two types of military discipline, nonjudicial punishment is the least formal. Commonly referred to as Article 15 in the Air Force, Nonjudicial punishment (NJP) is an administrative proceeding that could have a major impact on your future. While a conviction does not land on your permanent record, it could carry serious consequences and even lead to the end of your career in the Air Force.
You are entitled to reject an NJP. If you do so, your case will be heard in a trial by court-martial. This choice is risky, as a court-martial carries more severe penalties compared to an NJP. That said, there are some built-in advantages of a formal trial compared to facing an NJP process overseen by your commanding officer. You should always consult legal counsel before making this decision.
You have the right to an appeal following an adverse NJP decision. However, the appeal is heard up your chain of command instead of through an appeals court.
Court-Martial
A trial by court-martial is a formal hearing overseen by a military judge. This criminal proceeding has strict rules of evidence, and a conviction will end up on your criminal record. This means a conviction at court-martial could follow you long after your military career is over.
Like with an NJP, you have the right to appeal a conviction after a trial by court-martial. Trial by court-martial appeals differ, given that they are heard by a dedicated appeals court. When the charges are serious, the courts will often initiate an appeal automatically. During trial or on appeal, you have the right to hire your choice of civilian defense counsel to defend you.
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 Sheppard AFB
If you are accused of violating the UCMJ, you could face either type of military discipline. However, some charges are more likely to be heard at an NJP while others are more likely to be heard during a trial by court-martial.
Common NJP Offenses
- Unauthorized absence (AWOL)
- Drunk on duty
- Fraternization
- Violation of orders
- Destroying government property
Common Court-Martial Offenses
Penalties
For lesser offenses, the potential penalties for an Article 15 or a trial by court-martial are often similar. The four most common penalties in both types of hearings include loss of rank, extra duties, loss of pay, and restriction. A trial by court-martial could also lead to confinement.
OUR CLIENTS SAY IT BEST
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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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"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. -
"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. -
"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 -
"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
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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