Travis Air Force Base Attorney
Built in 1942, Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California is host to the 60th Air Mobility Wing as well as the 265-bed Grant USAF Medical Center. The base, which is known for its long history of successful humanitarian airlift operations, is also home to the Doolittle Air and Space Museum. If you are facing a military disciplinary proceeding while stationed at Travis AFB, you have the right to be defended by a civilian attorney.
You Have a Right to a Civilian Attorney
If you are facing a disciplinary proceeding at Travis AFB, contact retired Marine Corps judge and Travis AFB military attorney Patrick McLain and E. Allen Chandler today to discuss your case.
Types of Military Justice at Travis AFB
Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), there are two major types of disciplinary proceeding you might face: nonjudicial punishment and court-martial.
Nonjudicial Punishment
Nonjudicial punishment, also known as Article 15, is an administrative action that can be initiated against you at the discretion of your commanding officer. This common disciplinary action is not a formal criminal proceeding, but you are still entitled to a civilian attorney during the process.
While it is true that your commanding officer can choose to initiate a NJP, it is your right to reject it in favor of a formal court-martial proceeding. In most cases you face more severe, long-lasting penalties under a court-martial than in an NJP, if you are convicted. However, you have more rights and a better chance of acquittal on charges in the formal setting of a court-martial that is not present in an administrative hearing. It is important to discuss your options with an attorney before you accept or reject a NJP.
If you accept NJP and receive an unfavorable result, you have the right to appeal the decision up the chain of command. The allowed grounds for appeal are that the outcome was unjust or the punishment was disproportionate to the offense.
Court-Martial
A court-martial differs from an NJP in that it is a criminal proceeding as opposed to an administrative action. A conviction by a court-martial will be reflected on your criminal record. You can face charges at a court-martial hearing for any violation of the UCMJ, which includes everything from insubordination to murder.
If convicted, you have a right to an appeal. There are two levels of courts which hear appeals from Air Force court-martial convictions:
- The Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals
- The Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces
Just like an NJP proceeding or a court-martial, you have the right to a civilian defense attorney at every stage of your appeal.
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 Travis AFB
While you can face a court-martial proceeding for any violation of the UCMJ, there are some offense that are more commonly dealt with at a NJP.
Common NJP Offenses
- Unauthorized absence (AWOL)
- Drunk on duty
- Fraternization
- Violation of orders
- Destroying government property
Common Court-Martial Offenses
Potential Penalties
While it is true that the potential penalties for an NJP are less than those of a court-martial, that does not mean that they are not significant. In fact, an NJP can bring about separation proceedings. Other common penalties include:
- restriction,
- loss of pay,
- extra duties, or
- loss of rank.
A conviction at a court-martial could bring about penalties similar to those listed above, but can also include serious consequences such as incarceration or punitive discharge.
OUR CLIENTS SAY IT BEST
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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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"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 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. -
"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 -
"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. -
"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. -
"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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