Appearances In The Media

Due to the serious nature of many of the military cases defended against by civilian defense attorneys Richard V. Stevens and Frank J. Spinner, either the cases, the clients, and/or Mr. Stevens or Mr. Spinner often appear in local, regional, national, and international print, radio or television media.

Their military cases/clients have also appeared in periodicals and books. Mr. Stevens, Mr. Spinner, and/or their cases/clients have appeared in the media outlets identified on this page.

Press coverage is rarely sought when defending cases, but press interest in a case is independent from defense counsel preferences. Therefore, it is very important for a defense lawyer to know how to deal with press coverage, and to have a media strategy before it’s necessary to react to information that appears in the press. Mr. Stevens and Mr. Spinner not only have this experience, they lecture at defense lawyer conferences about how to handle high profile cases involving media coverage. Article 15 defense lawyer professionals like them understand the nuances of managing public perception and navigating media scrutiny seamlessly.

Some of Mr. Stevens’ and Mr. Spinner’s past case/client/attorney appearances in the media are:

Attorney Richard V. Stevens

Air Force Academy Court-Martial Dropped (2019):

https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2019/10/21/after-courts-martial-dropped-for-swim-team-members-air-force-academy-cadets-fight-expulsions/

Officer Found Not Guilty of All Sexual Assault Allegations – Air Force Times, Military.com (2019):

https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2019/03/12/air-force-colonel-at-norad-found-not-guilty-of-sexual-assault-convicted-of-assault/

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/03/15/air-force-f-22-pilot-acquitted-rape-charges-found-guilty-assault.html

Air Force Academy Court-Martial Case Dropped – Air Force Times (2019):

https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2019/03/07/air-force-academy-dismisses-hazing-charges-against-3-cadets/

Military Sexual Assault Court-Martial Case Dropped – Air Force Times, Blog (2019):

https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2018/10/01/plea-deal-reached-in-case-against-fired-mobility-wing-commander/

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2018/10/air-force-colonel-john-howard-false.html

Air Force F-22 Mishap Investigation (AIB & FEB) – Air Force Times (2018):

https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2018/11/19/investigation-pilot-error-incorrect-data-caused-f-22-to-crash-skid-on-takeoff/

Military Rape/Sexual Assault Court-Martial Case Dropped – Fox San Antonio, Press Release, Blog (2018):

https://foxsanantonio.com/news/local/rape-charge-against-former-joint-base-san-antonio-lackland-instructor-dropped?fbclid=IwAR0RgaZqyBPERXRy3emPGLC6LTWgi_4mCzbNalPwJXa1LExr94ug4Eo0_gI

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2018/04/prweb15420004.htm

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2018/04/statement-of-attorney-richard-v-stevens.html

Invited to Testify before Congressional Committee Regarding Military Justice System (2016) [postponed due to elections]

Not Guilty Verdict in Military Rape/Sexual Assault Court-Martial Trial – Washington Blade, Huffington Post, Blog (2016):

https://www.washingtonblade.com/2015/12/22/air-force-secy-reportedly-wont-drop-case-gay-lieutenant/

https://www.washingtonblade.com/2016/08/26/gay-air-force-lieutenant-found-not-guilty-sexual-assault/

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/57e1ed32e4b09f67131e3825?timestamp=1474424685209

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2016/09/requiem-for-military-justice-system.html

Not Guilty Verdict in Military Domestic Assault Court-Martial Trial – Air Force Times (2016):

http://www.airforcetimes.com/story/military/2016/01/31/several-airmen-have-charges-dropped-acquitted-during-trial/79345480/

Allegations Dropped and Record Cleared for Military Pilot – Fox News, Air Force Times, John Q Public blog (2015-2016):

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/12/24/air-force-reinstates-pilots-disciplined-over-miley-themed-texts-reps-hail-decision.html

http://www.airforcetimes.com/story/military/2015/12/23/pilots-get-wings-back-after-being-suspended-over-miley-cyrus-lyrics/77838712/

http://www.jqpublicblog.com/laughlin-pilots-cleared-to-fly-drug-reprimands-to-be-rescinded/

http://www.jqpublicblog.com/new-revelation-calls-into-question-csafs-role-in-cleaning-up-miley-gate-mess/

Not Guilty Verdict in Military Rape/Sexual Assault Court-Martial Trial – Air Force Times, Oklahoma News (2015):

http://www.airforcetimes.com/story/military/2015/10/14/tinker-captain-acquitted-rape-charges/73921858/

http://newsok.com/article/5451868

No Military Court-Martial for Air Force Officer – Stars and Stripes (2014):

http://www.stripes.com/news/air-force-to-reprimand-krusinski-rather-than-pursue-court-martial-1.301295

Changes in How the Military Handles Sexual Assault – McClatchy National News (2013):

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2013/12/20/212375/changes-on-the-way-in-how-military.html

Not Guilty Verdict in Military Rape Court-Martial Trial – Kansas City Star, Military.com (2013):

http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/11/28/a-womans-word-meets-military-code.html

Response to Article:

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2013/11/part-ii-constant-spread-of.html

Not Guilty Verdict in Military Rape Court-Martial Trial – Whiteman AFB Warrior (2013):

http://www.whiteman.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-130709-014.pdf

Response to Article:

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-constant-spread-of-misinformation.html

President Obama’s Remarks Found to be Unlawful Command Influence (UCI) in Military Rape & Sexual Assault Cases at Trial Level, To Be Considered at Appellate Level – McClatchy National News (2013):

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2013/06/20/194540/words-could-matter-in-military.html#.UcRMXpyZOjK

Inquiry Into Military Judge’s Alleged Remarks Tainting Courts-Martial, Rape & Sexual Assault Cases – McClatchy National News (2013):

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2013/05/24/192215/military-will-look-into-whether.html#.UaY0QJxZ6Hg

President Obama Tackles Military Sexual Assaults – McClatchy National News (2013):

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2013/05/16/191456/obama-lawmakers-tackle-military.html#.UaY0AJxZ6Hg

“Military Rape Culture” – Business Insider (Military & Defense) Blog, Eloise Lee (2012):

http://www.businessinsider.com/marines-discuss-military-rape-allegations-2012-3

Secret Service/Military Alleged Prostitution Scandal in Columbia – CBS News and Army Times (2012):

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57475090/reprimands-but-no-charges-for-military-in-prostitution-scandal/

http://www.armytimes.com/news/2012/07/ap-no-military-charges-in-prostitution-scandal-071812/

Air Force Academy Cadet Alleged Rape, Court-Martial Case Dropped – Associated Press/Yahoo News/Colorado Springs Gazette (2012):

https://gazette.com/news/alcohol-cited-in-dropping-sex-charge-at-afa/article_1ad2d54e-0006-5733-a32b-0f440586e2bd.html

https://www.thehour.com/norwalk/article/No-simple-explanation-in-AF-Academy-sex-crime-data-8133213.php

Associated Press Military Law Expert Interviews, MAJ Nadal Hasan Case (2011):

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=14036043#.T3WmizFQ7-g

http://www.evri.com/news/ap/tPvwE51bkiIfKr-Xrcg0OOymbctjMA

Air Force Officer Alleged Breach of Flight Discipline, Flying Evaluation Board Case – Air Force Times (2011):

http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2011/03/ap-air-force-pilot-at-fault-for-flyover-032311/

Air Force Officer Alleged Larceny and Nuclear Security Breach, Court-Martial Case Dropped – New York Times (2010):

https://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/14/us/14brfs-ACCUSEDOFTHE_BRF.html

Army NCO Alleged Murder of al-Qaida Terrorist in Iraq, Court-Martial Trial – CBS News & San Antonio Express News (2008):

http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-201_162-4063969.html

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/military/2008/05/scott-huddleston-jurys-message-came-at-a-price/

Defending Military War Crimes Cases – Middle East Times (2009):

http://www.expose-the-war-profiteers.org/archive/media/2009-1/20090324-1.htm

Army Officer Alleged Murder of Wife in Korea, Court-Martial Trial – Stars & Stripes (2009):

http://www.stripes.com/news/captain-s-murder-trial-now-in-the-hands-of-the-jury-1.89616

Army NCO Alleged Maltreatment Case in Iraq – CBS News & Associated Press/Seattle Times (2009):

http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-202_162-5258128.html

Medical & Legal Complications of Mandatory Military Anthrax Vaccinations – McClatchy National News (2006):

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2006/12/22/15261/mandatory-anthrax-vaccinations.html#.UaYzXpxZ6Hg

Army Officer Alleged Solicitation of Murder of al-Qaida Terrorists in Iraq, Case Dropped – Associated Press/Los Angeles Times (2005):

http://articles.latimes.com/2005/jun/18/nation/na-captain18

Book: Drowning in the Desert: A JAG’s Search for Justice in Iraq (By Vivian Gembara)

Book: Warrior King: The Triumph and Betrayal of an American Commander in Iraq (By LTC (ret) Nathan Sassaman)

Air Force Officer Alleged Infant Murder, Court-Martial Trial – WHIO-TV (2005):

http://www.whiotv.com/news/news/air-force-officer-accused-of-killing-son/nHgZB/

Not Guilty Verdict in Air Force Academy Cadet Alleged Rape, Court-Martial Trial – Associated Press/Los Angeles Times, Colorado Springs Gazette (2005):

http://articles.latimes.com/2005/jun/03/nation/na-cadet3

Dismissal of Medical Malpractice Lawsuit – Raleigh News & Observer (2004):

https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/alt.adoption/b5NifhqcN9w

http://www.lawknowledge.org/family-law/86542/

Air Force Airman Alleged Rape and Attempted Decapitation Murder, Court-Martial Case Dropped – Air Force Times, Amarillo Globe News, Lubbock Avalanche Journal (2001):

http://www.airforcetimes.com/legacy/mil/0-292322-370827.php

ATTORNEY FRANK J. SPINNER

Navy “Fat Leonard” Court-Martial – Navy Times (2018):

https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2018/09/01/navys-fat-leonard-case-implodes/

Military Sexual Assault Court-Martial Conviction Overturned, DoD & Lawmakers React – National News, CNN, Today Show (2013):

http://www.stripes.com/news/air-force/case-dismissed-against-aviano-ig-convicted-of-sexual-assault-1.209797

http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/12/politics/hagel-military-court/index.html

http://www.today.com/news/accuser-air-force-sexual-assault-case-frustrated-overturned-verdict-1C8842439?franchiseSlug=todaynewsmain

Secret Service/Military Alleged Prostitution Scandal in Columbia – CBS News and Army Times (2012):

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57475090/reprimands-but-no-charges-for-military-in-prostitution-scandal/

http://www.armytimes.com/news/2012/07/ap-no-military-charges-in-prostitution-scandal-071812/

Army Enlisted Stryker Brigade Soldier Alleged Murder of Afghan Civilians, Court-Martial Trial – ABC News Interview Transcript (2011):

http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2011/s3173206.htm

Army NCO Alleged Triple Murder, Court-Martial Trial – ABC News 20/20 (2010):

http://abcnews.go.com/2020/3rd-trial-master-sgt-timothy-hennis-guilty-1985/story?id=10324918#.T3WlXTFQ7-g

Book: Innocent Victims (By Scott Whisnant)

New Yorker Article: Three Trials for Murder (By Nicholas Schmidle):

http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2011/11/14/111114fa_fact_schmidle

Army NCO Alleged Murder of Iraqi Detainees, Court-Martial Trial – CNN Anderson Cooper, “Killings At The Canal” Transcript (2009):

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0911/21/siu.01.html

Army CWO Alleged Murder of Iraqi Prisoner, Court-Martial Case – NPR Transcript (2006):

http://m.npr.org/news/front/5167193?singlePage=true&textSize=large

NPR Navy SEAL Officer Alleged Murder of Iraqi Prisoner, Court-Martial Trial – NPR Transcript (2005):

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4670936

New Yorker Article: A Deadly Interrogation: Can the CIA Legally Kill a Prisoner? (By Jane Mayer):

http://www.newyorker.com/archive/2005/11/14/051114fa_fact

Abu Ghraib Prisoner Abuse, Court-Martial Trial – MSNBC News & USA Today (2005):

https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna16831363

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-05-17-harman-convicted_x.htm

Marine Officer, Pilot Alleged Manslaughter, Court-Martial Trial – Washington Post (1999):

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/daily/march99/marine5.htm

Civilian Lawyer Takes on the Military – Google News (1999):

http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1696&dat=19990822&id=9QsbAAAAIBAJ&sjid=D0gEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6758,3338133

Army General Officer Alleged Sex Offenses, Court-Martial Trial – Los Angeles Times (1999):

http://articles.latimes.com/1999/sep/03/news/mn-6364

Air Force Officer, Pilot Alleged Sex Offenses, Disciplinary Case – PBS News (1997):

Book: Proud To Be: My Life, The Air Force, The Controversy (By Kelly Flinn)

Attorney Richard Stevens

Mr. Stevens has been handling military cases since 1995. He has defended military cases dealing with the most serious military offenses, including allegations of “war crimes,” national security cases, murder, manslaughter, homicide, rape, sexual assault, other sex related offenses, drug offenses, computer crimes (pornography), larceny, fraud, AWOL/desertion, conduct unbecoming, military academy offenses, offenses within combat zones, senior officer cases and other military specific offenses around the world. [ Attorney Bio ]