Fort Leavenworth Military Defense Lawyer

Soldiers at Fort Leavenworth, or anywhere else in the world, who violate the Uniform Code of Military Justice always face severe consequences. At a minimum, these consequences usually include loss of important base privileges. For any offense the military deems more serious, these consequences could include administrative discharge or a court-martial trial. The collateral consequences, such as loss of retirement benefits and a permanent criminal record, are often worse than the direct consequences.

Any soldier accused of any crime, from the most trivial to the most serious, has the right to an attorney. That right isn’t limited to a lawyer the court randomly appoints. This right includes the ability to partner with a lawyer of one’s own choosing. Attorney Richard V. Stevens, who has handled military cases, on and off active duty, since 1995, is the right choice. Richard Stevens and his professional team have successfully resolved thousands of UCMJ violation cases over the past twenty years. Our approach in these matters is simple. We plan our work, then we work our plan. This straightforward approach usually produces results that exceed our client’s expectations. This result could be a plea to a lesser included offense, a complete dismissal of charges, or a not-guilty verdict at a court-martial trial.

Our Fort Leavenworth military defense lawyers not only develop a plan. We have the resources and experience to put that plan into action. Many UCMJ matters involve complex scientific evidence, like DNA evidence. These cases often require expert witnesses, media strategies, and, above all, experience with such matters. We represent servicemembers not only in Fort Leavenworth, but also in CONUS, OCONUS, and around the globe. If a military discipline matter threatens you and your family’s future, contact the Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens by calling (888) 399-0693, sending an email to , or visiting our webpage to schedule a consultation as soon as possible.

What a Fort Leavenworth Military Defense Lawyer Can Help You With

The civilian defense lawyers who serve as Fort Leavenworth military defense lawyers for the Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens all previously served as Judge Advocate Generals (JAGs) in the military and are dedicated to representing current and former servicemembers who might need military defense counsel.  Some of the types of military adverse actions we handle include, but are not limited to:

  • Alleged violations of the punitive Articles of the UCMJ
  • Administrative discharges (separations)
  • Courts-martial (summary court-martial, special court-martial, general court-martial)
  • Article 32 hearings
  • Article 15 actions (nonjudicial punishment, NJP)
  • Reprimands or admonitions
  • Military investigations (AR 15-6, CDI, CID, NCIS, OSI, CGIS, MEO, IG, etc.)
  • Military academy discipline
  • And more.

Why Hire a Civilian Defense Attorney for a Military Case?

Most court-appointed defense attorneys are among the top lawyers in their fields. They can competently handle almost any case. Furthermore, most judges give such attorneys the financial resources they need to properly represent defendants in complex matters which require expert witnesses.

However, not all court-appointed attorneys have this kind of expertise. Additionally, many judges are reluctant to approve additional funds for additional defense needs. To put it bluntly, defendants have no idea what they’re getting. Their court-appointed lawyers could put on a vigorous defense, or they could look for a quick and easy way out.

Perspective is another issue. Military justice lawyers are just that. Their only practical experience is with the complex and intricate UCMJ. Once again, to put it bluntly, these attorneys often don’t see the forest for the trees. A civilian Fort Leavenworth military defense lawyer is often better able to see the big picture and present a more effective defense in court.

Different Types of Military Courts-Martial

The military has three types of courts-martial: general court-martial, special court-martial, and summary court-martial.

A summary court-martial, which resembles an administrative hearing, is a rarely used mechanism that’s usually available in moderately severe cases.  If you are convicted in a summary court-martial, that is not considered a federal criminal conviction, because you don’t have the same rights in a summary court-martial that you have in the other two types of court-martial.

Special court-martial (SPCM) and general court-martial (GCM) in the military are federal criminal trials.  If you are convicted in a SPCM or GCM, you would receive a federal criminal conviction.  The military does not label convictions as “felonies” or “misdemeanors.”  However, a general court-martial conviction is similar to a felony conviction, and a special court-martial conviction is similar to a misdemeanor conviction.

Article 15 or Nonjudicial Punishment

One of the most common types of administrative military disciplinary actions is an Article 15.  Depending on your service branch, an Article 15 might be called “Nonjudicial Punishment,” “N.J.P.,” “Office Hours,” or “Captain’s Mast.”  An Article 15 hearing is an administrative hearing under UCMJ Article 15.  It is not a criminal trial.  It cannot result in a federal conviction.  Article 15 punishments do not include prison time.  Despite this, Article 15s are serious military disciplinary actions.

Being found guilty under Article 15 could cause you to lose rank, lose promotions, be removed from your duty position, get less desirable future assignments, receive a negative performance report, receive a reduced military retirement grade, and/or even lead to an administrative discharge (separation) from the military.

Contact a Fort Leavenworth Military Defense Lawyer Today

If you are stationed at Fort Leavenworth and you face a military investigation, military disciplinary action, administrative discharge (separation), adverse administrative hearing, or court-martial because of allegations against you in the military justice system, you need an experienced defense attorney on your side. These military adverse actions could have significant negative impacts for your career and life.  Your decision about who will represent you is extremely important.

Contact a civilian defense attorney serving as a military defense lawyer at the Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens today by calling (888) 399-0693, emailing us at , or contacting us through our website to set up an initial consultation.

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 ]

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    “Your client has no idea how lucky he was to have hired you.”

    - Former Senior Military JAG Attorney

    “He simply commanded the courtroom, prepared to the teeth, and, most importantly, retained his personal and professional manner that proved so impressive in his advocacy success.”

    - Former Senior Military Judge

    “His advocacy, compassion, intellect, and demeanor are unsurpassed.”

    - Former Military Staff Judge Advocate and Trial Judge

    “That was the best closing argument I have ever seen; by a civilian or military attorney.”

    - Senior Court Reporter

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    Military Noncommissioned Officer Has Sexual Assault Case Dropped (UCMJ Article 120)

    Recently, a military noncommissioned officer defended by attorney Richard V. Stevens (Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens, P.C.) had the alleged sexual assault case he faced dropped by the military before court-martial charges were preferred against him (UCMJ A [...]