If you are charged with an offence that may merit a severe consequence, like a court-martial, it’s time to get a good attorney. You can go for an average JAG attorney or, you can simply bypass the military system and find a seasoned military criminal defense attorney for fighting your case.
The military will be able to provide you with an attorney, therefore, you do not have to pay for their services. Yet, hiring a private civilian military lawyer is certainly worth taking into consideration.
Potential Ramifications
You must be aware of any potential legal repercussions of being found guilty in a military court. Sticking with a JAG attorney is not a guarantee of defeat. But hiring a private specialized attorney may help tip the scales in your favour.
If you lose a case, these are some of the ramifications you may face;1. Losing your job.
Like a court-martial, a severe enough verdict guarantees that you will most likely lose the job. An individual with 5-year service E-4 will likely lose up to $25,000 annually. If you put your potential defeat into numbers, hiring a private civilian lawyer that can help you win the case is not that expensive.2. Jeopardizing your future job prospects
You won’t just lose your current job, but the possibilities for finding a respectable position in the future will also diminish if you lose the case. Many current employers perform detailed background checks. When they find your conviction records, they may be reluctant to hire you, despite your qualifications.3. Loss of military housing benefits
The military often provides active personnel with significant housing benefits that are meant to help them towards real estate independence. Depending on your rank and years of service, you can lose up to $24,000 a year.4. Paying back the education costs
Before becoming an active military duty member, you have to undergo proper military education. Losing the case may mean you have to pay for all the costs of that education back to the military. You may end up paying $100,000 or more, depending on your academy.
JAG Attorneys Carry a Heavy Workload
Military lawyers are certainly capable enough to represent your case in a military court. Yet, the fact remains that they have many other legal obligations and military responsibilities. They are often stretched too thin to pay the serious attention your case may demand.
That’s why it may be a good idea to opt for a private civilian attorney specializing in military cases. You can go here to understand how a personal attorney will give you the time and attention your case deserves.
There may be an Immediate Need for an Attorney
You do not get your military-appointed attorney until after you are officially charged for an offense. In many cases, it might be too late by then. Please remember that the need for a solid legal representation is always immediate.
You must act swiftly to ensure your side of the story is adequately heard. In such cases, a specialized civilian representative may be your best choice. If you wait for the appointed JAG corp personnel, you may lose precious time for preparation.
It may seem extreme, but the military is strict when it comes to punishments. That’s why you have to do your best to secure the best possible legal representation for yourself. If a private specialist attorney can offer you something more than a free JAG representative, then so be it.
