Military Discharge Criminal Lawyers
When you enter the U.S. military, you plan to either serve for life or receive an honorable discharge. You don’t plan for a bad conduct discharge or a dishonorable discharge. Receiving anything but an honorable discharge can make you worry. In addition to taking away the honor of serving in the armed forces, a less than honorable discharge can make it difficult to find employment and enjoy the other benefits of successful service in the military.
In addition to the disappointment and stigma of a less than honorable discharge, you might also face a loss of valuable veteran’s benefits. These benefits can be critical to you and to your family. You may not even know what the total price might be over your lifetime when you’re facing discharge proceedings. Your discharge status can also determine whether you can reenlist.
What Sets Us Apart From The Rest?
Raiser and Kenniff, P.C. is here to help you get the results you need with a team you can trust.
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Former JAG Officers and Former ProsecutorsOur founding partners are both former New York prosecutors who bring unique experience and insights to every case, especially when it comes to going to trial.
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Top-Rated AttorneysOur award-winning attorneys have won hundreds of cases. With vast legal experience, we provide strategic, aggressive defense, guiding clients through every step to protect their rights and achieve the best possible outcome.
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Trusted Defense for Military Service MembersOur firm has proudly defended countless military clients, securing successful outcomes and restoring their futures. With proven experience, we fight tirelessly to protect those who’ve served our country.
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Risk-Free ConsultationWe offer a risk-free evaluation of your case and are here to help you understand your legal options, and how our lawyers can help you. We are available 24/7, day or night, to help you.
After Your Discharge
If your discharge has already occurred, you may be able to ask the military to upgrade your discharge status. This may be an option for you even if your discharge occurred a long time ago. To succeed in upgrading your status, you have to be able to show that an error occurred when the military originally gave you the unfavorable discharge status. This means documenting your case.
Although this might seem like an impossible task, these types of appeals are becoming more and more common. You need to prepare and submit a Department of Defense form called the Application for the Review of Discharge or Dismissal from the Armed Forces of the United States. This document includes personal information. You must also prepare a statement about why you deserve to have your rank changed.
An attorney can help you prepare this documentation. They can help you write your statement in a convincing way. Your military discharge attorney can help you choose which arguments are most likely to convince the people who decide your appeal. They can make sure that your paperwork is complete and correct. It’s also helpful to have written statements from your supervisors at the time of your discharge. It can take several months to receive a decision about your appeal.
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They treated me wonderfully and helped me out of a bind. I feel that this firm really cares.- Michelle A.
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He saved my life! He believed in me more than me and I thank him for that.- La P.
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From the beginning of the case he handled for me, he showed interest, professionalism, and unbelievable knowledge- Former Client
Before your discharge
If you’re currently facing a court martial proceeding that comes with a likelihood of a discharge, it’s critical to work with an attorney to address the allegations against you. You may be able to defend yourself from the charges against you and save your discharge status at the same time. At this stage, you have options to defend yourself against the underlying allegations that are leading to the potential of your discharge.
This might mean pleading not guilty and asking for a trial on court martial proceedings. If this is still an option, it gives you the chance to take your case to a panel of jurors that decide whether you’re guilty of the underlying charge. This is a lot like a criminal case in a regular, non-military court. You have the right to make statements on your behalf. Your military discharge criminal lawyers can help you make the most of this opportunity to argue your case to the jury.
In addition to the possibility of taking your case to trial, you might also use the court martial proceeding in order to negotiate a suitable resolution to your case. You might be able to negotiate a plea offer that takes your discharge status into consideration. Prioritizing your discharge status during a court martial proceeding can help you minimize the damages and plan for your future. Your attorney can help you evaluate your options to give you confidence in your choices.
Contact us today or call us at (888) 646-0025 to get our experienced military attorneys on your side.