Camp Pendleton Court-Martial Lawyer
Going before a military court to face criminal charges can be a stressful and altogether intimidating experience. If you are facing a court-martial, it is advisable to retain the services of an attorney with significant courtroom experience protecting the rights of enlisted military personnel. At The Law Office of David Michael Brahms, we have practiced military law for nearly 45 years. Our goal is not only to provide you with aggressive and effective defense, but also to help you cope with your stress during this difficult time. For having served your country, you deserve highly-skilled representation. Contact our law offices today to schedule an appointment regarding your court-martial.
Mr. Brahms has been a practicing attorney concentrating on military law in all its forms for 45 years. Between 1963 and 1988, he was an active duty lawyer in the United States Marine Corps and retired a Brigadier General (Ret.). In addition to his law practice, he is regularly called upon to comment on military justice and related matters in print and on the air.
Please click here to learn more about the distinguished military record and legal career of David Michael Brahms.
Experience that Counts
There are three types of court-martial proceedings:
General Court-Martial: This type of court-martial handles the most severe types of criminal charges and can impose maximum penalties upon the accused. Prior to trial, a formal inquiry, known as an Article 32 investigation, must be undertaken and a formal written report summarizing its findings must be submitted to the proper authority.
Special Court-Martial: This type of court-martial handles mid-level criminal offenses. Typically, the court is comprised of the judge, the trial lawyer, and your defense lawyer. Sentences handed down by this type of court-martial include pay reductions/forfeiture, discharge, or up to one year of confinement.
Summary Court-Martial: This type of court-martial handles minor criminal offenses and any sentence handed down is always relatively minor. This is designed to be a streamlined process, with only one member of the court present.
The military can charge you with a variety of crimes that are both the same as, and different from civilian law. If you or a loved one are subject to court-martial, we can handle any kind of charges, including:
- Absence without Leave (AWOL)
- Conduct unbecoming of an officer
- Desertion
- Failure to obey orders or regulations
- Murder
- Manslaughter
- Assault
- Battery
- Rape
- Drug Charges
- Adultery
- Robbery
- Military misconduct
- And others
Commitment to Our Clients
At The Law Office of David Michael Brahms, we are committed to helping our clients deal with pre-trial confinement issues. It is important to note that since the military does not have a bail system in place, the idea of how to proceed if you are arrested may seem foreign to you. In order for you to be confined, the arresting authorities must have probable cause to believe that you committed the crime in question and that your confinement is necessary. According to military protocol, your confinement must then be reviewed several times and the existence of probable cause/need for confinement must also be confirmed in writing. At all times during your confinement you will be able to speak with your attorney. Our firm will help ensure that proper pre-trial confinement methods were followed.
In the event you are tried, you will need a lawyer who has extensive courtroom experience. We are highly-skilled and able to represent you in any type of court-martial, and can also provide effective assistance with post-trial actions, such as petitions for clemency. Our law firm offers nearly 45 years of military experience, and a personal commitment to our clients.
Contact a Southern California Military Attorney
The Law Office of David Michael Brahms invites you to contact us if you have court-martial concerns. We may be reached at 760-434-7206, or at the address listed below seven days a week.
The Law Office of David Michael Brahms
800 Grand Avenue Suite C14
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: 760-434-7206 | Fax: 760-434-1020
The Law Office of David Michael Brahms serves military clients throughout Southern California, including those in the cities of Carlsbad, Oceanside, Escondido, Encinitas, Vista, San Marcos, Fallbrook, San Clemente, and San Diego. In addition, we serve San Diego County and Orange County, and a large portion of our clients come from Camp Pendleton, (Marine Corps Air Station) MCAS Miramar, and (Marine Corps Recruit Depot) MCRD San Diego.
