In fact, there are a wide-range of sexual offenses that a member can be charged with under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. If you think of sexual assault charges as being on a spectrum of severity, with rape and sexual assault being considered the most serious in the eyes of the law, there are still a plethora of sexual offenses that someone can be charged with. Although less severe than rape and sexual assault, these offenses still carry heavy penalties and the sex-offender stigma if convicted. A good defense is the ONLY way to ensure that you have a fighting chance at proving your innocence.
Sexual contact, stalking, indecent viewing (and recording/broadcasting), prostitution, indecent exposure, and child pornography are examples of the range of other sexual type offenses anyone subject to the UCMJ can be charged with. Do not think for one minute that only “criminals” get accused and charged for these heinous sounding acts. It only takes a misunderstanding, a case of being in the “wrong place at the wrong time,” or a misinterpretation of the facts for an innocent man or woman to be investigated for sex crimes. In this day and age, in which military and civilian leadership is incredibly hypersensitive to anything sex-related, a mere allegation of any of the aforementioned offenses can turn into a full blown witch hunt. This is why it is NEVER too early to seek qualified, professional, and experienced counsel when faced with life changing circumstances.
A person being questioned by investigators or initially being placed under investigation may not think that they need a defense attorney because they are innocent – right? This assumption could not be more wrong. The earlier our team can insert themselves in the process the better the chance we can prevent a shoddy case from even going to trial. Let us be honest, although an acquittal at a public trial keeps a member out of jail and being a registered sex-offender, it does NOT prevent the inevitable fact that mere allegations will be reverberated for a lifetime. In our experience this is not just a possibility—it is a reality. Our team has the knowledge, the knowhow, and the ability to stop these unfounded accusations before a situation spins out of control.
They will use all the tool at the government’s disposal to maximize their ability to win a trial at all costs. As a service member, take advantage of the tools at your disposal. Hire the best team in the business to prevent a seemingly harmless allegation from turning into a life changing catastrophe.