Military Courts Martial in Lake Charles
Experienced Lake Charles Legal Representation for Military Offenses
Every day young men and women join and enlist into an entirely volunteer service to serve our country. These men and women are heroes to all of us, but even these heroes are still human and make mistakes. So what happens when these heroes make mistakes? How is that conduct governed?
First and foremost, it is important to tell you that your constitutional rights do not simply cease the minute you join the military. You have the right to what is known as “civilian defense counsel” rather than the detailed defense counsel that may be assigned to your case. Why is it important to consider employing civilian defense counsel? To put simply: to level the playing field.
At Sudduth & Associates, we commonly like to use the phrase that we “level the playing field” but we want to take a minute and explain exactly what that means. Think for a moment of all the resources in the possession of the United States Government: an entire team of Criminal Investigation Division (“CID”) agents and officers to investigate an alleged offense, officers called upon to conduct AR-15 investigations that can lead to all important charging decisions, officers to investigate a case and question witnesses, forensic equipment and laboratories to test evidence, and finally prosecutors, with their own investigators, armed with virtually unlimited resources with which to effectively prosecute the accused. It is as easy to see as it is overwhelming just how stacked the deck is against the accused.
Understanding the Military Court System
If you are accused, you need a team of investigators, paralegals, clerks, and attorneys who can just as aggressively defend the charge as the Government can prosecute one. At Sudduth and Associates, we pride ourselves with being that leveling force for so many people.
Second, the importance of having an attorney that is experienced in front of a military tribunal simply cannot be understated. The law is a foreign language to many people other than lawyers trained in its intricacies. A military court is a foreign language and world in and of itself, even to lawyers. Thus, having a civilian lawyer that also understands all the protocols, procedures, and even linguistics of military justice proceedings gives you as the accused a “leg up” from day one.
Our Armed Forces are governed by the Uniform Code of Military Justice (“UCMJ”) which is not simply a different procedure than civilian court – it contains even it’s own substantive law. As one simple example: adultery. Adultery is not a crime in civilian court, yet in military court it is a violation of the UCMJ and can be prosecuted by a Judge Advocate General. The system of military justice contains it’s own rules of evidence, its own procedural rules, its own crimes, and it’s own internal appeals process. It is truly a system of justice entirely independent of any civilian interference. Our team is experienced with defending service members in this truly unique justice system and it is that experience that as a service member you desperately need when you are trying to level the playing field.
We are proud to stand with those service members who fight and defend us every day. If you are a service member who finds yourself facing a difficult situation and need fighters who will stand in your corner to fight on your behalf, feel free to give our team a call and we are happy to help you level the playing field.
The Advantage of a Former Prosecutor on Your Side Client Reviews
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"James was always professional and considered all of the facts when working towards resolution of matters."James was always professional and considered all of the facts when working towards resolution of matters. He exercised great wisdom in the execution of his job a prosecutor.- Brent
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"Best team of lawyers to have on your side!!"True professionalism with compassion! Best team of lawyers to have on your side!! Thank you for saving my future and giving back hope when I was feeling hopeless. James Sudduth and Kourtney Kech are my dream team!!- Kari
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"They truly care about the legal issues I face, and aren't just 'going through the motions.'"James & his caring team of professionals are a cut above the rest. They truly care about the legal issues I face, and aren't just 'going through the motions.' It's been a tremendous help during this transitional period in my life to have Jame- Ashley
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"Fantastic attorney !"Extremely professional. Honest. Ethical. James is a fantastic attorney and I would recommend him to anyone.- Joseph
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"This is a law firm that cares about what they're doing. Highly recommended, and respected."These guys are thorough, competent, confident, knowledgable, and so much more. This is a law firm that cares about what they're doing. Highly recommended, and respected. Thank you!- Dakota J.
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"Thank you for saving my future and giving back hope when I was feeling hopeless."Thank you for saving my future and giving back hope when I was feeling hopeless. James Sudduth and Kourtney Kech are my dream team!!- Kari P.
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"He was able to take my case that I had no hope for and get an outcome that was better than I could've ever anticipated."He was a perfect mix of humble and confident. He was able to take my case that I had no hope for and get an outcome that was better than I could've ever anticipated. I am so thankful for him and his entire staff.- Former Client
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"He and his associates took on the job with full confidence, transparency, and above all- due diligence."I was at my wits end to find someone in the Calcasieu parish of a professional nature, dedicated to take my case. Mr. Sudduth was the answer. He and his associates took on the job with full confidence, transparency, and above all- due diligence.- Former Client
