UCMJ Practice Areas
The Uniform Code of Military Justice [UCMJ] is the statutory law that criminalizes certain behavior for military members. The UCMJ prohibits many of the same types of behavior as the civilian system and many other types of behavior that are unique to the military. Even the recognizable, civilian-types criminal behaviors, such as sexual assault and disorderly conduct, are different under the UCMJ than under civilian criminal codes. A service member facing adverse action for violating the UCMJ should think about retaining assistance from an attorney with experience with the UCMJ, the Military Rules of Evidence and the procedural Rules for Courts-martial.
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Article 15, or non-judicial punishment, is a forum in which a commander can decide guilt or innocence and punish minor offenses under the UCMJ.
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Article 32 hearings are proceedings in which an investigating officer inquires into the sufficiency of the evidence, the form of the charges and makes recommendations to the convening authority for the disposition of the case.
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Courts-martial are trials for alleged criminal offenses under the UCMJ.
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Reprimands, admonishments, counseling or instruction are tools for commanders or supervisors to correct minor disciplinary infractions or failure to meet standards.