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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"This is a law firm that cares about what they're doing."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
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"Without a doubt, I would recommend James to anybody looking for Lawyer who is looking after their clients best interest."I felt very at ease speaking with James. He listened, took detailed notes and asked for clarification where he felt it was required. Secondly, he gave me some excellent advice regarding my situation, both legal and also mediation.- Former Client
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"If having someone on your side that gives a 110% and delivers a quality product is important, then James Sudduth III comes with my highest personal recommendation."If having someone on your side that gives a 110% and delivers a quality product is important, then James Sudduth III comes with my highest personal recommendation.- Chris
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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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"Keep fighting the Good Fight. I give my absolute highest recommendation!"Upon meeting with Mr. Sudduth for the first time, it was very obvious to me that he was well experienced in his areas of practice. He was very communicative, made himself available to address any concerns or needs and was extremely attentive to the details of my case. As thorough, goal-oriented, hard-working and determined as he and his staff were, one attribute stood out among the rest-they genuinely cared about me and my family. This was my first (and hopefully last) experience dealing with this type of litigation and the trauma it caused us, but James was there every step of the way and he fought for me; he fought for a resolution to the injustice I suffered. He cut straight through all of the nonsense and helped change workplace culture to make it a better place to work for everyone. For that, I am extremely grateful and proud that I made the choice to hire him as my attorney. I pray that many blessings come to the Sudduth and Associates team—Keep fighting the Good Fight. I give my absolute highest recommendation!- Rebecca
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"If you're looking for an attorney to fight for you, call James."Throughout the entire ordeal, James could not have been more professional, courteous and knowledgeable regarding my employment issue. He was prompt with his responses and could not have shown more compassion for the issue.- Former Client
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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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"His passion for helping people sets him apart from any other attorney in this area."Smart, driven, direct, passionate. Amazing man, which makes him an amazing attorney. Treated me and my family as if we were a part of his. I am forever grateful for the hard work and dedication he put into my case.- Sherese
