When you sign up for the military, you open yourself to a world of possibility. You can travel the world, earn well and pursue training that most employees could only dream about. Yet, with those opportunities come some extra responsibilities.
Aside from the obvious one to defend your country, you bear a responsibility to comply with not one but two sets of law. You need to abide by the same laws as everyone else in the country and those imposed by the military itself.
If you are accused of wrongdoing, there is a good chance your trial will take place under the military rather than the civilian system through something known as a court martial. Here are the three types of court-martial you could face:
1. A summary court-martial
The military uses this for minor offenses only, although a conviction could still lead to several months imprisonment. A commissioned officer will hear your case despite the fact they are not legally trained.
2. A special court-martial
A military judge who does have legal training will take charge of this as part of a three-person panel. The prosecutor will also be legally qualified, so it is essential to get someone to defend you who is, too.
3. A general court-martial
This is reserved for the most severe criminal allegations. A military judge will preside over a panel of between five and ten people. With the potential consequences of a conviction reaching as high as the death penalty in certain instances, you must have legal representation.
Whatever the allegations against you, a court-martial could have serious implications for your life and your career. Taking appropriate guidance will be crucial to protect your rights and freedom.