Client Advice: Initial

We are licensed attorneys in Virginia, D.C., New York, and Ohio.

Everything you tell us is privileged.

This applies the moment you contact us—even if you don’t hire us.

✅ We cannot and will not share what you tell us.

Even if you confess to a crime, we are legally barred from disclosing it without your permission.

⚠️ No one else (except maybe a chaplain) can offer you this protection. Statements to anyone else can be used against you:

• Parents
• Spouses (especially if they’re the alleged victim)
• Doctors, nurses, or health-care providers
• Congressional representatives (false statements can be evidence—see United States v. Gogas)
• SACO, ATF, Family Advocacy, or substance abuse personnel
• Confinement staff (JRCF, Miramar, Chesapeake, etc.)
• Roommates, co-workers, supervisors, 1SG, friends

If in doubt—don’t talk.

Right to Remain Silent

🛑 Your right to remain silent is absolute.

• No one can punish you for exercising it.
• Prosecutors and judges cannot use it against you.

Even innocent people should stay silent first. Investigators use tricks like:

“If you’re innocent, why won’t you talk?”

Don’t fall for it.

• You have the right to an attorney before and during any questioning.
• You can revoke a prior waiver at any time.
• You can refuse consent to searches—including digital devices. Make them have a warrant.

⚠️ Investigators can lie. They often bluff about DNA or other evidence.

⚠️ Don’t talk to alleged victims or “friends” who reach out—these may be pretext calls.

If ordered to an appointment (CID, OSI, NCIS, FAP, etc.), go—but say nothing.

No-Contact Orders (MPOs)

• Obey them strictly. Even accidental contact must be reported.
• If you bump into the other person, leave immediately and notify your supervisor (and us).
• Some people try to bait you into violating the order. Don’t respond.

Violating an MPO can lead to serious UCMJ charges.

Counsel Rights

• In a court-martial, you get a free military attorney detailed to your case.
• You can request a specific military attorney (if available).
• We are lead counsel—we make tactical decisions and advise you on the strategic decisions.
  • You decide: guilty or not guilty, judge or members, testify or not.

We work with military counsel to build your defense team.

Questions & Communication

This is your case. Stay involved.

• Ask questions early—not after trial.
• Email is best to avoid phone tag.
• Take notes, stay organized, and stay in touch.

Rules of Engagement & Course of Trial

We’ll give you:

• Rules of Engagement → Read and follow.
• Trial outline & arraignment script → Study it.

At arraignment, the judge will ask:

• Judge alone or jury (officers or 1/3 enlisted)?
• Plead guilty, not guilty, or mixed?
• Who decides sentencing?

We’ll guide you through every step based on evidence, law, and strategy.

Our Commitment

We read new appellate opinions daily (CAAF, ACCA, AFCCA, NMCCA, CGCCA) to stay sharp.

We look for creative solutions, not cookie-cutter defenses.

Our mission: protect your rights and get the best outcome possible.