Washington Navy Yard, DC: Representative Case Results

Experience at the Heart of Navy Justice

The Washington Navy Yard is a unique military justice environment, and Cave & Freeburg brings years of hands-on trial experience in Navy Yard courts-martial. Mr. Cave and Mr. Freeburg have been defending service members and trying cases here for many years, including complex and high-visibility matters.

As a former naval officer, Mr. Cave has longstanding ties to the Navy Yard and a deep familiarity with the institutional culture and leadership dynamics present there. That perspective allows the defense to anticipate how cases develop at the Navy Yard and to litigate them strategically from the outset.

U.S. v. E-5, Washington, D.C.  A Sailor is accused of sexually assaulting another service member during a one night stand.  While the case is under investigation, Cave & Freeburg, LLP, is retained and Mr. Freeburg works to investigate exculpatory messages and prepare a defense while communicating with the Navy Office of Special Trial Counsel.  Ultimately, the Navy agrees to drop the case and no charges are brought against the Sailor.

Result: Charges Dismissed.  No Federal Conviction, No Sex Offender Registration, No Dishonorable Discharge.

U.S. v. O-4 United States Navy

Navy officer with a sterling career record at some of the United States’ most decorated and deployed classified units and task forces is accused of two specifications of assault, including use of a firearm.  Mr. Nathan Freeburg works with the officer through the investigation process to prepare and after charges are preferred works with experienced Navy defense lawyers to counter the government at every turn.  Finally, at trial, Mr. Freeburg and the defense team use cross-examination and indirect tactics in front of a very senior Navy officer panel and the client is acquitted!

Result: Full Acquittal on All Charges. No Federal Conviction, No Dishonorable Discharge.

U.S. v. O-3 United States Navy

A reserve Navy officer was accused of sexually assaulting one of his sailors while on active orders and was eventually charged with fraternization, conduct unbecoming an officer and making false official statements.  He retained Cave & Freeburg, LLP.  After extensive litigation and motions and preparation by Mr. Freeburg and Mr. Cave, the government agreed to a guilty plea at a misdemeanor special court-martial to only the fraternization charge with no confinement and no dismissal!  The officer was sentenced to only a reprimand and half forfeitures for two months.

Result: Retirement Preserved, No Sex Offender Registration, No Dishonorable Discharge/Dismissal, No Confinement.

U.S. v. E-5, United States Navy 

A Sailor is accused of sexually assaulting another service member during a one night stand.  While the case is under investigation, Cave & Freeburg, LLP, is retained and Mr. Freeburg works to investigate exculpatory messages and prepare a defense while communicating with the Navy Office of Special Trial Counsel.  Ultimately, the Navy agrees to drop the case and no charges are brought against the Sailor.

Result: Charges Dismissed.  No Federal Conviction, No Sex Offender Registration, No Dishonorable Discharge.

U.S. v. O-3 United States Navy

Navy officer is accused of soliciting sex from an underage male (who was actually an adult “vigilante”).  After a long investigation, the Navy preferred court-martial charges against the officer.  Mr. Freeburg and Mr. Cave investigate the case and prepare an unlawful entrapment defense.  Following, the Navy agrees to a separation instead of a court-martial.

Result: No Federal Conviction, No Sex Offender Registration, No Dishonorable Discharge.

Facing an Investigation or Charges Here?

Early action matters. We can coordinate with military defense counsel, preserve evidence, and fight for the best possible outcome at every stage.

Disclaimer: All cases are different. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. We do not promise any particular result.