In the coming hours, days, weeks and months the fabulous men and women of our Armed forces will undoubtedly take remarkable efforts in stemming the tide of this virus. It is yet another global war on terrorism moment, and this one does not stand a chance. Our Germany and Seattle law offices will likewise remain open to help those who defend America, and in so many ways!
Author: Court & Carpenter PC
2020 Court-Martial Defense Award
Lawyers of Distinction Recognition I am very honored to have been selected for this award related to court-martial defense. It is a strong testament to the great military defense lawyers that have assisted me over this past year. My wayward “Of Counsel” namely Dre Le Blanc and Jason Greene were equally pivotal in this recognition.
USS ALABAMA
I had a thrilling visit to SSBN 731 today in Bangor, Washington. I particularly enjoyed briefly hanging out in the Chief’s Mess. Another highlight, among so many, was seeing where the Chief of the Watch sits. Words cannot describe how amazing this Boomer is! Roll Tide!
New Boots on the Ground: Ms. Mareike Groth joins European Law Firm Branch
We are pleased to announce the association of Mareike Groth to our firm. She will be working in our Germany law firm. She is a German law student. She is extraordinarily talented and possesses some keen insights that will undoubtedly bring success to our future clients stationed in Germany, and beyond!
Air Force Preliminary Hearing
The preliminary hearing officer in a Article 120, UCMJ case has now recommended the case not proceed to trial. Awaiting final decision on these charges.
Army NCO “Fully Acquitted” at Court-Martial
This JBLM investigation was initiated after a Soldier complained of perceived issues with his first-line supervisor. Defense turned down Article 15, UCMJ, and respectfully requested trial by summary court-martial. Evidence failed to satisfy the beyond a reasonable doubt standard. Case arguably illustrates the subtle vagary, in part, associated with AR 600-20, para. 4-14.
Navy Senior Chief “Fully Exonerated” by Administrative Separation Board after Deliberating for Less than 30 Minutes
Last month LCDR B. D. Adams and I zealously defended a Navy board. After deliberating for about 30 minutes, the three member administrative board (ASB) unanimously decided the recorder had not proven his case by a preponderance of the evidence. The ASB carefully considered the evidence, which ultimately portrayed a picture dramatically different than what NCIS mistakenly believed. I am gratified to know that this family’s Christmas in 2019 will be remembered with brighter thoughts now that this ordeal has come to its fitting end….”and too all good night”….
Army Trial Defense Conference with David Court – Garmisch, Germany
The living legend, himself, David Court (my former law partner) and I had the honor of attending the U.S. Army Trial Defense Services (TDS) conference this week in the shadow of the Zugpitze (Germany’s highest mountain) in Garmisch, Germany. Above all else, these fabulous speakers re-emphasized the profound importance of understanding the myriad “tactical” nuances associated with implementing effective impeachment techniques under the Military Rules of Evidence (MREs).
Hoffentlich koennen wir es auch nächstes Jahr wieder machen!
Navy Judge renders lenient jail sentence in Court-Martial of Officer
Last week a Navy Judge awarded a sentence several weeks below the prosecution’s request. During the pre-sentencing case, the Defense focused on his outstanding military record, the strong support from his family and friends, and, finally, and perhaps most notably,his long history of charitable efforts in helping children in need. This young man is candidly one of the greatest individuals I have represented in nearly 25 years as a lawyer. https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2019/11/20/another-submarine-officer-busted-for-drugs/
Navy Officer “Fully Acquitted” at Bremerton Court-martial
Last November 2019, we defended an alleged “stalking” case. After the panel rendered its verdict, it essentially explained that the complaining witness lacked enough credibility to satisfy the beyond a reasonable doubt standard. Notably, even the preliminary hearing officer (PHO) prior to the case’s referral expressed grave doubts. https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2019/05/29/sub-officer-found-not-guilty-on-stalking-assault-and-other-charges/
The Militarylawfirm Blog 