MILITARY DEFENSE LAW OFFICES OF RICHARD V. STEVENS AND FRANK J. SPINNER

2009-07-17T23:42:00.003-04:00

Military Officer Represented by Attorney Richard V. Stevens Has Professional License Renewed

Recently, a former company grade military officer represented by military law attorney Richard V. Stevens (Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens, P.C.) had his professional state license renewed, despite attempts by the military to prevent the renewal.

Due to the administrative nature of this military disciplinary action, details of the case will not be described. The defense, however, continued to aggressively refute the military's insistence on attempting to prevent the license from being renewed and it was, ultimately, renewed.

While this adverse action was successfully defended against, it is important to understand that every case has different facts, and success in previous cases does not guarantee success in any particular future case. No military lawyer or civilian defense lawyer, including those who specialize in military law, can guarantee the outcome of any military trial. For more information on the military justice system, please see our other blog posts.

By: Attorney Richard V. Stevens
Civilian criminal defense lawyer and military defense lawyer
Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens, PC
http://www.militaryadvocate.com

Blog postscript: Attorney Frank Spinner and I (attorney Richard Stevens) are former active duty military lawyers (JAG). Our perspectives and advice, therefore, are based upon our experience as military defense lawyers and as civilian criminal defense lawyers practicing exclusively in the area of military law. This blog addresses issues in military law, military justice, military discipline, military defense, court-martial practice, the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and other military and/or legal topics. Nothing posted in this blog should be substituted for legal advice in any particular case. If you seek legal advice for a particular case, please contact The Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens & The Law Office of Frank J. Spinner for a free consultation. Military defense law offices are located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Military defense law practices are worldwide.

2009-07-03T10:07:00.002-04:00

Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Fourth of July to you and yours! Before the cookouts and fireworks, please take a moment to give thanks for the brave men and women of the American military, and their families, whose courage and sacrifice ensure our freedom. And, remember the amazing story of how it all began. Happy birthday America!

Have a great and safe Independence Day!

By: Attorney Richard V. Stevens
Civilian criminal defense lawyer and military defense lawyer
Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens, PC

http://www.militaryadvocate.com

2009-06-06T08:25:00.002-04:00

REMEMBERING D-DAY

On 6 June 1944, the WWII Allied forces, led by the American military, invaded the beaches of Normandy, France in a major offensive push to defeat the Axis powers in Europe. War raged across Europe until, at the end of April 1945, Benito Mussolini, the Italian dictator, was captured and executed. Adolf Hitler, the German dictator, then committed suicide at the end of April as well.

Throughout the first week of May 1945, German forces throughout Europe laid down their arms and on 8 May 1945, Germany offered its unconditional surrender. It would be another three months, on 2 September 1945, that Japan also surrendered bringing WWII to a victorious end.

Today is the anniversary of the Allied landing in Normandy; D-Day. Let us all remember the incredible sacrifices made by the American troops on that beach, the families who lost their sons that day, and the crusade that followed which kept the world free.

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By: Attorney Richard V. Stevens
Civilian criminal defense lawyer and military defense lawyer
Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens, PC

http://www.militaryadvocate.com

2009-05-23T15:39:00.004-04:00

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

We wish you all a very happy and meaningful Memorial Day. Please take some time this weekend to reflect on the meaning of the day and to thank those brave Americans who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

According to a story on CNN, Americans are being asked to stop what they're doing at 3:00pm today and to reflect on the meaning of the holiday and to remember those who have died defending the cause of freedom. The story goes on to say that when children were asked what Memorial Day means, they said that's when the swimming pool opens.

http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=35189370&postID=8093825413668071239

While those children are right, public pools often open on Memorial Day weekend, we can never allow Memorial Day to be just a nice excuse to be off of work and having cook outs with our families. We enjoy the freedom to do this because of the ultimate sacrifice made by so many who have served in the armed forces.

In addition to those who have fallen, please also keep in your thoughts and prayers those brave Americans (and their families) who are currently serving our country, particularly overseas in the War on Terror. Thank you.

By: Attorney Richard V. Stevens

Civilian criminal defense lawyer and military defense lawyer
Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens,PC
http://www.militaryadvocate.com

Blog postscript: Attorney Frank Spinner and I (attorney Richard Stevens) are former active duty military lawyers (JAG). Our perspectives and advice, therefore, are based upon our experience as military defense lawyers and as civilian criminal defense lawyers practicing exclusively in the area of military law. This blog addresses issues in military law, military justice, military discipline, military defense, court-martial practice, the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and other military and/or legal topics. Nothing posted in this blog should be substituted for legal advice in any particular case. If you seek legal advice for a particular case, please contact The Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens & The Law Office of Frank J. Spinner for a free consultation. Military defense law offices are located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Military defense law practices are worldwide.

2009-04-03T10:56:00.003-04:00

Attorney Richard V. Stevens and Attorney Frank J. Spinner Interviewed for "War Crimes" Articles
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Recently, The Middle East Times ran a two part article titled "The Media, Military and Murder" in which the article's author, Marcia Drezon-Tepler, tackles the difficult issue of how the United States Military handles allegations of "war crimes" or "murder" on the battlefield. While military prosecutions for these alleged crimes claim the issues are black and white, they are far from that.
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In truth, these prosecutions are often the product of "Monday morning quarterbacking" of high pressure, highly dangerous combat situations in which split second decisions are made and the "fog of battle" is a factor. And, these prosecutions often result from the military's preoccupation with public perception and media coverage. It's hard to fight a war while looking over your shoulder and wondering how engagements will play on CNN.
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Last spring, Frank Spinner and I (attorney Richard V. Stevens, Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens, PC) defended two Army murder trials in which our respective clients were accused of "murdering" terrorist insurgents in Iraq. Both clients were fully acquitted (found not guilty of all charges). Those cases are discussed in this latest news article. My case is cited in part 1:
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http://www.metimes.com/Opinion/2009/03/24/the_media_military_and_murder/4164/
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Frank's case is cited in part 2:
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http://www.metimes.com/Opinion/2009/03/25/the_media_military_and_murder_-_2/1699/

This two-part article is worth reading, to understand the complexities of decisions soldiers face in combat.

As I always caveat when mentioning cases we've defended, while these military court-martial cases were successfully defended, it is important to understand that every case has different facts, and success in previous cases does not guarantee success in any particular future case. No military lawyer or civilian defense lawyer, including those who specialize in military law, can guarantee the outcome of any military case. For more information on the military justice system, please see our other blog posts.

By: Attorney Richard V. Stevens
Civilian criminal defense lawyer and military defense lawyer
Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens, PC
http://www.militaryadvocate.com

2009-02-28T16:07:00.003-05:00

Worldwide Military Law Practices and Court-Martial Defense – Overseas Locations

As the “world wide web” gets more congested, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find certain specific services or individuals, because there are so many internet search results (“hits”) that can come up. This is something that has been pointed out to us by our clients. Therefore, in a continuing effort to ensure potential clients can locate us on the web, I am posting some recurring blog posts about our services/locations. For other blog topics, scroll down to our blog archives in the right margin. For our website, please access: www.militaryadvocate.com.

As current criminal defense lawyers/attorneys, and former active duty military JAG lawyers/attorneys, Frank Spinner and I (attorney Richard V. Stevens) exclusively represent and defend military members around the world who face court-martial trials, court-martial appeals, UCMJ actions, administrative separations/discharges, Article 15s, NJP, other military law cases, disciplinary actions and adverse administrative actions (i.e. promotion, performance eval, security clearance).

While our military defense law practices – Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens, PC and Military Defense Law Office of Frank J. Spinner – are located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, we defend military members worldwide. The countries and military bases, posts, installations named below are not all inclusive, but represent areas with higher rates of military justice actions. We travel to the location of our military clients, regardless of where stationed. Overseas, we defend military members in areas including:

IRAQ, KUWAIT, SAUDI ARABIA, AFGHANISTAN – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan and other locations in the Global War On Terror:

Travel available into Middle East and other forward military locations
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GERMANY – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Germany:

Ramstein Air Base
Spangdahlem Air Base
Rhein-Main Air Base
Geilenkirchen Air Base
Schweinfurt Air Base
Wiesbaden
Mannheim
Heidelberg
Stuttgart/Robinson Barracks
Vilseck
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BRITAIN/UNITED KINGDOM – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Britain/United Kingdom:

Molesworth RAF
Lakenheath RAF
Mildenhall RAF
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SOUTH KOREA – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in South Korea:
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Osan Air Base
Kunsan Air Base
Camp Casey
Camp Giant
Camp Humphreys
Camp Henry
Camp Walker
Camp Carroll
Camp Hialeah-Pusan

USAG Yongsan
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JAPAN/OKINAWA – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Japan and Okinawa:
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Misawa Air Base
Yokota Air Base
Kadena Air Base, Okinawa
Camp Zama
Torii Station, Okinawa
Yokosuka Fleet Activities
Iwakuni Marine Corps Air Station
Camp S.D. Butler Marine Corps Base, Okinawa
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GREENLAND – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Greenland:

Thule Air Base
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CUBA – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Cuba:

Guantanamo Bay Naval Station

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PUERTO RICO – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Puerto Rico:

Fort Buchanan
Roosevelt Roads Naval Station
Borinquen US Coast Guard Station
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PORTUGAL – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Portugal:

Lajes Field, Azores
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SPAIN – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Spain:

Moron Air Base
Rota Naval Station
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ITALY – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Italy:

Aviano Air Base
Caserma Ederle/Vicenza
Camp Darby/Livorno
Gaeta Naval Support Activity
Naples Naval Support Activity
Sigonella Naval Air Station
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BOSNIA – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Bosnia:

Camp McGovern
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KOSOVO – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Kosovo:

Camp Bondsteel
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GREECE – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Greece:
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Souda Bay Naval Support Activity/Air Activity
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TURKEY – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Turkey:
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Incirlik Air Base
Izmir Air Station
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BAHRAIN – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Bahrain:
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Bahrain Naval Support Activity
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DIEGO GARCIA – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Diego Garcia:
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Diego Garcia Navy Support Facility
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GUAM – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Guam:
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Andersen AFB
Naval Forces Marianas, Guam
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We offer free consultations.
Please visit our website: www.militaryadvocate.com
Call the toll free number: 800-988-0602
E-mail me: militarylawfirm@gmail.com

By: Attorney Richard V. Stevens

Civilian criminal defense lawyer and military defense lawyer

Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens, PC

http://www.militaryadvocate.com

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Blog postscript: Attorney Frank Spinner and I (attorney Richard Stevens) are former active duty military lawyers (JAG). Our perspectives and advice, therefore, are based upon our experience as military defense lawyers and as civilian criminal defense lawyers practicing exclusively in the area of military law. This blog addresses issues in military law, military justice, military discipline, military defense, court-martial practice, the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and other military and/or legal topics. Nothing posted in this blog should be substituted for legal advice in any particular case. If you seek legal advice for a particular case, please contact The Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens & The Law Office of Frank J. Spinner for a free consultation. Military defense law offices are located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Military defense law practices are worldwide.

2009-02-28T13:11:00.002-05:00

Worldwide Military Law Practices and Court-Martial Defense – United States Locations

As the “world wide web” gets more congested, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find certain specific services or individuals, because there are so many internet search results (“hits”) that can come up. This is something that has been pointed out to us by our clients. Therefore, in a continuing effort to ensure potential clients can locate us on the web, I am posting some recurring blog posts about our services/locations. For other blog topics, scroll down to our blog archives in the right margin. For our website, please access: www.militaryadvocate.com.

As current criminal defense lawyers/attorneys, and former active duty military JAG lawyers/attorneys, Frank Spinner and I (attorney Richard V. Stevens) exclusively represent and defend military members around the world who face court-martial trials, court-martial appeals, UCMJ actions, administrative separations/discharges, Article 15s, NJP, other military law cases, disciplinary actions and adverse administrative actions (i.e. promotion, performance eval, security clearance).

While our military defense law practices – Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens, PC and Military Defense Law Office of Frank J. Spinner – are located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, we defend military members worldwide. The states and military bases, posts, installations named below are not all inclusive, but represent areas with higher rates of military justice actions. We travel to the location of our military clients, regardless of where stationed. In the United States, we defend military members in areas including:

ALABAMA – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Alabama:

Redstone Arsenal
Fort Rucker
Anniston Army Depot
Maxwell AFB
Maxwell AFB, Gunter Annex
USCG Aviation Training Center, Mobile

ALASKA – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Alaska:

Eielson AFB
Elmendorf AFB
Fort Wainwright
Fort Richardson

ARIZONA – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Arizona:

Luke AFB
David Monthan AFB
Fort Huachuca
Yuma Marine Corps Air Station

ARKANSAS – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Arkansas:

Little Rock AFB
Pine Bluff Arsenal

CALIFORNIA – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in California:

Edwards AFB
Travis AFB
Beale AFB
McClelland AFB
Vandenberg AFB
Los Angeles AFB
29 Palms
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar
Fort Irwin
Camp Pendleton

COLORADO – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Colorado:

Buckley AFB
US Air Force Academy
Schriever AFB
Peterson AFB
Cheyenne Mountain Air Station
Fort Carson

CONNECTICUT – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Connecticut:

New London Naval Submarine Base
US Coast Guard Academy

FLORIDA – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Florida:

Eglin AFB
Hurlburt Field AFB
Tyndall AFB
Patrick AFB
MacDill AFB
Pensacola Naval Air Station
Jacksonville Naval Air Station
Key West Naval Air Station

GEORGIA – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Georgia:

Moody AFB
Robins AFB
Fort Stewart
Fort Benning
Fort Gordon
Fort McPherson
Dobbins AFB
Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base

HAWAII – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Hawaii:

Hickam AFB
Pearl Harbor Naval Complex
Schofield Barracks

IDAHO – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Idaho:

Mountain Home AFB

ILLINOIS – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Illinois:

Scott AFB

KANSAS – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Kansas:

Fort Riley
Fort Leavenworth
McConnell AFB

KENTUCKY – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Kentucky:

Fort Knox
Fort Campbell

LOUISIANA – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Louisiana:

Barksdale AFB
Fort Polk

MAINE – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Maine:

Brunswick Naval Air Station

MARYLAND – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Maryland:

Bolling AFB
Andrews AFB
Pentagon
Aberdeen Proving Ground
Fort Meade
Annapolis Naval Station, US Naval Academy
Fort McNair
Washington Navy Yard
US Coast Guard Headquarters
Patuxent River Naval Air Station
Indian Head Naval Surface Warfare Center

MASSACHUSETTS – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Massachusetts:

Hanscom AFB

MISSISSIPPI – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Mississippi:

Columbus AFB
Meridian Naval Air Station
Keesler AFB
Pascagoula Naval Station

MISSOURI – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Missouri:

Whiteman AFB
Fort Leonard Wood

MONTANA – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Montana:

Malmstrom AFB

NEBRASKA – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Nebraska:

Offutt AFB

NEVADA – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Nevada:

Nellis AFB

NEW HAMPSHIRE – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in New Hampshire:

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

NEW MEXICO – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in New Mexico:

Cannon AFB
Kirtland AFB
Holloman AFB

NEW YORK – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in New York:

Fort Drum
US Military Academy, West point

NORTH CAROLINA – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in North Carolina:

Seymour Johnson AFB
Pope AFB
Fort Bragg
Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station
New River Marine Corps Air Station
Camp Lejeune

NORTH DAKOTA – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in North Dakota:

Minot AFB
Grand Forks AFB

OHIO – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Ohio:

Wright-Patterson AFB

OKLAHOMA – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Oklahoma:

Fort Sill
Vance AFB
Tinker AFB
Altus AFB

SOUTH CAROLINA – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in South Carolina:

Shaw AFB
Charleston AFB
Fort Jackson
Charleston Naval Weapons Station
Beaufort Marine Corps Air Station
Parris Island Marine Corps Recruit Depot

SOUTH DAKOTA – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in South Dakota:

Ellsworth AFB

TENNESSEE – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Tennessee:

Arnold AFB

TEXAS – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Texas:

Fort Hood
Fort Bliss
Dyess AFB
Lackland AFB
Randolph AFB
Goodfellow AFB
Sheppard AFB
Laughlin AFB

UTAH – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Utah:

Hill AFB

VIRGINIA – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Virginia:

Langley AFB
Fort Myer
Fort Belvoir
Fort Lee
Fort Eustis
Fort Story
Fort AP Hill
Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base
Norfolk Naval Station
Oceana Naval Air Station

WASHINGTON DC – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Washington DC and surrounding area:

Andrews AFB
Bolling AFB
Pentagon
Washington Naval Yard
Bethesda National Naval Medical Center
Walter Reed Army Medical Center
Fort McNair
Fort Meade
Fort Detrick
Aberdeen Proving Ground
US Naval Academy, Annapolis
Patuxent Naval Air Station
Indian Head Naval Service Warfare Center
Coast Guard Headquarters, Marine Safety Center

WASHINGTON STATE – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Washington State:

Fort Lewis
McChord AFB
Fairchild AFB
Bremerton Naval Station

WISCONSIN – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Wisconsin:

Fort McCoy

WYOMING – Civilian Defense Lawyer/Attorney, Military Law and Military Defense Services in Wyoming:

F.E. Warren AFB

We offer free consultations.

Please visit our website: www.militaryadvocate.com

Call the toll free number: 800-988-0602

E-mail me: militarylawfirm@gmail.com

By: Attorney Richard V. Stevens
Civilian criminal defense lawyer and military defense lawyer
Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens, PC
http://www.militaryadvocate.com

2009-02-26T19:58:00.003-05:00

Recent Military Cases Defended by Attorney Richard V. Stevens

I (attorney Richard V. Stevens, Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens, PC) am far from a prolific blogger; however, I do try to provide updates on our latest news. I have been asked to compile links to posts on my recent cases, for ease of access to them (instead of having to search through the blog archives).

Therefore, on occasion I re-submit this blog post with updated links due to new military courts-martial or other military cases I have defended. In this post I have compiled the following links:

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http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2009/02/disciplinary-action-dropped-for.html

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http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2009/02/administrative-board-hearing-victory_26.html

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http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2009/02/administrative-board-hearing-victory.html

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http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2009/02/successful-bcmr-appeal-for-military.html

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http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2009/02/rape-and-sexual-assault-charges-and_26.html

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http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2008/11/sexual-assault-charges-and-court.html

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http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2008/11/military-officer-represented-by.html

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http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2008/05/army-noncommissioned-officer-defended_05.html

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/05/01/national/main4063969.shtml

http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/military/2008/05/scott-huddleston-jurys-message.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2008/04/forcible-sodomy-charge-and-court.html

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http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2008/02/indecent-acts-charges-and-court-martial.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2008/01/rape-charge-dropped-against-officer.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/12/rape-charge-and-court-martial-dropped.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/09/rape-charge-and-court-martial-dropped.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/07/two-military-officers-represented-by.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/06/two-field-grade-officers-represented-by.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/06/rape-charge-dropped-against.html

Please understand that I don’t publish blog posts on every military trial/case I’m involved in, and I only began our blog in November 2006. So, there is a limited time period represented by these posts. Also, while the military trials/cases described by the post links above were successfully defended, it is important to understand that every case has different facts, and success in previous courts-martial and cases does not guarantee success in any particular future court-martial or military case. No military lawyer or civilian defense lawyer, including those who specialize in military law, can guarantee the outcome of any military case or military trial (court-martial).

I appreciate your interest in our website and blog, and I hope this post assists you in accessing information you’re interested in. For more information on the military justice system, please see our other blog posts.

By: Attorney Richard V. Stevens
Civilian criminal defense lawyer and military defense lawyer
Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens, PC

http://www.militaryadvocate.com

2009-02-26T16:45:00.004-05:00

Military Rape Cases, Military Sexual Assault Cases, and other Alleged Military Sex Crimes and Military Sex Offenses

I (attorney Richard Stevens, Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens, PC) have been asked to compile links to my posts about military rape cases, military sexual assault cases and other alleged military sex crimes. On occasion, I re-submit this post with updated links due to new military courts-martial I have defended or relevant posts or articles on the topic.

For ease of access to these posts (instead of having to search through the blog archives), I have compiled the following links...

Posts About Military Sex Crime Cases Generally:

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/04/rape-and-sexual-assault-allegations-in.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/04/rape-and-sexual-assault-allegations-in_13.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/04/rape-and-sexual-assault-allegations-in_15.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/08/military-sex-scandals-another-blog-post.html

Posts About Some Military Rape and Military Sex Crime Cases I have Defended:

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2009/02/rape-and-sexual-assault-charges-and_26.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2008/11/sexual-assault-charges-and-court.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2008/04/forcible-sodomy-charge-and-court.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2008/02/indecent-acts-charges-and-court-martial.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2008/01/rape-charge-dropped-against-officer.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/12/rape-charge-and-court-martial-dropped.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/09/rape-charge-and-court-martial-dropped.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/06/rape-charge-dropped-against.html

Posts About the Business of Being a Defense Lawyer in the Military Justice System and Generally:

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/01/our-military-defense-law-firm-we.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/07/value-of-good-defense-lawyer-you-might.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/06/cost-of-overzealous-prosecution.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/04/how-can-you-defend-them-duke-lacrosse.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/04/district-attorney-in-duke-university.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/04/unequal-justice-military-courts-are.html

Please understand that I don’t publish blog posts on every case I’m involved in, and I only began our blog in November 2006. So, there is a limited time period represented by these posts. Also, while the cases/links above describe some military court-martial cases that were successfully defended, it is important to understand that every case has different facts, and success in previous military trials/cases does not guarantee success in any particular future military trial/case. No military lawyer or civilian defense lawyer, including those who specialize in military law, can guarantee the outcome of any military case or military trial (court-martial).

I appreciate your interest in our website and blog, and I hope this post assists you in accessing information you’re interested in. For more information on the military justice system, please see our other blog posts.

By: Attorney Richard V. Stevens

Civilian criminal defense lawyer and military defense lawyer

Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens, PC

http://www.militaryadvocate.com

2009-02-26T16:29:00.003-05:00

Disciplinary Action Dropped for Military Officer Defended by Attorney Richard V. Stevens

Recently, a field grade military officer who was served with a military disciplinary action had that action dropped in favor of an alternative resolution. The accused officer was defended by military law attorney Richard V. Stevens (Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens, P.C.).

Due to the administrative nature of this military disciplinary action, details of the case will not be described. The claims alleged in the action were aggressively defended against and the action was dropped shortly thereafter, in favor of an alternative resolution.

While this military case was successfully defended, it is important to understand that every case has different facts, and success in previous cases does not guarantee success in any particular future case. No military lawyer or civilian defense lawyer, including those who specialize in military law, can guarantee the outcome of any military case. For more information on the military justice system, please see our other blog posts.

By: Attorney Richard V. Stevens

Civilian criminal defense lawyer and military defense lawyer

Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens, PC

http://www.militaryadvocate.com

2009-02-26T16:23:00.004-05:00

Administrative Board Hearing Victory for Military Officer Defended by Attorney Richard V. Stevens

Recently, a company grade military officer was victorious in an administrative board hearing he faced. The accused officer was defended by military law attorney Richard V. Stevens (Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens, P.C.).

Due to the nature of this administrative board hearing, details of the case will not be described. The claims litigated in the administrative board hearing (like a military trial with fewer rules and protections) were aggressively defended against and the board members deliberated for a short time before delivering the victorious decision.

While this military case was successfully defended, it is important to understand that every case has different facts, and success in previous cases does not guarantee success in any particular future case. No military lawyer or civilian defense lawyer, including those who specialize in military law, can guarantee the outcome of any military case. For more information on the military justice system, please see our other blog posts.

By: Attorney Richard V. Stevens

Civilian criminal defense lawyer and military defense lawyer

Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens, PC

http://www.militaryadvocate.com

2009-02-26T16:16:00.003-05:00

Administrative Board Hearing Victory for Noncommissioned Officer Defended by Attorney Richard V. Stevens

Recently, a noncommissioned military officer was victorious in an administrative board hearing he faced. The accused NCO was defended by military law attorney Richard V. Stevens (Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens, P.C.).

Due to the nature of this administrative board hearing, details of the case will not be described. The claims litigated in the administrative board hearing (like a military trial with fewer rules and protections) were aggressively defended against and the board members deliberated for a short time before delivering the victorious decision.

While this military case was successfully defended, it is important to understand that every case has different facts, and success in previous cases does not guarantee success in any particular future case. No military lawyer or civilian defense lawyer, including those who specialize in military law, can guarantee the outcome of any military case. For more information on the military justice system, please see our other blog posts.

By: Attorney Richard V. Stevens
Civilian criminal defense lawyer and military defense lawyer
Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens, PC
http://www.militaryadvocate.com

Blog postscript: Attorney Frank Spinner and I (attorney Richard Stevens) are former active duty military lawyers (JAG). Our perspectives and advice, therefore, are based upon our experience as military defense lawyers and as civilian criminal defense lawyers practicing exclusively in the area of military law. This blog addresses issues in military law, military justice, military discipline, military defense, court-martial practice, the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and other military and/or legal topics. Nothing posted in this blog should be substituted for legal advice in any particular case. If you seek legal advice for a particular case, please contact The Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens & The Law Office of Frank J. Spinner for a free consultation. Military defense law offices are located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Military defense law practices are worldwide.

2009-02-26T15:56:00.004-05:00

Successful BCMR Appeal for Military Officer Represented by Attorney Richard V. Stevens

Recently, a company grade military officer client of attorney Richard V. Stevens who was appealing an adverse military action to the Board of Corrections for Military Records (BCMR) had his appeal and requested relief granted.

Due to the nature of the administrative issue, details of this case will not be described. While this BCMR appeal was successful, it is important to understand that every case has different facts, and success in previous cases does not guarantee success in any particular future case. No military lawyer or civilian defense lawyer, including those who specialize in military law, can guarantee the outcome of any military case. For more information on the military justice system, please see our other blog posts.

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By: Attorney Richard V. Stevens

Civilian criminal defense lawyer and military defense lawyer

Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens, PC

http://www.militaryadvocate.com

2009-02-26T15:50:00.003-05:00

Rape and Sexual Assault Charges and Court-Martial Dropped for Military Officer Defended by Attorney Richard V. Stevens

Recently, a field grade military officer facing court-martial charges/allegations of rape, sexual assault and sexual misconduct had the charges and court-martial dropped by the government in favor of an administrative resolution. The accused military member was defended by military law attorney Richard V. Stevens (Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens, P.C.).

The government claimed the accused military member raped and sexually assaulted some adult female acquaintances. The case was aggressively defended against at the pretrial motion hearing and was set for trial. However, the information uncovered during the motion hearing caused the government to drop the court-martial in favor of an alternative resolution.

The maximum authorized punishment for a court-martial conviction on the greatest alleged offense would have included life in prison and a dismissal. For clients represented/defended by attorney Richard V. Stevens, that brings to thirteen, the number of military rape, sexual assault and sexual offense cases in just the last few years which did not result in a court-martial conviction for the government – either because the case was dismissed/dropped or because the client was found not guilty (complete acquittal). Please see previous blog posts for descriptions of those cases.

While these criminal cases were successfully defended, it is important to understand that every case has different facts, and success in previous cases does not guarantee success in any particular future case. No military lawyer or civilian defense lawyer, including those who specialize in military law, can guarantee the outcome of any military trial. For more information on the military justice system, please see our other blog posts.

2008-12-05T15:14:00.002-05:00

Army NCO Found Not Guilty of Murdering Superior Officers

An Army court-martial jury at Ft Bragg has found Army National Guard Staff Sergeant Alberto Martinez not guilty of both counts of premeditated murder he faced stemming from the deaths of his superior officers CPT Phillip Esposito and LT Louis Allen. The alleged incident occurred in Iraq in 2005 and, if convicted, SSG Martinez could have faced the death penalty. The Army officers were killed when an anti-personnel mine detonated in the window of their room in Iraq.

For a link to the story, and links to the stories leading up to this acquittal, see:

http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/12/ap_martinez_fragging_verdict_120408/

SSG Martinez is apparently the first soldier accused of “fragging” superior officers in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. While this may be the first “fragging” court-martial out of the war in Iraq, it is not the first murder trial (court-martial) arising out of that war. Sadly, there have been many.

For example, and in unrelated cases this summer (Army courts-martial not involving “fragging”), attorney Frank J. Spinner and attorney Richard V. Stevens defended two Army NCOs in two separate military trials (courts-martial) in which our clients were accused of the premeditated murders of terrorist insurgents in Iraq (alleged “war crimes”). In verdicts rendered within a week of each other, both clients were found not guilty of all charges (full acquittals).

For links to those cases, please see:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/05/01/national/main4063969.shtml

http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/military/2008/05/scott_huddleston_jurys_message.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2008/05/army-noncommissioned-officer-defended_05.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2008/05/army-noncommissioned-officer-defended.html

While reactions to court-martial verdicts can be mixed (and often are), whenever an acquittal (not guilty verdict) in a serious case is arrived at, it shows an accused can get a fair trial in the military justice system.

By: Attorney Richard V. Stevens
Civilian criminal defense lawyer and military defense lawyer
Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens, PC
http://www.militaryadvocate.com

2008-12-02T11:37:00.000-05:00

“Chemical Ali” Sentenced to Death

Saddam Hussein’s cousin, “Chemical Ali”, has been sentenced to death in Iraq - again - along with another Baath party official. Here is the story:

http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/12/ap_chemicalali_120208/

Although, as I have posted before, I have issues with how the death penalty is administered in the United States, I can’t object to the death sentences faced by “Chemical Ali” and others who perpetrated numerous atrocities in Iraq. Call me a hypocrite, I’m ok with that. Bon voyage “Chemical Ali”…

Other death penalty posts:

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2006/11/saddam-hussein-sentenced-to-die-i-have.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2008/11/first-military-execution-since-1961.html

By: Attorney Richard V. Stevens

Civilian criminal defense lawyer and military defense lawyer

Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens, PC

http://www.militaryadvocate.com

2008-12-02T08:54:00.002-05:00

President Bush Pardons Second Air Force Airman

Recently, President Bush pardoned Andrew Foster Harley. Mr. Harley is a former Air Force Academy cadet who was convicted in 1985, in a general court-martial, of drug use and distribution. Here is a story on the pardon:

http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/11/airforce_pardon_112608/

Last year, President Bush pardoned another former Air Force airman - William Marcus McDonald - who was also convicted in a court-martial, in 1984, of drug charges.

This shows that in the post-trial phase of a court-martial, there may be a sliver of hope even after the case has run its course through the appellate courts. The chance that a case gets overturned by Presidential pardon may be slim, but it's not unheard of. If Mr. Harley or Mr. McDonald had been dissuaded by the low percentage of cases that succeed in the pardon arena, they would never have submitted their pardon packages that were, ultimately, granted.

Congratulations to them.

By: Attorney Richard V. Stevens
Civilian criminal defense lawyer and military defense lawyer
Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens, PC
http://www.militaryadvocate.com

2008-11-20T20:29:00.000-05:00

First Military Execution Since 1961 Scheduled For Next Month

It appears the military will execute PVT Ronald Gray next month at Ft. Leavenworth, KS. See:

http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/11/army_execute_120108p/

http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/11/20/military.execution/index.html

I know nothing about the case except for what I’ve read, so I won’t provide any opinions about the merits of the case against PVT Gray. Certainly, the allegations he was convicted of are grisly. Those who support the death penalty would point to that as justification for the “ultimate penalty.”

The problem I see with the death penalty is not the theory, so much as the practice. I know the criminal justice system makes mistakes. That is not an issue for debate. I know that innocent people have been convicted of crimes. That is not an issue for debate either. Just go to the Innocence Project website for example:

http://www.innocenceproject.org/?gclid=CIDKod2KhZcCFQv7agodMX9u_A

As of today, 225 people who were convicted and jailed have been exonerated by the work of the Innocence Project. Those are just the people lucky enough to have had their cases accepted by the Innocence Project and evidence that could be disproven by modern science. There is no telling how many other innocent people are imprisoned in our nation’s jails.

If innocent people can be wrongly convicted and jailed in America, innocent people can be wrongly convicted and executed in America. Therein lies the problem.

According to Amnesty International:

“In 2006, 91 percent of all known executions took place in China, Iran, Pakistan, Iraq, Sudan and the USA.”

“Ten countries since 1990 are known to have executed 58 prisoners who were under 18 years old at the time of the crime – Afghanistan (extra-judicially by the Taliban), China, Congo (Democratic Republic), Iran, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, USA and Yemen.”

We (the USA) are certainly keeping dubious company in our death penalty club.

Please see more information on the death penalty at:

http://asiapacific.amnesty.org/pages/deathpenalty-facts-eng

What is my brush with the issue? I had a military enlisted client who was accused of raping and attempting to murder (by decapitation) the wife of a fellow military member. Even though the victim miraculously lived, the gruesome and violent nature of the crime caused the prosecution to consider attempting to proceed with the case as capital (death penalty authorized). Thankfully, they chose not to do this. However, their consideration of the issue appeared in the local paper, much to the shock of my client’s parents.

There were significant problems with the identification of my client in the case. There were significant problems with the evidence in the case, including the fact that the forensic evidence that was collected did not match my client. Still, the prosecution proceeded through the preliminary hearing (Article 32 hearing). After a week of testimony, we were able to point out enough problems with the prosecution’s case that the investigation was re-opened.

The result of the re-opened investigation? The true perpetrator of the crime was discovered. The forensic evidence matched him, he confessed, and he was convicted at court-martial and sentenced to life in prison. My client was exonerated. However, just some minor changes in how the case proceeded against my client might have resulted in my innocent client sharing “real estate” with PVT Gray on the military’s death row.

Just some food for thought…

By: Attorney Richard V. Stevens

Civilian criminal defense lawyer and military defense lawyer

Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens, PC

http://www.militaryadvocate.com

2008-11-20T18:59:00.003-05:00

Military Anthrax Vaccinations

As you may know, I (attorney Richard Stevens) have written several blog posts in opposition to the mandatory military anthrax vaccinations. Please see:

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/09/montel-williams-show-illnesses-after.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/09/victim-of-military-anthrax-vaccine.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/08/links-to-anthrax-vaccine-website-and.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/04/former-usaf-jag-disabled-by-anthrax.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2006/12/more-on-military-anthrax-vaccinations.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2006/11/military-anthrax-vaccinations-are-they.html

I haven’t written any posts on the military anthrax vaccination program in quite some time. However, I was just alerted to an article on the subject that is definitely worth reading. It’s an article by Deborah Rudacille of the Baltimore Examiner. In her article, Ms. Rudacille reports:

“Between 1998 and 2000, the first two years of the mandatory vaccination program, approximately 20,765 troops were hospitalized, according to vaccination data that the Pentagon long withheld from lawmakers. The illnesses ranged from systemic reactions such as numbness, joint pain and extreme fatigue to autoimmune diseases such as lupus, musculo-skeletal disorders and other chronic conditions.

It is impossible to say with certainty how many have fallen ill after getting the shots because no one is keeping exact count.

The Food and Drug Administration, however, has confirmed 21 deaths following anthrax vaccination…”

So many servicemen and women have apparently been injured by these vaccinations, and I have still to see any data suggesting the vaccine has saved even one person. Yet, the combination of huge defense contracts and the DoD’s refusal to admit they were/are wrong will not allow the vaccination program to die – while the vaccination continues to cause military members to become ill and die.

To read Ms. Rudacille’s article, please go to:

http://www.baltimoreexaminer.com/local/112008anthraxpart2.html

Here are some others:

http://www.baltimoreexaminer.com/local/112008anthrax.html

http://www.baltimoreexaminer.com/local/112008anthraxletter.html

http://www.baltimoreexaminer.com/local/crime/Scientific_impossibility.html

Why is it that we will have to wait on the judgment of history to acknowledge the initial impulsiveness and lingering (and tragic) stupidity of this program? Money and hard-headedness, that’s why.

By: Attorney Richard V. Stevens

Civilian criminal defense lawyer and military defense lawyer

Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens, PC

http://www.militaryadvocate.com

2008-11-20T13:49:00.003-05:00

Military Rape Cases, Military Sexual Assault Cases, and other Alleged Military Sex Crimes and Military Sex Offenses

I (attorney Richard Stevens) was recently asked to compile links to my posts about military rape cases, military sexual assault cases and other alleged military sex crimes. For ease of access to these posts (instead of having to search through the blog archives), I have compiled the following links...

Posts About Military Sex Crime Cases Generally:

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/04/rape-and-sexual-assault-allegations-in.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/04/rape-and-sexual-assault-allegations-in_13.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/04/rape-and-sexual-assault-allegations-in_15.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/08/military-sex-scandals-another-blog-post.html

Posts About Some Military Rape and Military Sex Crime Cases I have Defended:

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2008/11/sexual-assault-charges-and-court.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2008/04/forcible-sodomy-charge-and-court.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2008/02/indecent-acts-charges-and-court-martial.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2008/01/rape-charge-dropped-against-officer.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/12/rape-charge-and-court-martial-dropped.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/09/rape-charge-and-court-martial-dropped.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/06/rape-charge-dropped-against.html

Posts About the Business of Being a Defense Lawyer in the Military Justice System and Generally:

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/01/our-military-defense-law-firm-we.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/07/value-of-good-defense-lawyer-you-might.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/06/cost-of-overzealous-prosecution.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/04/how-can-you-defend-them-duke-lacrosse.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/04/district-attorney-in-duke-university.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/04/unequal-justice-military-courts-are.html

Please understand that I don’t publish blog posts on every case I’m involved in, and I only began our blog in November 2006. So, there is a limited time period represented by these posts. Also, while the cases/links above were successfully defended, it is important to understand that every case has different facts, and success in previous cases does not guarantee success in any particular future case. No military lawyer or civilian defense lawyer, including those who specialize in military law, can guarantee the outcome of any military case or military trial (court-martial).

By: Attorney Richard V. Stevens

Civilian criminal defense lawyer and military defense lawyer

Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens, PC

http://www.militaryadvocate.com

2008-11-19T19:32:00.001-05:00

Recent Cases of Attorney Richard V. Stevens

I (attorney Richard Stevens) am far from a prolific blogger; however, I do try to provide occasional updates on our latest news. I was recently asked to compile links to posts on my recent cases, for ease of access to them (instead of having to search through the blog archives). Based on that request, I have compiled the following links:

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2008/11/sexual-assault-charges-and-court.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2008/11/military-officer-represented-by.html

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/05/01/national/main4063969.shtml

http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/military/2008/05/scott_huddleston_jurys_message.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2008/04/forcible-sodomy-charge-and-court.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2008/02/indecent-acts-charges-and-court-martial.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2008/01/rape-charge-dropped-against-officer.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/12/rape-charge-and-court-martial-dropped.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/09/rape-charge-and-court-martial-dropped.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/07/two-military-officers-represented-by.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/06/two-field-grade-officers-represented-by.html

http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/2007/06/rape-charge-dropped-against.html

Please understand that I don’t publish blog posts on every case I’m involved in, and I only began our blog in November 2006. So, there is a limited time period represented by these posts. Also, while the cases/links above were successfully defended, it is important to understand that every case has different facts, and success in previous cases does not guarantee success in any particular future case. No military lawyer or civilian defense lawyer, including those who specialize in military law, can guarantee the outcome of any military case or military trial (court-martial).

I appreciate your interest in our website and blog, and I hope this post assists you in accessing information you’re interested in. For more information on the military justice system, please see our other blog posts.

By: Attorney Richard V. Stevens
Civilian criminal defense lawyer and military defense lawyer
Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens, PC
http://www.militaryadvocate.com

2008-11-16T13:46:00.004-05:00

Attorney Richard V. Stevens Returns from South Korea - Happy Belated Veteran's Day!

I (attorney Richard Stevens) just returned from South Korea. I traveled there for a motion hearing in a court-martial case, and my trip took me through Seoul to Deagu (Camp Henry, Camp Walker, Camp George). Because of my trip, I was unable to post a message for Veteran's Day.

The trip, however, exemplified for me the impact our veterans have had on the world. As you travel through Seoul, and throughout South Korea, you are struck by what a modern country it is, compared with the Korea of the 1950s.

The war in Korea doesn't get the recognition that other American wars have received, but the impact of that war on the fortunes of the two Koreas is as stark as the satellite image above. Clearly, the north has been left in the dark.

Not only should we honor all of our veterans for their courage and sacrifices, we should also recognize how they have changed the face of the world for the better. Whether it was defeating fascism or communism in the past, defeating terrorism now, or championing other worthy causes around the world throughout history, the fact remains that the world is a much better and safer place because of what our American military men and women have done.

Thank you veterans!

By: Attorney Richard V. Stevens
Civilian criminal defense lawyer and military defense lawyer
Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens, PC

www.militaryadvocate.com

2008-11-07T20:01:00.002-05:00

Sexual Assault Charges and Court-Martial Dropped for Military Enlisted Member Defended by Attorney Richard V. Stevens

Recently an enlisted military member (E-4) facing military sexual assault charges had the charges and court-martial dropped by the government in favor of an administrative resolution. The accused military member was defended by military law attorney Richard V. Stevens (Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens, P.C.).

The government claimed the accused military member sexually assaulted two adult female acquaintances. The case was aggressively defended against at the pretrial Article 32 hearing and was set for trial within the month when it was dropped. In addition to contested legal issues in the case, the contested factual issues centered on the credibility of the allegations and the government’s witnesses.

The maximum authorized punishment for a conviction would have included significant prison time. For clients represented/defended by attorney Richard V. Stevens, that brings to twelve, the number of military rape, sexual assault and sexual offense cases in just the last few years which did not result in a court-martial conviction for the government – either because the case was dismissed/dropped or because the client was found not guilty (complete acquittal). Please see previous blog posts for descriptions of those cases.

While these criminal cases were successfully defended, it is important to understand that every case has different facts, and success in previous cases does not guarantee success in any particular future case. No military lawyer or civilian defense lawyer, including those who specialize in military law, can guarantee the outcome of any military trial. For more information on the military justice system, please see our other blog posts.

By: Attorney Richard V. Stevens
Civilian criminal defense lawyer and military defense lawyer
Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens, PC

http://www.militaryadvocate.com

--
Blog postscript: Attorney Frank Spinner and I (attorney Richard Stevens) are former active duty military lawyers (JAG). Our perspectives and advice, therefore, are based upon our experience as military defense lawyers and as civilian criminal defense lawyers practicing exclusively in the area of military law. This blog addresses issues in military law, military justice, military discipline, military defense, court-martial practice, the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and other military and/or legal topics. Nothing posted in this blog should be substituted for legal advice in any particular case. If you seek legal advice for a particular case, please contact The Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens & The Law Office of Frank J. Spinner for a free consultation. Military defense law offices are located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Military defense law practices are worldwide.

2008-11-07T19:16:00.009-05:00

Military Officer Represented by Attorney Richard V. Stevens Cleared in Probe

Recently a company grade military officer represented by military law attorney Richard V. Stevens (Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens, P.C.) was cleared in a probe by military officials. The defense submitted a rebuttal to the issues and no adverse actions were taken against the client. Due to the nature of the subject matter and the probe, no further details are available.

While the defense of this case was successful, it is important to understand that every case has different facts, and success in previous cases does not guarantee success in any particular future case. No military lawyer or civilian defense lawyer, including those who specialize in military law, can guarantee the outcome of any military trial. For more information on the military justice system, please see our other blog posts.
--
By: Attorney Richard V. Stevens
Civilian criminal defense lawyer and military defense lawyer
Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens, PC

http://www.militaryadvocate.com

2008-11-06T19:26:00.005-05:00

Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens Relocates to Colorado

I (attorney Richard V. Stevens) have relocated my practice (The Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens, P.C.) to Colorado Springs, Colorado.

As many of you know, I am a former military JAG attorney who now, as a civilian criminal defense attorney, focuses solely on defending military members facing courts-martial and other military adverse actions, discipline and investigations. throughout my career, I have years of military defense, military law (JAG, UCMJ), and military trial experience, both as a military lawyer and as a civilian defense attorney. While my military defense law firm in Colorado is now local to Ft. Carson, Peterson AFB, Schriever AFB, the Air Force Academy and Buckley AFB, my military defense law practice is worldwide. I travel to the location of the client to provide defense services, no matter where the client is stationed. I still represent members of all service branches stationed and serving around the world.

By: Attorney Richard V. Stevens
Civilian criminal defense lawyer and military defense lawyer
Military Defense Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens, PC
http://www.militaryadvocate.com

Blog postscript: Attorney Frank Spinner and I (attorney Richard Stevens) are former active duty military lawyers (JAG). Our perspectives and advice, therefore, are based upon our experience as military defense lawyers and as civilian criminal defense lawyers practicing exclusively in the area of military law. This blog addresses issues in military law, military justice, military discipline, military defense, court-martial practice, the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and other military and/or legal topics. Nothing posted in this blog should be substituted for legal advice in any particular case. If you seek legal advice for a particular case, please contact The Law Offices of Richard V. Stevens & The Law Office of Frank J. Spinner for a free consultation.