Category: Domestic Violence
What Counts as Violating a Military Protective Order?
What Actually Counts as Violating a Military Protective Order (And What Doesn’t) If you’ve been served with a Military Protective Order (MPO), the order itself is usually short — a page, maybe two — but the consequences of getting it wrong are not. We field calls from service members who did something they didn’t think was a big deal — replied to a text, showed up somewhere they didn’t expect the protected party to be,…
How to Handle CID, NCIS, or OSI Contact Without Making It Worse
When military investigators from CID, NCIS, or OSI contact you, the decisions you make in the first few moments can determine the entire trajectory of your case. Whether you’re dealing with allegations of sexual assault, domestic violence, drug offenses, or any other serious matter, how you respond to investigator contact is critical to protecting your future, your career, and your freedom. The Reality of Military Investigations Military law enforcement agencies—Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) for…
Why “He Said, She Said” Might Be Enough: Understanding Evidence Standards
Why “He Said, She Said” Might Be Enough: Understanding Evidence Standards Military justice operates under its own unique set of procedures and rules of evidence, yet many servicemembers facing allegations don’t fully understand how evidence works in these proceedings. If you’re currently facing accusations of sexual assault or domestic violence, understanding these concepts could be crucial to your defense. Burden of Proof in Military Trials In military courts, just like civilian courts, the prosecution must…
Article 128b, UCMJ: Domestic Violence and Your Rights as a Servicemember
Domestic violence is a serious offense under military law, governed by Article 128b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). If you are a servicemember, understanding what constitutes domestic violence, the legal criteria for guilt, and your options for defense is essential to safeguarding your career, reputation, and personal freedom. This article provides an in-depth explanation of Article 128b, its elements, potential penalties, and steps to take if accused. What Is Domestic Violence Under…
