Result Category: Nonjudicial Punishment
Drug Use
Client was placed in pretrial confinement for drug use. After getting Client released, Steph represented her through nonjudicial punishment proceedings, identifying all the mitigating factors that weighed in favor of a medical separation rather than administrative separation.
Alleged Harassment and Maltreatment of Subordinates
Client was facing allegations of harassment and maltreatment of subordinates. Steph aggressively defended him against nonjudicial punishment proceedings, ultimately resulting in the Client turning down NJP and demanding a court-martial. Steph presented the issues with the case, and the command ultimately let the client retire as scheduled.
Advocacy of Behalf of Petty Officer Second Class
Client was suffering from serious medical issues, leading to lapses in his ability to complete his duties. Even though he was an otherwise responsible Petty Officer Second Class, his chain of command was fighting hard to take his rank and strip him of his NEC. Steph’s aggressive advocacy on his behalf led to all his punishment being suspended and the CO refusing to take his NEC, requiring his chain of command to back down.
Sailor Tested Positive for Codeine
Abby represented a Sailor who tested positive for codeine on a random urinalysis. Abby drafted a strong NJP package, outlining the law and the flaws in the investigation. The CO stopped Mast in the middle of the proceeding to conduct a better investigation. As a result, all charges against the Client were dismissed and the urinalysis was removed from the Client’s record.
Sailor Arrested in Prostitution Sting
Steph represented a Sailor who was arrested as part of a prostitution sting. However, the Client had done nothing legally wrong. Steph did extensive research and presented legal arguments for exactly why Client did nothing that violated the UCMJ. After reviewing Steph’s argument, the CO withdrew and dismissed NJP.
Article 15 Case
Steph represented an Army enlisted Client who was facing serious consequences as a result of receiving an Article 15, including the potential loss of naturalized citizenship. Steph put together a compelling package in extenuation and mitigation, which resulted in the commander taking leniency on the Client and saving her career.
Improper Relationship Accusation
Abby’s Army Sergeant First Class Client was accused of improper relationships. Abby represented her through the whole investigation and GOMOR process, which took nearly a year. After Abby submitted a response to the GOMOR, the Commanding General decided to file it locally. The flag was lifted, and the Client was thrilled to finally be able to transfer units.
Alleged Inappropriate Relationship
Client received NJP for an alleged inappropriate relationship. Steph represented the Client at NJP and did an appeal, highlighting the lack of evidence, legally incorrect charge, and mitigating factors. The General Court-Martial Convening Authority agreed with Steph’s arguments and granted the appeal in part, resulting in dismissal of one charge and overturning one month of forfeitures. The command confirmed Client would not be administratively separated.
Serious Mistakes Made
Steph represented a Client who made some serious mistakes, even after prior nonjudicial punishment. Steph worked with the Client to get their career back on track, avail themselves of resources, and demonstrate why they deserved another chance. After Client and Steph appeared at NJP with the CO, the CO decided to grant leniency to the Client by only imposing NJP rather than moving toward administrative separation.
Failing to Perform Duties
Client received NJP for an allegation of failing to perform her duties as a Corpsman. Her chain of command was aggressively pushing for the maximum punishment, including removing her rate and potential ADSEP. Steph put together a compelling response that the CO spent 3 hours reading and considering. The CO ultimately gave the Client an extremely light punishment, not affecting her rank or rate, and retaining her in the Navy.
Positive Test for THC
Abby’s Client, a Sailor with 19 years of service, tested positive on a urinalysis for THC. Abby prepared a compelling response package that outlined the law, the applicable regulations, and why the facts supported innocent ingestion. At Mast, the CO dropped all charges and deemed it innocent ingestion. He immediately received an outstanding evaluation and returned to his duties.
Domestic Violence Accusation
Steph’s Client was accused of domestic violence by his ex-girlfriend. Client himself had actually been the victim of domestic violence by her, which Steph revealed through gathering evidence and doing a legal analysis. The Client’s punishment for his role in the interaction was suspended, he received a positive evaluation, and he was deployed as planned.
Insubordinate Conduct and Assault
Abby represented an Army Specialist accused of insubordinate conduct and assault. Throughout the 15-6 and subsequent NJP, Abby expertly guided and counseled the Client. She did her own investigation, discovered new evidence, and drafted a legal memo that caused the commander to withdraw the NJP, unsubstantiate the investigation, and tell the Client he can’t wait to see what the Client does in the Army going forward.
DUI Arrest
LCDR Client was arrested for a high BAC DUI with a junior Sailor in the vehicle. Steph dug deep into the issues surrounding the Client’s combat-related PTSD and put together an extremely compelling case in mitigation. Steph avoided a Show Cause action for administrative separation and the Client was allowed to separate Honorably.
Positive THC Drug Test
Client suffered from severe mental health issues and tested positive for THC. Steph advocated extensively for him, resulting in him receiving an Honorable discharge at his EAOS.
Hostile Work Environment
Warrant Officer Client was the subject of a command investigation for a hostile work environment. Steph represented her at NJP, where Client was found not guilty of all the charges to which she pled not guilty. Steph’s representation avoided an administrative separation show cause action.
Tested Positive for THC
Marine Corps Sergeant tested positive for THC after accidentally eating his civilian wife’s legally purchased THC chocolates. Steph represented him at NJP, which was conducted in violation of his rights and resulted in a finding of guilty. Steph’s aggressive appeal caused the Commanding General to overturn the Battalion CO’s findings. Steph attended the second nonjudicial punishment hearing and all charges were dismissed.
Dereliction of Duty Accusation
Abby’s Client was a Petty Officer Third Class investigated for dereliction of duty and false official statements, which resulted in DRB/XOI proceedings. Abby’s representation led to the case being dismissed at XOI.
Cocaine Use Accusation
Steph’s Navy Chief Client was accused of using cocaine. He was given a cigarette that was laced with cocaine without his knowledge. His ship’s Commanding Officer extensively violated his rights during his nonjudicial punishment proceedings, which Steph had attended. Steph’s aggressive appeal led to Client’s NJP being overturned and a finding of NOT GUILTY at Commodore’s Mast.
