Experienced Civilian Military Defense Attorney | Court-Martial Lawyer
Facing a Court-Martial? You Need an Experienced Civilian Military Defense Attorney
If you’re a servicemember facing potential court-martial charges, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about your future. The military justice system is complex, and the consequences of a court-martial conviction can be life-altering. You have the right to choose your own civilian military defense attorney – and that choice could make all the difference in your case outcome and your future.
At Kral Military Defense, our experienced civilian court-martial lawyers understand exactly what you’re going through. Former JAG attorneys Stephanie Kral and Abbigayle Hunter bring nearly 30 years of combined military justice experience to your defense, having handled hundreds of court-martial cases from both sides of the courtroom.
What Is a Court-Martial?
A court-martial is a military criminal trial governed by the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Unlike civilian courts, military courts have jurisdiction over servicemembers worldwide, meaning you can face court-martial charges for violations that occur anywhere – on or off military installations.
Court-martial charges are federal criminal charges with serious, lasting consequences. Whether you’re facing allegations of military-specific offenses like failure to obey a lawful order undr Article 92, UCMJ, or civilian-type crimes such as assault, larceny, or more serious felony charges, you need an experienced civilian military defense attorney who understands the unique complexities of military law.
Understanding the Court-Martial Process: Your Rights and Options
Types of Court-Martial Proceedings
The military justice system includes three types of court-martial, each with different procedures and potential consequences:
General Court-Martial (GCM) The most serious level of court-martial, handling felony-level offenses. General courts-martial require an Article 32 preliminary hearing before charges can be referred to trial. These proceedings can impose any sentence authorized by the UCMJ, including confinement, punitive discharge, and in the most serious cases, death. A conviction at general court-martial results in a federal criminal conviction that will follow you for life.
Special Court-Martial (SPCM) Often compared to misdemeanor courts in civilian justice, special courts-martial handle mid-level offenses but have limited sentencing authority. Maximum punishments include bad conduct discharge, forfeiture of two-thirds pay for 12 months, and confinement for one year. Like general courts-martial, convictions result in federal criminal convictions.
Summary Court-Martial (SCM) Reserved for minor offenses involving only enlisted members, summary courts-martial require the accused’s consent. While punishments are limited, any court-martial proceeding should be taken seriously and approached with experienced legal counsel.
Your Right to Civilian Military Defense Counsel
You have the absolute right to hire your own civilian military defense attorney at your own expense, in addition to or instead of appointed military counsel.
“When I retained Ms. Kral, I was a nervous wreck. As she worked with me over the course of 18 months, she was compassionate and was able to assure me that I would have a future. Even my command JAG assured me I’d be alright when I hired her. I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome with my case. Ms. Kral should be your choice if you need a military defense attorney.”
– Former Client Chad S.
Why Choose a Civilian Military Defense Attorney?
Many servicemembers wonder whether they should stick with their appointed military counsel or hire an experienced civilian military defense attorney. Here’s why choosing experienced civilian counsel can be crucial to your case:
Undivided Loyalty and Independence A civilian military defense attorney works exclusively for you, with no competing loyalties to the military chain of command or military career considerations. As your civilian attorney, our sole focus is achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
Extensive Trial Experience Experienced civilian military defense attorneys often have broader exposure to complex court-martial cases and advanced litigation techniques. We can dedicate unlimited time to your case without the competing demands of military duties because we determine our own case load.
Specialized Knowledge of Military Justice The best civilian military defense attorneys are former JAG officers, like Steph and Abby, who understand military culture, procedures, and strategy from the inside. We know how prosecutors think and what defense strategies are most effective in military courts.
Meet Your Defense Team: Unmatched Court-Martial Experience
Stephanie Kral: Elite Prosecutor Turned Defense Advocate
Stephanie Kral brings extraordinary experience to your defense. As a former Air Force JAG officer, she earned recognition as one of the Air Force’s best litigators and was competitively selected to serve as a Senior Trial Counsel – one of the Air Force’s elite prosecutors handling the most complex, high-profile courts-martial.
Steph’s prosecutorial background includes:
- Chief of Military Justice at the busiest military justice base in the United States
- Has represented over a thousand clients
- Personally prosecuted complex cases involving conspiracy, drug offenses, sexual assault, domestic violence, child pornography, and financial fraud
- Selected as #1 out of 535 speakers at Air Force Squadron Officer School
- Provided training to over 100 attorneys at litigation courses
This prosecutorial experience is now your advantage. Steph knows exactly how military prosecutors build their cases, what evidence they prioritize, and what strategies they’ll use against you. She uses this insider knowledge to build powerful defenses for her clients.
Steph is the Founder and Managing Partner of Kral Military Defense. She has dedicated her career full-time since 2019 to defending servicemembers in the military justice system, especially in courts-martial.
Court Martial
Steph represented a Client facing a general court-martial (GCM) for
allegations of domestic violence, strangulation, and suffocation. Steph
relentlessly defended him through litigation that lasted nearly a year and a
half. She pursued every lead, raised every issue, and fought tirelessly on
behalf of her Client, which led to all charges being dismissed.
Abbigayle Hunter: #1-Ranked Defense Counsel and Special Victims Prosecutor
Abbigayle Hunter’s career exemplifies excellence in military justice from both defense and prosecution perspectives. She achieved the ranking of #1 out of 85 Area Defense Counsel in the Air Force before transitioning to become one of the Air Force’s elite senior prosecutors.
Abby’s comprehensive experience includes:
- #1-ranked Area Defense Counsel in the Air Force
- #1 out of 18 Senior Prosecutors in the Air Force
- Special Victims Unit prosecutor handling complex sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic violence cases
- Instructor at Air Force JAG School and Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC)
- Prosecutor in the Air Force’s historic first court-martial of a general officer
Air Force Officer Charged With Sexual Assault.
Abby represented an Air Force Officer client charged with sexual assault.
She put together a really strong case and expertly litigated the case. Her
client was acquitted of assault and two specifications of sexual assault. The
client avoided sex offender registration!
Court Martial – Navy Master Chief Petty Officer
Abby’s Client, a Navy Master Chief Petty Officer, was facing court-martial
charges for an allegation of helping junior Sailors cheat on their
advancement exam. Abby was relentless in her pressure on the government
to provide discovery and litigate motions. She expertly cross-examined the
witnesses, exposing their biases and motives to fabricate. Client was fully
acquitted with a finding of NOT GUILTY.
Proven Team Success: A Life Sentence Avoided
While they were both Active Duty, Stephanie and Abby worked together defending a servicemember facing potential life imprisonment. Through 2.5 years of meticulous preparation, investigation, and aggressive advocacy, they secured a complete acquittal on all charges, allowing their client to retire with full honors after 20 years of service.
This case demonstrates what’s possible when you have experienced civilian military defense attorneys who understand the stakes and fight relentlessly for your rights. Steph and Abby still work as a team to defend their clients at Kral Military Defense.
Navy Court Martial
Navy junior enlisted Client was accused of domestic violence by his ex-girlfriend.
Steph and Abby’s expertise revealed she was the aggressor and
Client was defending himself. Steph was praised for conducting “a
masterclass in cross-examination” for the cross-examination of the
complainant. Client was found NOT GUILTY of all charges.
Court-Martial Consequences: Why Experienced Defense Matters
Court-martial convictions carry severe, life-long consequences that extend far beyond military service:
Criminal Consequences
- Federal criminal conviction on your permanent record
- Potential confinement in military or federal prison
- Punitive discharge (Bad Conduct Discharge or Dishonorable Discharge)
- Forfeiture of all pay and allowances
- Reduction to lowest enlisted grade
Civilian Life Impact
- Difficulty finding employment with federal conviction
- Loss of veterans’ benefits
- Possible sex offender registration requirements
- Loss of firearm ownership rights
- Challenges obtaining professional licenses
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens
These consequences are permanent and life-altering. You cannot afford to face them without the strongest possible defense.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better legal professional to handle the complexities of my particular case. Ms. Hunter was transparent, punctual, and actually made me feel as though she was personally invested. She didn’t sugarcoat hard truths and was very up front about all different aspects relating to my case. Ms. Hunter has a certain tenacity in the courtroom that I found very refreshing to witness, and I would strongly recommend her to anyone else seeking legal advice.”
– Former Client Tim M..
How We Defend Court-Martial Cases
Our approach to court-martial defense is comprehensive and aggressive:
Immediate Case Assessment We thoroughly investigate your case from day one, examining the evidence, identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and developing multiple defense strategies.
Aggressive Pre-Trial Advocacy Often, the most important work happens before trial. We fight to have charges dismissed, evidence suppressed, or cases resolved favorably without the risk of trial.
Expert Trial Advocacy When trial is necessary, you’ll have two of the most experienced court-martial attorneys in the country presenting your defense. Our trial experience includes every type of military offense and every level of court-martial.
Post-Trial Support If needed, we handle appeals and other post-trial matters to protect your rights and seek justice.
Military Justice is Different: You Need Specialized Expertise
The military justice system operates under different rules, procedures, and cultures than civilian courts. Military rules of evidence, court-martial procedures, and military culture all impact your case in ways that general civilian attorneys cannot fully understand.
Only experienced military defense attorneys can navigate this complex system effectively. Our background as former JAG officers means we understand:
- Military culture and how it affects your case
- Complex military rules of evidence and procedure
- How command influence impacts military justice
- What strategies work best in military courts
- How to present your case to military members and military judges
Worldwide Representation for All Services
We represent servicemembers from all branches of the military – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force, and Coast Guard – at installations worldwide. If you’re stationed overseas or facing charges at a remote location, we travel to provide in-person representation for your court-martial.
Don’t Face Court-Martial Alone: Contact Us Today
If you’re facing potential court-martial charges or are already charged, time is critical. The decisions you make now will impact the rest of your life. You deserve experienced advocates who will fight tirelessly for your rights, your freedom, and your future.
Free Confidential Consultation Call (855) 707-8265 for your free confidential consultation with experienced civilian military defense attorneys Steph Kral and Abby Hunter.
Don’t leave your future to chance. Contact Kral Military Defense today and let our experience work for you.
