Fort Hood Military Criminal Defense Lawyers

Defending You With Tough, Determined Legal Representation

Have you been accused of a military crime in Fort Hood? Are you worried about how it will affect your personal life as well as your military career? These are very important considerations and ones for which you should be justifiably concerned. A criminal conviction can lead to various negative consequences from fines, confinement, a criminal record, and consequences to your military status, benefits, and more.

At Smith & Vinson Law Firm, we understand the stress involved in criminal allegations, whether they concern a low-level misdemeanor or something considerably more serious. Our firm is here to provide strong, savvy legal representation designed to seek a favorable result. Our Fort Hood military criminal defense attorneys are experienced trial lawyers who know how to investigate, analyze facts, and develop strong defenses. No matter how complex or difficult you think your case may be, having a qualified defender in your corner can make a big difference in the outcome.

Facing a criminal accusation in or around Fort Hood? Get a free initial consultation with one of our military criminal defense lawyers at (512) 359-3743 today. Available 24/7.

Standing Up for Service Members Facing Charges

Military service personnel are held to a very high standard of ethical conduct. Thus, if you are arrested and charged for any type of crime or violation, you will face a tough road in defending your innocence. Furthermore, the stakes are much higher for you as a service member.

Aside from confinement and fines, you may also face the following upon a conviction:

• Loss of your military benefits
• Dishonorable discharge
• Denial of a promotion
• Put on restricted military duties
• Barred from specific military career opportunities
• Loss of certain privileges
• Loss or denial of security clearances

Also, once you have been convicted, the military does not offer any type of “expungement” of the record. It will follow your military career.

Military Court vs. Civilian Court

Military court differs from civilian criminal court in that it often hands down harsher punishments due to the higher standards to which you are held. Military courts operate on their own rules, regulations, and laws, such as those of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

The UCMJ outlines the subject matter of how courts-martial, military trials, and penalties are conducted and imposed for those in the armed forces. Criminal charges against military service members may end in various ways, such as an adverse adjudication which refers to any finding or sentencing in a military criminal case that is not an acquittal or a dismissal.

Common Military Crimes

Military criminal defense can be complex and confusing since military law governs military crimes. Common offenses military personnel may face include conduct unbecoming of an officer, destruction of military property, possession or use of drugs, disobedience to orders, false official statements, assault/battery, larceny/theft, DWI, domestic violence, drug charges, sex crimes, violent crimes, and dereliction of duty.

Defenses to Military Criminal Charges

Depending on the circumstances, military criminal defense attorneys may be able to argue mitigating factors such as lack of intent or incorrect understanding of an order in order to reduce or dismiss charges against the military member. In some cases a plea bargain may also be available. Regardless of the infraction or accusation made against them, Fort Hood military personnel facing criminal charges have a right to legal representation by a military criminal defense attorney and are encouraged to seek counsel before facing a court-martial.

How Smith & Vinson Law Firm Can Help

Our Fort Hood military criminal defense attorneys are here to provide aggressive legal representation to military members facing various accusations. We understand that you need and deserve thorough and hard-hitting defenders putting in their best effort on your behalf. That is what you will find when you turn to our Fort Hood military defense lawyers.

Want to learn more about how we can help? Reach out to our Fort Hood military criminal defense lawyers via our online request form or by calling (512) 359-3743 today.