Absence Without Leave (AWOL)/ Unauthorized Absence (UA)
We have successfully assisted numerous military members in returning to military control and resolving an AWOL or UA status. Those who are in such a status often find themselves living under the threat of being taken back into custody by military or local authorities at any moment. Typically, once a member has been in an AWOL/UA status for greater than 30 days, the equivalent of a warrant is issued for the member’s arrest. Sometimes members are arrested and held in local jails for days or longer while they await military authorities. Depending upon the circumstances, members face disciplinary action ranging from court-martial to an other than honorable (OTH) conditions discharge. There is no need to attempt to resolve this situation alone. We are experienced at negotiating a client’s retun to military control as well as negotiating the most favorable disposition of the case.
If you are currently in an AWOL, UA or deserter status or are facing charges, submit your case for our review or call us toll-free at 877-569-6941 for a free and confidential initial consultation with an experienced military criminal defense lawyer.
The following are some representative cases from our defense of these types of allegations:
An E-2 who was AWOL and was facing charges for cocaine use and AWOL retained Mr. George. Mr. George returned the client to military control and negotiated a pretrial agreement in which the client received a negative discharge and limited his confinement time to fifteen days.
An E-1 who was AWOL retained Mr. George. Mr. George returned the client to military control. The client faced nonjudicial punishment and was returned to duty with his unit with no other punishment.
An E-2 was AWOL for in excess of ninety days. Mr. Georgereturned the client to military control, where he faced nonjudicial punishment and was returned to duty.
An E-4 who had been previously disciplined for absence without leave (AWOL) went AWOL again and was placed in pretrial confinement. The client was facing a Special Court-Martial. Mr. George negotiated a pretrial agreement in which the client was ultimately taken to a Summary Court-Martial where he received a sentence including reduction of one grade and confinement equal to time served.
An E-5 was accused of AWOL, willfully disobeying a superior commissioned officer, false official statement, use of a controlled substance, larceny, assault, and dishonorably failing to pay a debt. Ms. McCarthy successfully negotiated an arrangement where the member was able to avoid a General Court Martial by receiving an administrative discharge.
These are representative cases from our representation of military members. Please note that each case is unique and has specific legal and factual circumstances which affect the result. These cases are provided for informational purposes only and are in no way a guarantee of any particular resultin a future case.