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Article 15/Captain’s Mast/NJP

We represent members facing nonjudicial punishment (NJP) (also called Article 15 and Captain’s Mast) at any stage in the process. When NJP is offered, members have the option to demand court-martial or allow their commander to decide their guilt or innocence and the punishment, if any, that should be imposed.

NJP can have serious consequences including loss of rank, pay, restriction of a member’s freedom, as well as long term effects on a member’s career. Informed and aggressive representation is essential.

We review the evidence which supports the NJP, investigate, contact witnesses and conduct any necessary research regarding the charges. We then advise you as to what your options are.

If you choose to demand court-martial, we can defend you at the court-martial.

If you decide to accept nonjudicial punishment and either argue your innocence or “plead guilty,” we can help you prepare a package for the commander’s review, demand a hearing or present evidence in extenuation and mitigation.

Members have important rights when facing nonjudicial punishment and have strict deadlines at each stage of the process. We can help you protect your rights and obtain a favorable result.

If you are under investigation or facing an Article 15/Captain’s Mast/Nonjudicial punishment, 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 representative cases from our defense of these types of cases:

An E-5 was given an Article 15 for dereliction of duty, found guilty and was reduced to E-4. On appeal, Mr. George personally appeared before the appellate authority, an 0-6, and negotiated a deal in which the appeal was dropped and the client’s reduction was suspended (his E-5 rank was conditionally restored.)

An E-2 was given an Article 15 for failure to go to her place of duty. Mr. George did a thorough investigation and following a meeting with the client’s commander, the Article 15 was withdrawn.

An E-3 was given an Article 15 for passing a bad check. Despite not having a receipt or the check, Mr. George convinced the command that the client had repaid the money and the Article 15 was withdrawn.

An E-5 was given an Article 15 for sleeping on duty. Mr. George wrote a detailed memo arguing that the government produced insufficient evidence to support the charge. The member was found not guilty and the Article 15 was dismissed.

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.