NON-JUDICIAL PUNISHMENT (NJP) AND ARTICLE 15 LAWYER
CONTACT A MILITARY CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER TODAY
Non-judicial punishment (NJP) is a type of disciplinary action that may occur when a military member is charged with a minor offense. It is important to note that different branches of the military refer to these hearings differently.
- The Coast Guard and Navy refer to this proceeding as a captain's mast
- The Air Force and Army refer to it as Article 15
- The Marine Corp uses the term office hours
In an NJP hearing, regardless of the name, a commanding officer will oversee the proceeding and punishments for the offense.
ARE NON-JUDICIAL PUNISHMENTS THE SAME AS COURT MARTIAL?
These hearings are less formal than a court martial and you are still awarded the representation of an attorney. If you know that you are facing an NJP, captain's mast, Article 15 hearing, or office hours, you need to contact a military defense lawyer such as Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law right away.
PENALTIES FOR MILITARY MEMBERS FACING MINOR OFFENSES?
These hearings are often used to penalize individuals who for minor offenses and is technically punishable by up to one year in confinement. If, during this hearing, the evidence is stacked enough against you that it is deemed appropriate to try you at a court martial proceeding, you may be required to attending a higher-level hearing.
Being summoned to an NJP could be because of an offense that you may have allegedly participated in either on or off-base. Off-base offenses can be prosecuted both by civilian authorities and military authorities, and there is no limit to what a commanding officer may be authorized to use to resolve the offense.
REPRESENTATION FROM A TRUSTED COURT MARTIAL ATTORNEY
When you are faced with any concern regarding your disciplinary actions or a crime that you may be charged with, it is important that you speak with an attorney at Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law right away. At our firm, we are dedicated to ensuring that our clients receive the best possible representation for their case and that their rights as American citizens and military members are protected.
You have served this country, now let Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law serve you. If you have questions or concerns, our firm is available to assist you. We have providing excellent services and aggressive defense for all branches of the military and we are available to assist you no matter where in the world you may be stationed.
WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR ARTICLE 15 CHARGES?
The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) provides military commanders with a tool for maintaining discipline, and gives them the authority to impose non-judicial punishment (NJP) under Article 15 for minor offenses. Article 15 hearings, as they are known in the Air Force and Army, are also known as Captain's Mast in the Coast Guard and Navy, and Office Hours in the Marine Corps. All accused service members have the right to accept NJP or request a court-martial. An experienced military criminal defense attorney can be of assistance during this initial stage.
By accepting an Article 15 hearing, your commander will become the judge and jury of the case and will have the power to impose NJP. The punishment imposed in by a commander will depend on the nature of the offense and other unique circumstances of a case. The grade of the commander imposing the Article 15 will also determine the maximum punishment you may receive.
The following lists the maximum penalties that can be imposed under Article 15:
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Summarized |
Company Grade |
Field Grade |
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| Restriction |
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| Extra Duty |
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| Pay Forfeiture |
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| Rank Reduction (E4 & below) |
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| Rank Reduction (E5 & E6) |
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| Rank Reduction (E7 & Up) |
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If you or someone you know if facing the prospect of an Article 15 hearing, Captain's mast, or Office Hours, military criminal defense attorney Joseph L. Jordan can help review your case, inform you of your options, and guide you through the process.
To learn more about Article 15 and the penalties you may face, call (866) 624-7503.