 | MILITARYEveryone has the right to physically defend themselves.
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| Military Experience | |
| Janet spent four years in the Air Force as an active duty Air Force officer and eleven additional years as a member of the Reserve Component of the United States Air Force. She is familiar with the unique issues that face active duty military members and their families if they’re charged with a crime. Janet has extensive experience handling criminal charges lodged against military members and their families. This expertise extends to those working in law enforcement, federal service, and/or government jobs and the Department of Defense, since special rules apply to these individuals. |
| Issues Unique to Military Members It could cost you your career . . . Those who serve in the armed forces face special challenges when they are accused of a crime in the civilian world. They don’t just face a conviction on their record and possibly a fine. If even accused of a crime, never mind convicted, a military member may lose his or her whole career. This strict standard applies to those in the reserve and National Guard as well. Such a strict standard requires an attorney that understands the possible dire consequences of a criminal accusation. As a former active duty judge advocate and a member of the reserve forces, Janet Altschuler understands how important it is to correctly handle your case. To Tell or Not To Tell Your Commander Sometimes a military member can be charged with a civilian crime and his or her commander and first sergeant is unaware of the situation. Informing your superiors could have both advantages and disadvantages. Hence, it is a decision that should be carefully considered. Due to security clearance checks, the military will eventually discover any contact a member has had with law enforcement.
| Military Punishment/Civilian Punishment No matter what the charge, it is possible for a military member to be punished by both the civilian authorities and the military authorities. Although this kind of double punishment is rare, it can happen. However, it does not have to happen. An attorney who is knowledgeable about military justice has the potential to lessen the civilian punishment or even obtain a dismissal of the charges. Military Families In this day and age, military families are under more stress than ever. With high deployment rates and frequent moves, military members and their families suffer the threat of real danger almost on a daily basis. Sometimes, family members express stress in inappropriate ways. An attorney that understands military families can best represent a spouse or child that is suffering from unique stress factors. A spouse or child does not have to have his or her life ruined by a criminal charge. One mistake should not lessen a person’s school or career choices. Help and special defenses are available.
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