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AWOL & Desertion

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Legal defense for military desertion & AWOL

Seek help from our skilled military defense attorneys

When you enter into the military, you agree to adhere to a number of different laws and regulations, including those regulating how active duty personnel may take leave.

Any military personnel who is thought to have deserted their unit, with or without communication, may be charged with AWOL or desertion. The punishments for these offenses are harsh and go beyond affecting life in the military – they can also affect your civilian life.

If you were accused of either of these offenses, you should seek help from a military criminal defense lawyer right away. Contact our office now at (888) 401-6214.

UNDERSTANDING ARTICLE 85 OF THE UCMJ

Under Article 85 of the UCMJ, it is illegal for any service member to desert their unit or remain absent with the intention of staying away permanently.

It is also considered a breach of Article 85 to leave your unit with the intention of avoiding certain services or duty. Desertion can be charged in a number of different cases and in several ways.

THE MAIN TYPES OF DESERTION UNDER THE UCMJ INCLUDE:

  • Desertion with the intent to permanently remain away
  • Desertion with the intent to avoid hazardous duty
  • Attempted desertion
  • Desertion before a notice of acceptance of resignation

Why hire us?

This may be the most important decision you make. Choose Daniel Conway & Associates.

Frequent coverage on high-profile media networks
Fast responses & free initial consultations available 24 hours
Practicing worldwide with years of combined legal experience
Court-martial experience in every service & every crime

Meet the attorneys

Our Team of Experienced Military Lawyers

Daniel Conway

Partner

For the better part of the last decade, Mr. Conway has become a nationally recognized resource on military justice. Daniel Conway is a former Marine staff sergeant and captain. He is a proud graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio and University of New Hampshire School of Law. Mr. Conway is recently a former President of the New Hampshire Bar Association Military Law Section and a current member of the DC Bar. Mr. Conway has also written a book on Military Crimes and Defenses that is near publication with a major ...

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Brian Pristera

Attorney

A Richmond, Virginia native, Mr. Pristera graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. After spending some time as a DuPont engineer, specifically working on Kevlar manufacturing and ballistics applications, Mr. Pristera attended law school at the University of New Hampshire. On July 4, 2010, Mr. Pristera was commissioned in the U.S. Army in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. Mr. Pristera spent almost six years on active duty. He spent just over three of those years in criminal defense, ...

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Joseph Galli

Attorney

Originally from Portland, Maine, Mr. Galli attended Elmira College in New York on a four-year Army ROTC Scholarship. At Elmira, he double majored in Business Administration and Public Affairs. Mr. Galli graduated from Elmira College in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science degree and was Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. Mr. Galli began his study of the law in 2009 at the University of New Hampshire School of Law. There, he focused on litigation and honed his advocacy skills as a member of the Advanced Trial ...

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Learn More About Our Attorneys

I Wanted To Thank You For Your Help With Our Case. We Were Surprised At The Many Roadblocks We Met With This Command, And Are So Grateful Your Firm Was There To Assist Us.

Dear Gary,

I wanted to thank you for your help with our case. We were surprised at the many roadblocks we met with this command, and are so grateful your firm was there to assist us. We were so pleased working with you as well as with Brian, who was exceptionally knowledgeable and smart. Beyond that, working with Brian was just very pleasant, and he really helped guide us through what proved to be a much more complex and contentious process than what I think any of us anticipated.
We are delighted A. is staying ashore in the meantime to address his medical issues and credit solely the assistance Brian and your firm have provided.

Thank you for all your help. We plan to be in touch after the adsep decision is made to consider our next step vis-vis A.'s Article 15.

In the meantime, please accept our profound gratitude.
All best.
M AND A.
NORFOLK, VA

Standing Up For The Little Guy

Dan Conway was instrumental in righting the wrongs during an investigation that went unchecked prior to his arrival. In the end, there couldn't have been a more desirable outcome. I cant recommend both Dan and this firm enough if / when you find yourself in a bind. Pleading your case to the military is a daunting task and this is the team you want in your corner when it's required.
MARINE
IWAKUNI, IT

Don'T Go It Alone, Get Gary Myers Team Behind You.

I was informed by company that my Security Clearance is suspended after a background investigation.

I was devastated, my job is now on the line. After contemplating doing the appeal by myself. I decided to seek representation. After doing some web research, and calling a few Lawyers and Law Services, I talked with Mr. Gary Myers, he called me back right away on a Friday afternoon! I explain the facts of my situation, while giving no guarantees he explained that he thinks he can help and that he has a very good Attorney to work my case, Mr. Brian Pristeria. After all the Lawyers I talked to Mr. Myers was the easiest to talk to, he was clear and precise, he got me focused on the information and materials I needed to send to him and Mr. Pristeria.

Mr. Pristeria was Professional, detailed and easy to work with. He counseled and guided me every step of the way. When Mr. Pristeria called and told me my Clearance was granted, I literally fell out of my chair. I owe the continuation of my Career to Mr. Myers and Mr. Pristeria. This Team is the Very Best Representation you can get!!!

I Thank you for what you do in the highest way!!!
-TF
TF
ORLANDO, FL

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