The Navy has released its courts-martial data for October 2016. Here is
our analysis. We count 29 General and Special courts-martial across the Navy.
Once again, the Navy dealt out a lot of cases - 20 (75%). Another case
(21) was a mixed plea. The Sailor was found guilty of the remaining offenses.
The 8 remaining cases were fully contested. Sailors who contested their
cases faired better. All of the contested cases involved sex-related offenses.
It's become nearly impossible to plead guilty to a sex offense. Four
cases were full acquittals (50%).
Our analysis is that you are almost always better off contesting a sexual
assault case with a jury.
In DC, a midshipman was found not guilty of rape.
In Norfolk, a Petty Officer was found guilty by a jury of sexual harassment
and wrongful disposition of property. He received a BCD and 2 months confinement.
A petty officer at Mayport got 8 years from a jury for rape, aggravated
assault with a loaded firearm, and patronizing a prostitute.
A lieutenant junior grade in Pensacola was found guilty of rape by a judge.
He received a 4-year sentence.
In San Diego, a jury found a master chief not guilty of sexual assault.
A petty officer in Hawaii was found not guilty of sexual assault by a jury.
A jury found a petty officer in Naples not guilty of sexual assault.
In Rota, a chief got 3 months confinement from a panel for abusive sexual contact.