Your Rights DEFENDING MILITARY MEMBERS WORLDWIDE Contact Us!

YOUR RIGHTS

Military Criminal Defense Lawyers

The prospect of UCMJ action is one of the most stressful events in a service member’s career and life. Strategically exercising your rights can substantially improve your chances of a successful outcome. The Constitution and the UCMJ affords you many rights, which we go over in more detail below.

You Have the Right to Remain Silent

This is critical. Your command may exert extreme influence to coerce you into making a statement. Investigators will tell you anything to get you to talk. They will tell you that they are simply trying to close the book on the investigation. They will tell you it’s no big deal, they just need a statement. They will appeal to your emotions. They will tell you that you have to give a statement.

Sometimes a helpful script for invoking your rights might go as follows:

"Sir, I do want to cooperate, but under the circumstances, I am invoking my 5th Amendment and Article 31 Rights to remain silent and to speak to a lawyer. I would like to speak to a lawyer at this time."

You can reiterate the above as needed to ensure that your right to remain silent is protected.

Also, if you are accused of sexual assault, be extremely wary of phone calls or conversations from individuals - especially alleged victims - who want to talk about the events in question. Pretext and recorded conversations are a favorite tool of law enforcement, and even seemingly innocent statements could be used by the prosecution to incriminate you.

You should always consult an attorney before having discussions with anyone. Daniel Conway & Associates offers free initial consultations, and we are available for consultations 24 hours a day.

You Have the Right to Have an Attorney by Your Side When You Talk to Any Investigator or Anyone in Your Chain of Command

NCIS, CID, and OSI often type your statement for you. Your words get twisted. They frequently paraphrase and use incriminating language. They will often rush you through the process of signing your statement so that you do not have an opportunity to fully read the statement.

You Have the Right to Refuse a Polygraph Examination

Military investigators rely heavily on confessions. They will sometimes be unscrupulous in their tactics. You need to consult with a lawyer and ensure that you invoke your Fifth Amendment and Article 31 Rights before speaking to investigators. By talking to a lawyer first you will dramatically increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Why Hire Daniel Conway & Associates?

  • Frequent Coverage on High-Profile Media Networks
  • Practicing Worldwide With Years of Combined Legal Experience
  • Fast Responses & Free Initial Consultations Available 24 Hours
  • Court-Martial Experience in Every Service & Every Crime
  • Daniel  Conway Photo
    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 ...

    Read More
  • Brian  Pristera Photo
    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, ...

    Read More
  • Joseph  Galli Photo
    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 ...

    Read More
  • “« I got the best outcome in my case «”

    - Ben
  • “They gave me hope and have secured a bright future for me after the Army”

    - Army Officer
  • “You win sum you lose sum then you get some dim sum”

    - Dathaniel
/

Contact Daniel Conway & Associates

Request a Free Initial Consultation

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy