Members of the Military
If you are serving in the U.S. Military and are charged with a crime your career may be in jeopardy. Everyone that is charged with a crime can face serious consequences such as: jail time, probation, fines, community service, classes, etc. However, persons currently in active duty military service or in the military reserves of the Army, Air Force, Navy or Marines can face additional consequences that civilians typically do not face.
Some penalties and/or possible consequences of criminal convictions can include:
- Loss of rank
- Article 15
- Loss of pay
- Confinement to base/post
- Loss of Security clearance
- Loss of ability to carry a weapon (Lautenberg)
- Discharge
Members of the military need to particularly aware of domestic violence charges. If you plead guilty to a crime that is classified as “domestic violence”, even a misdemeanor, the Lautenberg Amendment prohibits persons convicted of misdemeanor or felony crimes of domestic violence from shipping, transporting, possessing or receiving firearms or ammunition. Read more about the Lautenberg Amendment.
Criminal charges against members of the military are commonly handled in various court systems. Some cases may be filed as a Court-martial, which is military court that decides cases under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, also known as the UCMJ.
Some criminal offenses will be filed in U.S. District Court (Federal Court System). The Federal Court system is for criminal prosecutions brought by the United States. A common example of a case that will be filed in U.S. District Court is when a crime is committed in a location of military jurisdiction such as a military base or other Federal lands.
Finally, criminal cases may be filed in City or State Court against members of the military. This is a civilian criminal court that handles felonies and misdemeanors. If a case is filed by civilian police or law enforcement it will be filed in a City or State court system. These types of cases can include; DUI, domestic violence, Assault, Harassment, Drug charges or any other type of criminal case. In Colorado, misdemeanors will be filed in County Court and felonies are filed in District Court.
If you have a question about where your case has been filed, one easy method is to check the address of the Courthouse on the ticket. In Colorado Springs the Courts are located at the following addresses: U.S. District Court (Federal): 212 N. Wahsatch Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 Colorado Springs Municipal Court: 224 E. Kiowa St. Colorado Springs, CO 80903 Fourth Judicial District Courthouse (County and District): 270 S. Tejon St. Colorado Springs, CO 80903.
Colorado Springs has a large community of military service members. Many of our clients are stationed at one of our local bases such as Fort Carson, Peterson Air Force Base, Schriever Air Force Base, and the Air Force Academy.
McDowell/Rodemer has extensive experience handling criminal cases in Federal Court, District Court, County and Municipal (City) Court for members of the U.S. Military and their families. In all cases we offer free, no obligation consultations to members of the military and their families. We also offer discounted rates to Active Duty military and reservists.
If you are in the Army, Air Force or other military branch do not gamble with your future and your military career. Call the Law Offices of McDowell/Rodemer immediately to speak with an attorney today about your situation. We can be reached by phone at (719) 227-0022 or Contact us by email.