Under what conditions would a Marine have need for hiring a lawyer to protect his rank?

by **burdett** » Sat Feb 25, 2012 7:31 pm

This Marine, a corporal, told his new wife that he had to empty his savings acct ($5,000 +) to hire a LA lawyer to represent him because he was 5 mins late for work and for some reason has to protect his rank. This sounds extremely fishy to me. This Marine is located at the Yuma, AZ facility. We are worried since he just married our granddaughter in December, 2011 and although we know his parents, we don't know much about him.

by **chiram97** » Sat Feb 25, 2012 7:32 pm

Doing something bad enough where a lawyer could even get involved (for a military trial, not talking civilian issue here) would more likely result in separation from the Marine Corps, not just loss of rank.

by **bachir93** » Sat Feb 25, 2012 7:45 pm

After 28 years commissioned service, I can say unequivocally that this smells to high heaven. I do not even know what "protect his rank" means. If he has done something to be reduced in rank, (This means busted) it was not being 5 minutes late to work one time. There would have first been a "Letter of Counseling" put into his jacket (military speak for file) No commander wants to go through the rigors of a court case if it is at all possible. There are mountains of paper work and hours of time involved with filing one. For some reason other than this 5 minute problem, the $5000 has disappeared. There are JAG officers that are assigned as defense attorneys as well as prosecutors in all cases whether Article 15s or General Courts Martial. I am not certain where you would find an "LA Lawyer" that would drive to Yuma for $5000, no less prepare a case. Keep this guy under close surveillance.

by **doran** » Sat Feb 25, 2012 7:58 pm

Corporal isn't even a high rank. It's only E-4. It typically takes about 2.5 years to make that. If he was busted down from E-4 to E-3 he wouldn't even be set back he $5,000 he's tossing out on this "court case."

This guy is definitely lying. I've been late dozens of times in my career, I've never gotten anything more than stern talking-to.

by **fitche** » Sat Feb 25, 2012 8:02 pm

Technically he should have free legal counsel through the JAG on base. Unless it is a civil court case in which case he would have to get his own lawyer out of pocket. However, a lot of soldiers do choose to pay for their own legal counsel as it is generally better than what JAG provides.

Either way he is likely facing an Article 15, and thinks getting a lawyer will help him save his stripes.

Without knowing more information, he is likely telling the truth.

by **menw** » Sat Feb 25, 2012 8:07 pm

Yes it is a BS story...

Bet he is about to be Deployed...
Get married get BAH...Leave her behind...
Parties on that money...
Seen it many times...

If she is working tell her to open up a New Bank account in Her name Only...
He is responsible for the Bills...etc...

by **shadrach** » Sat Feb 25, 2012 8:20 pm

JAG is free dear, sounds like he is just pulling your leg and does not want his new wife to get any of the money he makes, he is either bribing someone or has a gambling problem or needs to buy drugs for his drug addiction.

by **sonny** » Sat Feb 25, 2012 8:25 pm

The military offers legal counsel for free. Also, an individual can seek public legal assistance at their own expense. Now, being late is "Unauthorized Absence" which is a punishable offense in the "Uniform Code of Military Justice"

by **raleah** » Sat Feb 25, 2012 8:27 pm

He probably got in trouble multiple times and now his supervisors are threatening him with UCMJ. A civilian lawyer would not do him any good.

by **chen12** » Sat Feb 25, 2012 8:38 pm

Eh... it does sound a little fishy.

You should investigate it further.

Advertisments:

Sponsor Links: