Arizona Military Criminal Lawyers

Arizona Military Criminal Lawyers

If you are a member of the military and facing criminal charges in Arizona, it is important to understand your rights and options. An experienced military criminal defense lawyer can help guide you through the complex military justice system and build the strongest possible defense for your case.

Military criminal law is a unique area of law. The procedures and potential consequences for a conviction are very different than the civilian criminal justice system. This article provides an overview of military criminal law in Arizona and how a dedicated defense lawyer can assist you.

The Military Justice System

Each branch of the armed services has its own criminal code that prohibits certain conduct. Some of the most common offenses include:

• AWOL or desertion
• Disobeying orders
• Disrespecting superiors
• Drug use and distribution
• Sexual assault and harassment
• Larceny or theft

If accused of a crime, you will face court-martial proceedings instead of a civilian trial. There are 3 types of courts-martial:

1. Summary Court-Martial – for minor misconduct, no confinement
2. Special Court-Martial – misdemeanors, max 1 year confinement
3. General Court-Martial – felonies, max life imprisonment or death

Military trials operate much faster than civilian courts. You could go from charges to a conviction in a matter of weeks. It is critical to have an experienced military defense lawyer on your side from the very beginning.

Why Hire a Military Criminal Lawyer?

Navigating the military justice system is complex. A conviction can end your military career and impact the rest of your life. An aggressive defense lawyer understands the unique rules and proceedings and how to protect your rights. Benefits of hiring a military lawyer include:

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

• Fighting to get charges dismissed or downgraded
• Guiding you through the investigative process
• Identifying procedural errors to weaken the prosecution’s case
• Obtaining experts to review forensic evidence
• Negotiating a plea deal if in your best interest
• Strong representation if your case goes to trial

Military trials move quickly, so you need counsel who can respond urgently. Many civilian criminal lawyers simply don’t have the background or availability to handle military cases effectively.

Finding the Right Military Criminal Lawyer in Arizona

Not all military defense attorneys are equal. When researching lawyers, look for these important qualifications:

• Military Background – Experience as a JAG officer provides valuable insight into the military justice system.
• Court-Martial Experience – Handling trials, appeals, boards, etc. A history of success is ideal.
• Local Office – A lawyer near your base makes communication and meetings easier.
• Military-Only Practice – Focusing solely on military law leads to better results.
• Good Client Reviews – Look for consistently positive feedback from past clients.

The stakes are high in a military criminal case, so you want a lawyer with the skills and dedication to build the strongest defense. Carefully vet any attorney before agreeing to representation.

How a Military Lawyer Can Defend You

An experienced military defense lawyer will use every tool at their disposal to fight the charges and protect your future. Common strategies include:

• Analyzing if the military has jurisdiction over the alleged crime.
• Pinpointing illegal searches, coerced confessions, or other constitutional violations.
• Interviewing witnesses and visiting the crime scene.
• Consulting with independent forensic experts to review evidence.
• Researching if similar charges have been dismissed based on legal precedents.
• Negotiating with the prosecution for reduced charges or sentencing.
• Filing motions to have evidence thrown out.
• Mounting an aggressive defense if your case goes to trial.
• Raising mitigating factors to lessen penalties if convicted.
• Exploring appeals if you are found guilty.

This is just a sample of the strategies an experienced attorney may use to protect your rights and future.

Common Arizona Military Crimes and Defenses

The following are some of the more frequent military offenses and options for building a strong defense:

Drug Crimes

All branches prohibit drug use and possession. Even marijuana is illegal for military personnel in Arizona despite being legal under state law. Defenses can include:

• The drugs were not actually in your possession or control [1].
• You had a valid prescription for the drugs [2].
• The search that found the drugs was unlawful.
• The lab tests confirming the nature of the drugs were flawed.

Sexual Assault

These allegations must be taken very seriously. However, false accusations do happen, and an attorney can identify inconsistencies and credibility issues with the accuser or witnesses to fight the charges. Other defenses include [3]:

• The alleged victim consented to the sexual contact.
• Mistaken identification of the perpetrator.
• You had a reasonable belief the alleged victim consented.

AWOL/Desertion

Leaving your assigned post or disappearing from duty can lead to serious consequences. Defenses may include:

• You had permission or were unaware you were considered AWOL .
• There were compelling circumstances like a family emergency.
• You intended to return but circumstances prevented it.
• The AWOL was brief and caused minimal disruption.

Disrespecting/Disobeying Superiors

You have rights to defend yourself against these allegations. Strategies may include:

• Your words or actions were not actually disrespectful in context.
• You had a lawful reason for disobeying an order.
• The superior provoked you or acted inappropriately first.
• You were unaware the individual was a superior officer.

Sentencing Mitigation

If you are convicted at court-martial, an experienced military lawyer can present evidence and arguments to lessen your penalties. Mitigating factors may include :

• Your record of outstanding service and accomplishments
• Any mental health conditions that influenced your behavior
• Family responsibilities and hardships
• Expression of remorse and commitment to rehabilitation
• Unfair treatment or lack of support from your command
• Awards for valor, injuries sustained, etc.

This is just a brief overview of how an aggressive military defense lawyer can protect your rights and future in an Arizona court-martial. Every case is unique, so consult with an attorney to discuss the details of your situation and develop a customized defense strategy.