Joint Base San Antonio – Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas Military Criminal Lawyers

Joint Base San Antonio – Fort Sam Houston Military Criminal Lawyers

If you are a servicemember stationed at Joint Base San Antonio – Fort Sam Houston and facing criminal charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), it is critical that you speak with an experienced military defense lawyer as soon as possible. Military criminal cases can be complex and the consequences severe, so having strong legal counsel on your side is essential.

In this article, we’ll provide an overview of military criminal law at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, discuss some common charges, explain your rights as an accused servicemember, and share tips for choosing the right defense attorney. We know this is an incredibly stressful time, but the information here can help you make informed decisions about how to move forward.

Overview of Military Justice System

All branches of the military have their own criminal justice system that is separate from the civilian courts. The UCMJ applies to all servicemembers and governs crimes like AWOL, desertion, drug use, assault, and more. If you are suspected of violating the UCMJ, you may face an investigation, followed by court-martial charges if enough evidence is found.

Military trials operate differently than civilian ones in many ways. Key things to understand include:

• Your commander has a central role – they can impose nonjudicial punishment or refer charges for court-martial.
• There are no juries – court-martial panels consist of experienced military officers.
• Rules of evidence are relaxed compared to civilian courts.
• Conviction rates are very high – over 90% across all branches.

Because the deck is stacked against defendants, having a seasoned military defense lawyer is absolutely vital. They know how to navigate the complex military justice system and protect your rights every step of the way.

Common Criminal Charges at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston

Some of the most frequent criminal offenses we see at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston 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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• Drug crimes – Possession, use, distribution, etc. of illegal drugs.
• Assault – Violent attacks, domestic violence, battery, etc.
• Sexual assault – Rape, abuse, harassment, inappropriate relationships.
• Larceny – Theft of military or personal property.
• AWOL / desertion – Unauthorized absence or abandonment of duties.
• Disobeying orders – Failure to follow lawful regulations and commands.

These are just a few examples – there are many other offenses under the UCMJ. Even minor misconduct can trigger severe consequences like demotion, discharge, or brig time. Your lawyer’s experience with these specific charges will be invaluable.

Your Rights as the Accused

The military justice system can feel intimidating, but you have important rights that a defense attorney will protect, including:

• Right to remain silent – You don’t have to answer questions without a lawyer present.
• Presumption of innocence – The burden of proof is on the prosecution.
• Right to counsel – You can hire a civilian military lawyer, at no cost to the government.
• Right to obtain evidence – Your lawyer can request access to all evidence collected.
• Right to challenge accusers – You can cross-examine and investigate witnesses.

Never forget – you have these protections guaranteed by the UCMJ. A knowledgeable defense lawyer will leverage them to build the strongest case possible on your behalf.

Choosing the Right Attorney

Picking the right defense lawyer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Here are tips for choosing well:

• Find someone experienced with courts-martial and UCMJ charges.
• Look for an attorney who is aggressive yet strategic – military cases require both.
• Select a lawyer with the resources to fully investigate your case.
• Make sure they have security clearance to access classified evidence if needed.
• Consider a civilian lawyer – they have more independence from military influence.
• Find someone you’re comfortable with and can be honest with.

It also helps to look for lawyers who are members of organizations like the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) or the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA), which require experience, continuing education, and peer review for membership.

Don’t leave your future up to chance – vet attorneys thoroughly and trust your gut. The right lawyer for you is out there.

Where to Find Top Military Defense Lawyers

Some excellent options to consider for UCMJ representation at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston include:

• Michael Waddington – Founder of UCMJ Defense Lawyers, board certified in criminal trial advocacy with over 15 years of military justice experience.
• Greg Rinckey – Managing partner of Tully Rinckey PLLC, former JAG attorney with proven success defending complex courts-martial.
• Frank Spinner – Of Spinner & Feldman, an Army veteran and founding member of the National Association of Military Defense Lawyers.

Take time researching all your options – freedom and military career are on the line. An experienced JBSA-Fort Sam Houston lawyer can analyze your charges, explain defenses, negotiate with prosecutors, and fight to get charges dropped or minimized.

Conclusion

Facing military criminal allegations is scary, but you are not alone. Connect with a dedicated defense lawyer to advise you each step, build the strongest case possible, and give you peace of mind. They can help you avoid or beat a court-martial conviction so you can move forward with your service and life.