how to get a lawyer to represent me in military case

You should start by contacting your nearest military legal assistance office for an appointment. Do not seek help ONLY from the nearest legal assistance office for your branch of service. Every military legal assistance office provides free legal assistance to eligible personnel regardless of his or her branch of service.

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How do I get a lawyer for military lawyers?

May 06, 2015 · The most important step in finding a military law attorney is finding someone who can relate to you and your situation. If you are still wondering how to choose a lawyer for a military case, give us a call at 1- (888) 919-8265 and we can walk you through your options. You can also e-mail us at info@militarylawyer-defense.com.

What kind of lawyer do I need to represent a veteran?

If there are no legal assistance offices near you, consider contacting a local legal clinic, which are often sponsored by law schools and offer free legal services to military personnel. Another option is to contact your local legal aid office or your local bar association to see if either offer free or low cost services to military personnel.

Why need an experienced military lawyer on Your Side?

To schedule a free, no obligation consultation with one of our civilian military trial lawyers, please call our office today at (773) 774-6741. Note: Hiring a civilian attorney won’t guarantee that you’ll win, and no attorney should ever promise how a case will turn out.

Are there any civil matters for which Military Legal Assistance Attorneys cannot help?

Also check to see if the military proceedings require an attorney to have special certifications. For example, in order for an attorney to represent a veteran seeking VA benefits, the attorney must receive special training on veterans' law and be certified by the VA. As a rule, military proceedings do not impose special certification requirements, but it never hurts to ask.

How much does it cost to hire a civil attorney?

You may want to hire a civilian attorney but, as you probably understand, it costs money to do that. Most good firms require between $4,000 and $10,000 as an initial fee. A serious trial can cost more than $25,000 in legal services. Even a special court-martial or administrative hearing can cost more than $10,000.

What happens if you get separated from the military?

For anyone separated through a court-martial or with an OTH, all of the good work you have done in the military will be cancelled out, so that your years spent in the military will actually become a huge negative on your résumé. You will lose your retirement.

Why won't the harassment end?

The harassment won’t end there, because you will be one of the police’s usual suspects every time there is a sex offense in your neighborhood. It’s an entirely personal question whether you want to hire a civilian military lawyer and whether you can afford one.

How much is military housing?

For an active duty family, military housing benefits can be worth between $12,000 and $24,000 per year. You will lose your medical benefits. Getting medical insurance through a civilian employer or on your own will likely cost more than $12,000 per year. You will lose – or have to pay back – your enlistment bonus.

What happens if you lose at trial?

If you lose at trial you will likely go to jail. In addition, if you lose at trial or at a board you may suffer the following costs: You will lose your job. You will lose out on future jobs. You will lose your retirement. You will lose your military housing benefits. You will lose your medical benefits.

What happens if you don't pay back military academy?

If you don’t pay, the military can sue you once you have been separated from the military and ruin your credit.

Do you lose your military academy benefits?

You will lose your medical benefits. You will lose – or have to pay back – your enlistment bonus. You will have to pay back the cost of your military academy education. You may have to register as a sex offender.

How are courts martial resolved?

The vast majority of courts-martial are resolved by plea agreements , and are rarely fully litigated. If you need someone to represent you in a fully contested military proceeding (such as a court-martial), look for civilian attorneys who have that sort of experience.

What happens if you can't afford a lawyer?

If you cannot afford a lawyer, the judge handling the case will either appoint a private lawyer to represent you free of charge or the government's public defender will handle your case, also at no charge.

Can military legal assistance be used in criminal cases?

Military legal assistance cannot represent you in criminal proceedings. If you have a non-military criminal case (for example, a DUI or a domestic violence charge), you should seek help from the local public defender or the local bar.

What is a JAG lawyer?

At JAG Defense, our military defense attorneys are retired and former military lawyers (JAGs) who have served in every facet of the military justice system and know it inside and out. While you will be provided with a free military JAG lawyer, it is often in your best interest to hire a civilian military lawyer. If you are facing disciplinary action within the military, we encourage you to contact JAG Defense about how our military defense lawyers can help you.

Where is JAG Defense located?

Our practice is based out of Hampton Roads, Virginia and Cape Cod, Massachusetts, but our military attorneys travel Worldwide to provide highly experienced, attentive representation for our clients.

Who is entitled to legal assistance?

Generally, legal assistance is provided to the following groups: All active duty military (including members of a reserve component), Reservists released from active duty, after serving 30 days or more, Retirees. Dependents. Federal civilian employees and their dependents are also entitled to legal assistance in certain circumstances.

What is a JAG in the military?

Legal assistance is provided based upon available resources and personnel. Military Lawyers are part of the Judge Advocate General Corps (JAG). JAGs can offer help in legal and non-legal matters like contract law, immigration law, ...

What is the American Bar Association's Veterans Directory?

Use the American Bar Association's veterans directory of programs to find other local programs providing legal assistance to veterans with disability benefits, discharge upgrades, and a variety of other legal problems.

How much do disability appeal attorneys charge?

Disability Benefits Appeals. Attorneys are permitted by law to charge between 20% and 33 ½% for handling an appeal , but cannot charge more than 33%. These fees will be paid to the attorney only if the veteran wins the appeal and the veteran is awarded benefits. Typically these fees will be paid directly out of the veteran's lump sum payment ...

What is Outserve SLDN?

Outserve SLDN helps with discharge upgrades and military records corrections for gay, lesbian, and transgender veterans impacted by bans on serving openly in the military. They provide other legal assistance as well, to both active service members and veterans.

How long do Nova lawyers have to be a member?

NOVA attorneys are required to participate in annual veterans benefits trainings and are not listed in the online directory until they have been a NOVA member for one year. Use Nolo's lawyer directory to view our list of disability lawyers.

How to contact GI Hotline?

Request help using their contact form or call them at (888) 838-7727 or (202) 628-8164. The GI Hotline is a network of twenty veterans service groups that provides legal assistance with discharge upgrades (as well as other legal issues for veterans and active service members). Call them at (877) 447-4487.

What is the Nvlsp?

National Advocacy Organizations. The National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) provides free legal assistance to veterans appealing a denial of disability benefits to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Call NVLSP at (202) 265-8305 or email them at info@nvlsp.org.

Can an attorney charge for discharge upgrades?

Attorneys are permitted to set their own fees for discharge upgrades and to charge these fees up front, meaning before they begin work on the case. The amount that attorneys charge for upgrades varies; it will be necessary to contact attorneys to find out what they charge.

How to choose a lawyer?

When choosing a lawyer you should talk to at least 2 or 3 before you sign any contract. Choose someone who is prompt to respond to your questions and eager to discuss your case. If you are shuffled from one paralegal to the next and you aren't able to speak with the lawyer, move on to someone else.

What is the GI hotline?

The GI Hotline is a network of twenty veterans service groups that provides legal assistance with discharge upgrades (as well as other legal issues for veterans and active service members). Call them at (877) 447-4487. Law School Clinics .

What is the SWAN number?

Call the SWAN legal resource at 202-798-5570.

Can a lawyer charge for disability?

Secondly, current law prevents a lawyer from charging you for any assistance in filing an initial claim for VA disability benefits. The lawyer can only charge you for help when you challenge a VA decision on your disability claim. So, most likely, a reputable lawyer won't even touch your case until you have filed for disability compensation ...

Do VA lawyers get paid?

The lawyer only gets paid if they win your case. But, be sure to read your contract with the lawyer before signing it so you understand all the details. A lawyer on the up-and-up is no problem, others can rip you off. Make sure you choose a lawyer who is VA accredited. First, that means they know what they are doing.

Do lawyers work for free?

Most lawyers won't work for free. Any lawyer who says they will help you file a claim and then charge you for it is breaking the law. If you do need help filing your claim, for whatever reason, you should contact a veterans service organization for free help.

Can a VA lawyer rip you off?

First, that means they know what they are doing. Secondly, if the lawyer is VA accredited they most likely won't rip you off. Any lawyer who does business nationwide by representing veterans versus the VA isn't about to lose their accreditation by trying to rip off one veteran.