Military Justice Attorneys in Savannah, GA

If you are a military service member who has been accused of a crime, do not wait to turn to our experienced team at Schneider Lerch, LLC. Our Savannah military justice lawyers have the skills and know-how to guide you through the complex processes that lie ahead, looking out for your rights and interests at every step. Reach out today to schedule a free case review. During this initial meeting, we can discuss your situation, address concerns, and outline how we may be able to help. 

Give us a call at (912) 417-5008 or get in touch online. We represent clients in Chatham County and the surrounding areas. 

The Differences Between Military & Civilian Criminal Cases 

Military and civilian criminal cases have many significant differences. Below is essential information about them: 

Laws

Military criminal cases concern provisions in the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), while civilian cases concern local, state, and federal laws. As a result, military courts (courts-martial) handle cases that involve members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force. 

Many offenses under the UCMJ are the same as those in civilian law. However, some offenses are exclusive to the military, such as desertion, mutiny, or failure to obey an order. 

Court Jurisdiction

General courts-martial handle high-level offenses, which are equivalent to civilian felony crimes. Special courts-martial generally deal with offenses that would be civilian misdemeanors. Summary courts-martial oversee the lowest level offenses. At times, individuals can be tried in both military and civilian courts. 

Penalties

Courts-martial can enforce unique penalties. These include rank reductions, pay forfeiture, dishonorable discharge, or confinement. In civilian courts, the penalties for a conviction can generally include imprisonment, fines, and probation. 

Appeals Process 

It is possible to appeal court-martial decisions. Most of the military branches have their own specific appeals processes; the Navy and Marine Corps share theirs. This differs from civilian cases, where state and federal appellate courts handle appeals. 

How Can a Military Lawyer Help You?

For military cases, not just any criminal defense lawyer can provide the representation you deserve. You ought to seek the help of an attorney who is well-versed in military law and has extensive knowledge of the UCMJ. At Schneider Lerch, LLC, our Savannah military justice attorneys are just that. They can provide invaluable support tailored to your needs as a member of our nation’s military. 

You can trust them to:

• Thoroughly analyze your case, gather evidence, and develop a personalized defense strategy
• Protect your rights and seek to rectify violations of them 
• Use their wealth of experience handling military criminal cases 
• Work to mitigate the impact of charges on your military career
• Negotiate for reduced charges or penalties and advocate for you in court-martial proceedings 

Our firm understands how much is at stake in your case. A conviction could seriously affect your future inside and outside of the military. While we cannot promise any particular outcome, we can assure you our dedicated team will work tirelessly to make a positive difference for you. 

Call (912) 417-5008 to set up a free case review today.