The job of a military lawyer is to address legal actions inside the military. They serve various branches of the military, including the army, air force, navy, and also the marines. They offer legal advice to those working in the military service, protect their rights, and represent the accused in instances of a criminal or civil charge. Remember, military crimes may have serious consequences for the service members.
Military law is a huge body of law that differs from the civil codes. It is entirely possible that something that is considered a violation or crime in the military world could not be so in the civilian world. The laws in the military address issues related to the service officers and members who are enlisted in the service. Military laws generally address the following –
- Issues related to conduct during training or activity
- Issues that arise after the ending of duties and while re-entering the larger society
- Protection of the rights of the military spouses and their dependents
UCMJ or the Uniform Code of Military Justice regulates conduct within the military. There is a list of more than 60 actions that are prohibited for the service members while they are in training or activity duty. If there is a violation, the CO or Commanding Officer can punish the service member or refer the violation for a court-martial and subsequent trial.
Who Requires A Military Lawyer?
Facing a military proceeding can have a serious impact on the future. It is essential to ask for legal counsel from a military lawyer. The person can represent the accused and defend the case strategically. A military lawyer may be needed in the following instances –
- When a person is accused of a criminal offense. Some offenses are similar to what is faced in the civilian courts like theft and murder. Others are unique to the military, such as murder in combat, insubordination, and desertion.
- When the accused is trying to avoid a court-martial, which is a likely outcome if the person is found guilty.
- The person is accused of treason and requires a lawyer who has a treason defense team.
- Tenant-landlord disputes related to the military services. Many in the military have to move often, so it is not uncommon to have landlord-tenant disputes, which military lawyers can resolve.
Within the military service, the conviction of a crime can have grave consequences. The accused can lose their job, lose future income, and may be forced to retire prematurely. The accused service member needs efficient counsel by finding a military lawyer.
As you can understand, military lawyers offer a very valuable service and naturally, their fees can be high.
As a military lawyer, you can earn a lot of money. Of course, you have to ensure that you have the right resume before you apply for the job. Many services can help you. You can review the list companies that write resumes by EduReviewer. On the EduReviewer’s website, you will find many leads, reviews, ratings and lists of the top writers, platforms and providers. You will also find a review of each service, their rating, and the price they charge for writing a resume.
How Much Money Does A Military Lawyer Make?
Many lawyers earn a contingency fee, which is the money they make only when they win the case. However, a military lawyer earns a salary because they do not receive contingency fees or retainers like civilian lawyers. They are paid as per their years of service and rank. The salary amount is often determined by the number of years served in the military.
A new attorney with limited experience may earn $66,470 every year. A few years later, as the lawyer moves up the ranks, the person may earn a six-digit income.
The best military lawyers do not come cheap as they offer valuable service to protect legal rights within the service. The salary will also depend on how complicated the case is and the UCMJ charge. For example, a defense for a sexual assault charge will usually cost more than a drug-use charge. The best lawyers may charge as much as $100,000 and even more. Some lawyers offer legal counsel and charge money per hour. For each hour of service, the fee will vary between $250 and $350.
Factors That Determine The Cost
The salary or per-hour fee varies depending on the following factors –
- Type of case – The type of your case and its complexity will impact the cost significantly. Simple issues like administrative matters will cost less. But intricate cases such as court-martials will certainly be costlier as they are more complicated.
- Experience – A highly experienced military lawyer who has a proven track record will surely cost more. But the higher fee is still worth it as the experience and knowledge of the lawyer can make a critical difference.
- Location – How much a military lawyer will charge may also vary depending on the location. For example, the cost will be higher in urban areas.
- Complexity – If the case needs extensive research work, documentation, and legal proceedings, then the lawyer will have to invest more resources and time, which will increase the cost.
Defense is critical in the military legal system, which is why an efficient and experienced military lawyer is so important. A good military attorney can help in various ways. The person can ensure that the UCMJ and constitutional rights of the member are not violated, ensure that there is a fair trial, address legal challenges arising from administrative and non-judicial actions, and provide justice against misconduct or overreach by a supervisor or the system.
The lawyer will also provide knowledge to their clients, which will help them understand the charges and their possible outcomes. Inadequate representation can cause a career-impacting consequence. The cost of legal representation can be high. However, the guidance and expertise of a qualified military lawyer is essential in a military legal matter.
