We defend your service with precision, integrity, and resolute advocacy.
Former US Army Judge Advocate Matthew James now leverages his extensive litigation and investigative experience to defend clients in complex criminal cases across El Paso courts, the Western District of Texas, District of New Mexico, and D.C. Superior Court.
Court Martial Trial
Court-martials are criminal trials for Servicemembers accused of violating articles of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Before some cases move forward to trial, the case must proceed to an Article 32 Preliminary Hearing. This hearing is like a pretrial probable cause hearing in state or federal court. The goal of this preliminary hearing is determining whether there is probable cause the accused committed the charged offenses. If the preliminary hearing officer determines probable cause exists, the case may move forward to trial.
At trial, the Servicemember may choose to have their case heard before a military judge or a military panel, the equivalent to a jury in civilian practice. If found guilty at a court-martial, the Servicemember may receive a punitive discharge, reduction in rank, confinement, and in the case of a sex crime-related offenses, registration as a sex offender.
Military defense lawyer Mr. Matthew James has successfully defended Servicemembers against charges of violating Article 120, UCMJ, sex assault, rape, and other sex crime-related offenses, aggravated assault, domestic violence, fraud, fraternization, drug offenses, desertion, drunk on duty, insubordination, and larceny. If charged or suspected of an offense, contact our office.
Court Martial Trial
Attorney Matthew James also represents clients in court-martial appeals. If convicted of an offense at court-martial, the conviction can be devastating. During the appeal process, your military defense attorney will need to prove an error in the prior criminal proceeding adversely affected the outcome of your court-martial. Errors forming a basis for an appeal include procedural errors, factual errors, and incorrect interpretation and application of the UCMJ.