The Benefits of Having a Veteran Military Defense Attorney in Your Military Court Martial Case

If you are facing a court-martial, you may not be sure what to do next and what is the best way to protect yourself and your rights. Although the government will provide you with a JAG attorney at no cost, paying for your civilian defense attorney can be a better option. The consequences of a court-martial are serious, and using the appointed JAG attorney may cost you in the long run, including your freedom. 

However, not all civilian defense attorneys understand the complexities of the court-martial process. Hiring an experienced California veteran military defense attorney with a background as a service member can be beneficial.

The Penalties for Military Court Martials Can Be Severe

If you lose your court marshall case, the penalties could be far-reaching. A guilty verdict isn’t just a black mark on your service record. You could lose everything you’ve worked hard for, including your military job, your military rank, you’re paying enlistment bonuses, your VA benefits, and your military retirement. Additionally, you could lose hundreds of thousands of dollars in pay in benefits. In some cases, you will be facing confinement in a military prison. If you’re facing sex offense charges, you could have to register as a state offender. Finally, if you have another then honorable discharge, it could be challenging to get a job in the future. 

Experience Matters When Hiring a Veteran Defense Attorney 

Attorney William Bruzzo has been practicing law since 1993 and began his career as a military lawyer, having been honorably discharged as a Major in 2000. Gaining an education in the field as a service member himself helps him communicate with military personnel and gain respect when representing clients and military courts. Due to his time in the job corps, he has extensive knowledge of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). He has handled hundreds of military cases for every branch of service. 

When you work with attorney William Bruzzo, he will meet with you as soon as you’re under investigation, not waiting for the charges against you to be issued. He’ll begin investigating your case and help you understand your right to refuse to answer investigators’ questions. At the same time, he’ll be working to develop an aggressive defense strategy uniquely tailored to your case. His experience in the military and the civilian world gives him an advantage when aggressively cross-examining witnesses. He has extensive litigation experience and knows how to challenge the chain of command of evidence to fight for the best outcome possible in your case.

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with a Veteran Defense Attorney

Are you facing a court-martial in Orange County or the surrounding area? This is undoubtedly a stressful and uncertain time. It can be incredibly helpful to speak with a Southern California military defense lawyer with personal military experience and a long history of successfully representing clients in court-martial cases. Contact Bruzzo Law to schedule a free case evaluation and learn more about how he can fight for your rights every step of the way.