Court-Martial Defense Attorney in California
What You’re Facing—and How We Fight for You
When the military charges you with a crime, everything changes. You’re not just dealing with disciplinary action—you’re up against a federal-level prosecution with military prosecutors, strict rules, and potentially life-altering penalties. You could lose your freedom, your career, your rank, your benefits, and your reputation.
That’s why we don’t play defense. At Knight Law, we fight.
Court-martial cases move fast. You don’t have time to figure things out as you go. Whether you’re active duty, a reservist, or a veteran facing charges for something that happened in uniform, you need experienced legal firepower—someone who understands the military justice system inside and out.
Understanding the Court-Martial Process
A court-martial is not the same as a civilian trial. It’s governed by the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), and the process is unique. There are three types:
- Summary Court-Martial is used for minor offenses. There’s no jury, limited sentencing power, and it can’t result in a felony conviction—but it still affects your record and future.
- Special Court-Martial is for mid-level offenses and functions like a misdemeanor court. You can face up to a year in confinement, hard labor, reduction in rank, and a bad-conduct discharge.
- General Court-Martial is the most serious. It’s reserved for felony-level charges such as sexual assault, drug distribution, desertion, or violent crimes. These trials can lead to years—or decades—in prison, dishonorable discharge, and the end of your benefits.
Knight Law handles all types of courts-martial and treats each case like it’s the only one that matters. Because to you, it is.
What Makes Military Defense Different
Military court is not like what you see on TV. The procedures are strict. The burden of proof is high. The rules of evidence are different. The command structure often plays a role behind the scenes. The outcome doesn’t just affect you—it impacts your family, your security clearance, and your ability to work in the civilian world.
That’s why you need a lawyer who knows how to challenge command influence, expose procedural errors, question unlawful searches, and use military regulations to your advantage. Not just someone who’s read the UCMJ—but someone who has lived inside it.
Appeals: When the Court Got It Wrong
Just because you’ve been convicted doesn’t mean your fight is over. At Knight Law, we also represent clients in military appeals. Many court-martial convictions are eligible for review. In some cases, this happens automatically. In others, you must file a timely notice to preserve your right.
Appeals are not about retrying your case—they’re about exposing legal errors that affected the outcome. Was your attorney ineffective? Did the judge misapply the law? Did the prosecution suppress evidence or rely on unreliable witnesses?
A successful appeal can reduce your sentence, remove a conviction, or get you a rehearing. But timing is critical. The sooner you call, the better we can protect your rights.
Why Service Members Choose Knight Law
You need someone who won’t back down—someone who knows how to fight the military machine with confidence and skill. Knight Law focuses exclusively on criminal defense. That includes defending soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen, and Coast Guard members at every stage of a court-martial—from investigation to appeals.
Here’s what we bring:
- Dedication to Justice: We’re not afraid to take on tough cases or challenge the chain of command.
- Trial Experience: We know how to cross-examine, file powerful motions, and present a strong case to a military panel.
- Strategic Defense: Every case is different. We build a plan around your facts, your record, and your goals.
Whether you’re under investigation, already charged, or considering an appeal, we have the experience and determination to help.
Contact Us Today
You’ve served your country. Let us serve you. Court-martial charges don’t just go away—and waiting too long to act can cost you your career and freedom.
📞 Call Knight Law now at (609) 323-7410
💻 Or reach out through our Contact Form
We’re ready to defend your honor, your record, and your future.
