For certain minor offenses, the military offers non judicial punishment – also known as NJP, Article 15, Captain’s Mast, Mast or Office Hours – rather than have these service members go to trial. Common offenses include:

• Misuse of government computers (including using them for personal e-mail and watching pornography)
• Fraternization
• Unprofessional relationships
• Military adultery
• DUIs
• Underage drinking
• Cheating

In a non judicial punishment action, the commanding officer acts as the judge and jury, determining whether the offense was committed and, if so, what the punishment will be. Sometimes, a commander will have your best interests at heart and you’ll get a fair hearing. But your commander and legal office may have predetermined your guilt.

Sometimes, the only way to get a fair shake from the military is to demand your day in court. You have a right to refuse nonjudicial punishment and go to trial, but that can be very risky. Don’t make that decision without consulting with an experienced attorney. We have done hundreds of nonjudicial punishment actions both as prosecutors and as defense attorneys. Let us help you make the right call.

Although non judicial punishment is for minor offenses, don’t be misled: non judicial punishment can ruin your career – especially if you are an officer. In some circumstances, nonjudicial punishment can include a 30-day period of confinement. If you are facing non judicial punishment, contact Gagne, Scherer and Langemo. Click here for a free consultation to determine your options.

How we work.

Greg Gagne and Keith Scherer will begin by helping you explore your options – and fight to get the best possible outcome for you.

Every non judicial punishment action is a potential court martial and we’ll treat your case just as we would a felony trial. We’ll carefully investigate the charges against you, looking for weaknesses in the government’s case. If you choose to let your commander be your judge and jury, we’ll help you present your case. If you are punished, or have already been punished, we can help you appeal that punishment. And if your service record since being punished has been exemplary, we can help you try to have the punishment reduced.

With methods like these, Greg Gagne and Keith Scherer have helped our clients receive acquittals or reduced punishments – saving their freedom, careers, future earnings, and good name.