You Need An Experienced Court Martial Lawyer When Facing A Court Martial In Germany
If you are facing UCMJ charges while stationed in Germany, you need the guidance of an experienced aggressive military defense lawyer. Cases in a foreign country are often additionally unfair because of the scrutiny placed on them by higher command and due to the local and international media attention. The risk of unlawful command influence (UCI) is even greater when a service member overseas is suspected of a crime. Commanders have a great deal of media and higher command pressure on them to prosecute in these cases and the rights of the accused service member are often only an afterthought. Only the best aggressive military defense lawyer can even the playing field.
The Risks of a Military Court Martial in Germany
Criminal convictions during your military service can ruin all the awards you have received in your military record so far and end your military career with a punitive or negative discharge. Such a discharge can make it impossible to find employment that is in line with your qualifications even after your military career is over. Even worse, a court-martial conviction without the best possible military defense usually results in significant prison time for you and the loss of financial support for any family you may have. Not only do you lose your freedom but they lose your pay, your BAH and TriCare. To ensure that you mount the best defense when facing a military investigation and court-martial, you need an aggressive, experienced military defense lawyer in Germany.
Unlike many other defense lawyers, pleading guilty is an option of last resort with Freeburg Litigation. When we take a case, we force the military prosecutors to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. We take nearly every case to trial and fight the allegations in front of a military panel or judge (depending on which is the best tactic for your individual case). Our court martial outcomes speak for themselves. You and your future is our main concern. Our court martial lawyers will work on your case from day one, always fighting aggressively in court martial and administrative separation cases in the U.S. and worldwide. Call today to consult with an experienced military defense lawyer.
Why Call Freeburg Litigation, Aggressive UCMJ Lawyers in Germany?
The experienced court martial defense lawyers at Freeburg Litigation have earned a reputation for defending service members at military installations worldwide. If you are stationed in Germany and are suspected of a military crime, then having the most hard-hitting criminal defense lawyer can be the difference between getting convicted or winning your case. Our military criminal defense lawyers represent Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Airmen in both UCMJ and administrative matters to include defending service members accused of sexual assault, murder, rape, child rape, fraud, theft and other offenses under the UCMJ, often receiving full acquittals or an acquittal on all of the serious charges with a very light sentence on the remaining charges.
After trying complex commercial cases in federal court in New York City, Nathan Freeburg entered active duty with the U.S. Army where he deployed to Iraq and practiced as a prosecutor, as a Division Chief of Military Justice, as a military defense attorney and then was handpicked to train and advise Army defense lawyers worldwide for the U.S. Army Defense Counsel Assistance Program. During his time on active duty, Nathan tried or consulted on the most well-known cases in military, some with worldwide recognition and developed an expertise in cross-examining alleged sexual assault victims, law enforcement agents and senior military commanders. Having defended service members for allegations in and out of the U.S., this aggressive Germany military defense lawyer has extensive experience handling different kinds of charges including sexual assault, murder, theft, rape, child pornography, Article 31, NJP, separation and discharge proceedings. If you are facing any kind of military legal problem, talk to Nathan Freeburg for experienced advice and the best aggressive military defense.
Contacting the Best Germany Court Martial Lawyer
Service members stationed in Germany deserve the best military lawyers to represent them at their court martial or administrative separation proceeding.
If you or a family member are stationed in Germany and are suspected of a military offense such as sex assault or if you are facing an administrative separation, Article 15, show cause board, letter of reprimand or GOMOR, then call our military defense lawyers immediately.
Locations in Germany Where a United States Military Member May Face a Court Martial
Since World War II and the occupation of Germany, U.S. service members have been prosecuted by court martial under the U.C.M.J. in Germany. Under the Status of Forces (SOFA) agreement with Germany, United States service members will generally be prosecuted by Germany if it involves an off-post civilian offense while the U.S. military will prosecute military-specific crimes. Allegations against American military in Germany often draw heavy scrutiny and are heavily politicized.
Military Installations Currently Under the UCMJ Where a Court Martial Lawyer Could Be Needed
How Military Trials Under the UCMJ Began at Landstuhl Medical Center
The Landstuhl Medical Center is likely the largest U.S. military hospital outside of the United States. It is the first stop for the severely wounded out of Afghanistan (and before, Iraq) being the closest advanced U.S. military medical center to the Middle East. The medical center was opened on March 9, 1953. Over 50% of the staff are uniformed Army, while 15% Air Force. The rest are civilian specialists and employees. As in CONUS military hospitals, there are regular investigations into service members for alleged misconduct with an eye toward UCMJ action.
The Landstuhl Medical Center Courtroom
Cases involving service members from Landstuhl are likely to be tried at a courtroom at the adjacent Ramstein Air Base or at USAG Kaiserslautern.
How Military Trials Under the UCMJ Began at Ansbach
USAG Ansbach is a German co-base run by the United States of America in the northern part of Bavaria. It was built prior to World War II by the Nazi regime. After World War II, American troops and UCMJ jurisdiction were on and off at Ansbach. But in 1991 the U.S. Army presence greatly increased. Today, USAG Ansbach hosts more than 10,000 individuals, including Soldiers, family members and civilian workers and contractors.
The Ansbach Courtroom
Trials of Soldiers by court martial under the UCMJ occur in Ansbach with a rotating Army judge.
How Military Trials Under the UCMJ Began at Baumholder
USAG Baumholder is the largest U.S. Army base in Germany. Located in Westrich, a modern military facility was built here in 1937. After World War II, the base was first taken over by the French forces and then in 1951 by the U.S. With its large training and maneuver areas, NATO units constantly train at Baumholder.
The Baumholder Courtroom
Due to its size, Baumholder still often holds military trials by court martial under the UCMJ in Germany.
How Military Trials Under the UCMJ Began at Garmisch
Although Garmisch today is primarily known as the location of the Edelweiss Lodge, the George C. Marshall Center is also located here. Due to being an R&R center, it is not uncommon for UCMJ investigations to be held into alleged domestic incidents at the Edelweiss Lodge.
The Garmisch Courtroom
UCMJ trials by court martial involving service members or an incident from Garmisch will take place at another base in Germany.
How Military Trials Under the UCMJ Began at Grafenwoehr
USAG Grafenwoehr is located in eastern Bavaria, close to the border with the Czech Republic. After the Cold War ended, the U.S. Army originally planned to close Grafenwoehr but its location proved to be perfect for the Balkan interventions in the 1990’s.
The Grafenwoehr Courtroom
Consequently, trials by court martial under the UCMJ still take place here.
How Military Trials Under the UCMJ Began at Heidelberg
USAG Heidelberg is one of the largest American bases located in Germany. Occupied by the U.S. Army since World War II, military justice has a long history here.
The Heidelberg Courtroom
Trials by court martial under the UCMJ still take place here in front of a rotating Army judge.
How Military Trials Under the UCMJ Began at Hohenfels
USAG Hohenfels is located in the southern part of Germany, in Oberpfalz, Bavaria. The initial training spot was established by the German army in 1938 and the U.S. Army took over USAG Hohenfels in 1951. Today it serves as a NATO training center. Every year, more than 60000 troops are trained at USAG Hohenfels.
The Hohenfels Courtroom
The American troops here, both trainers and trainees, are subject to the UCMJ with the occasional trial by court martial.
How Military Trials Under the UCMJ Began at Kaiserslautern
USAG Kaiserslautern is located in the Rhineland-Palatinado region, in the southwestern part of Germany, relatively close to the borders with Luxembourg, Belgium and France. Units hosted at USAG Kaiserslautern include the Defense Commissary Agency headquarters for Europe.
The Kaiserslautern Courtroom
Soldiers are tried here by court-martial under the UCMJ, sometimes including service members from Landstuhl Medical Center.
How Military Trials Under the UCMJ Began at Wiesbaden
USAG Wiesbaden first existed as a fortified airfield in the spring of 1913, when the Prussian prince Heinrich landed here. After the Third Reich took over the power in Germany, the base became the testing place for Luftwaffe pilots. Between 1936 and 1938, the base saw a wave of incoming improvements and upgrades. New facilities were built and the runways were improved. The U.S. Army took over the base and airfield at the close of World War II, beginning UCMJ jurisdiction.
The Wiesbaden Courtroom
Soldiers are tried here by court-martial under the UCMJ.
How Military Trials Under the UCMJ Began at Stuttgart
USAG Stuttgart is surrounded by four other Camps – Kelley, Patch, Panzer and Robinson. Due to the presence of the AFRICOM headquarters, a four-star command, there are service members present at Stuttgart from all of the services: Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Airforce.
The Stuttgart Courtroom
Stuttgart easily has the most higher command scrutiny and investigative resources of any European U.S. base, making UCMJ trials by court martial here especially unfair.
How Military Trials Under the UCMJ Began at Ramstein
Ramstein Air Base is a United States air force base located in German Rhineland. It is NATO’s (National Atlantic Treaty organization) central base training purposes as well as the headquarters for United States Air force operation in Europe. The Ramstein Air Base has a large housing community for troops including several hundred single family homes maintained. They also cater 11,000 available properties for rent in the surrounding communities where serviceman can take advantage of the overseas housing allowance. It is often called “little America” because of the 50,000 Americans living in the area.
Ramstein Air Base iwas built in 1951 and designed by French engineers and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The base was set in a swamp that had to be built up by six feet in height. Originally it was composes of Ramstein Air Base located on the north side and Landstuhl Air Base on the south side was the operational fighter base with hangars, runaways, ramps and air traffic control tower related facilities. Both air bases were separated until December 1, 1957 with trials by court-martial likely mainly taking place on the north side. In 1958, it was renamed as the Ramstein-Landstuhl air base to form the largest NATO-controlled air base in Europe.
The Ramstein Courtroom
Today, trials by court-martial and investigations under the UCMJ regularly take place at Ramstein, often also involving service members from Landstuhl Medical Center.
How Military Trials Under the UCMJ Began at Spangdahlem
Spangdahlem Air Base is a United States Air Force installation and situated close to Trier – Germany’s oldest city. The base has been in operation for over 50 years, and has been crucial to American military operations in Europe.
The Spangdahlem Courtroom
Airmen are tried by court-martial here under the UCMJ.
Former Military Installations in Germany Under the UCMJ Where a Military Defense Lawyer Could Still Be Needed
How Military Trials Under the UCMJ Began at Campbell Barracks
The Campbell Barracks in Heidelberg was named in the honor of Charles L. Campbell, killed during World War II and posthumously decorated with the Distinguished Service Cross for impressive acts of heroism. The base was originally built by the Nazi forces and hosted the 110th Infantry Regiment in 1936. Throughout the Cold War it functioned as an American headquarters and court martial location on occasion. In September 2013 it was permanently closed. Service members and retirees who were stationed at Campbell Barracks in the past are still at risk of being court-martialed for alleged crimes during their time there. (For example, service members are currently being court-martialed for alleged crimes in the 1980’s at bases that no longer exist.)
How Military Trials Under the UCMJ Began at Bamberg
Bamberg was one of the wide variety of co-bases operated by both the United States of America and Germany on German territories. Originally known as the Warner Barracks, it was taken over by the U.S. Army after the end of World War II. Located in one of the most beautiful cities in Germany, the medieval town center was left untouched by World War II. Bamberg was only recently closed. Service members and retirees who were stationed at Bamberg in the past are still at risk of being court-martialed for alleged crimes during their time there. (For example, service members are currently being court-martialed for alleged crimes in the 1980’s at bases that no longer exist.)
How Military Trials Under the UCMJ Began at Darmstadt
Closed in 2008, Darmstadt began as the Nathan Hale Depot in 1945. Usually subordinate to the nearby USAG Heidelberg, a variety of Army units were stationed here over the years. Service members and retirees who were stationed at Darmstadt in the past are still at risk of being court-martialed for alleged crimes during their time there. (For example, service members are currently being court-martialed for alleged crimes in the 1980’s at bases that no longer exist.)
How Military Trials Under the UCMJ Began at Hessen
USAG Hessen was located in Hanau as one of the dozens of such bases located in the central and southern parts of Germany. It was formally closed on August 7, 2008. Service members and retirees who were stationed at Hessen in the past are still at risk of being court-martialed for alleged crimes during their time there. (For example, service members are currently being court-martialed for alleged crimes in the 1980’s at bases that no longer exist.)