You Need An Experienced Court Martial Defense Lawyer When Facing A Court-Martial In Italy

If you are facing UCMJ charges while stationed in Italy, 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 Italy

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 Italy.

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.

Court-Martial Timeline

Why Call Freeburg Litigation, Aggressive UCMJ Lawyers in Italy?

The experienced military defense lawyers at Freeburg Litigation have earned a reputation for defending service members at military installations worldwide. If you are stationed in Italy 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 Italy 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 Italy Court Martial Lawyer

Service members stationed in Italy 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 Italy 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 Italy Where a United States Military Member May Face a Court-Martial

Since World War II, U.S. service members have been prosecuted by court-martial under the U.C.M.J. in Italy. Under the Status of Forces (SOFA) agreement with Italy, United States service members will generally be prosecuted by the Italian authorities if it involves an off-post civilian offense while the U.S. military will prosecute military-specific crimes.. Allegations against American military members in Italy often draw heavy scrutiny and are heavily politicized.

Military Installations Currently Under the UCMJ Where a Military Defense Lawyer Could Be Needed

How Military Trials Under the UCMJ Began at Aviano Air Force Base

Aviano Air Force Base is located in Italy nearly 50 miles north of Venice. Established in 1911, Aviano was established by the Italian government and was mainly used as a construction facility. It was also partly used as a training ground for fighter pilots during the World War I era. Its capture by the British army during 1945 led to its use as an airport for the Italian Air Force until 1954. During this time, the United States and Italian governments drew an agreement under NATO that will allow a joint-use agreement of the base. In 1955, the United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) activated the air force base with the 7207th Air Base Squadron. Unlike most air bases during the Cold War, Aviano air force base did not have a permanent tactical aircraft hosted, but instead had rotational fighter deployments assigned by the United States.

The Aviano Courtroom

Since 1955, investigations and trials by court martial of Airmen have taken place. However, the most publicized cases involving Aviano have actually been prosecuted within the continental United States, requiring flying the witnesses to CONUS.

Aviano Air Force

How Military Trials Under the UCMJ Began at Camp Darby

Camp Darby is a United States Army Base located in western Italy near the metropolitan areas of Livorno and Pisa. Established in 1952, the base owes its namesake to United States Army Brigadier General William O. Darby, who was killed in action in Italy on April 23, 1945. Camp Darby is home to the only US Military beach in Europe, American Beach, which is popular with US Military personnel across Europe as a leave and liberty spot. Investigations and UCMJ actions have taken place here since 1952.

Camp Darby is under additional scrutiny as home to a 2,000 acre ammunition storage site, consisting of 125 secure bunkers that store ammunition reserves for the United States Army and Air Force commands in Europe. Additionally, Army Material Command Europe maintains its headquarters at Camp Darby.

The Camp Darby Courtroom

Camp Darby is located close to Camp Ederle and trials by court-martial of Soldiers from Camp Darby take place at Camp Ederle in Vicenza.

How Military Trials Under the UCMJ Began at Camp Ederle

Caserma Ederle, also known as Camp Ederle, is located in Vicenza, 25 miles west of Venice. Caserma Ederle originally existed as an Italian post for the Italian army. However, in 1963, the 62nd Engineers were moved to Caserma Ederle from Verona, bringing with them UCMJ jurisdiction and trials by court martial. Today the post is most well-known as the home of the 173d Airborne Brigade Combat Team. Camp Ederle also acts as the headquarters for United States Army Africa (USAREF). The USAREF is the U.S. Army component command of Africa Command, also known as AFRICOM.

The Camp Ederle Courtroom

Camp Ederle has Army prosecutors, CID agents and a courtroom where Soldiers are tried by court martial under the UCMJ.