You Need An Experienced Court Martial Defense Lawyer When Facing A Court Martial In Japan or Okinawa
If you are facing UCMJ charges while stationed in Japan or Okinawa, 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 Japan or Okinawa
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 Japan and Okinawa.
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 Japan and Okinawa?
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 Japan or Okinawa 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 Japan and Okinawa 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 Japan Court Martial Defense Lawyer
Service members stationed in Japan and Okinawa 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 Japan or Okinawa 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 Japan or Okinawa Where a United States Military Member May Face a Court-Martial
Since World War II and the occupation of Okinawa and Japan, U.S. service members have been prosecuted by court-martial under the U.C.M.J. in Japan and Okinawa. Under the Status of Forces (SOFA) agreement with Japan, United States service members will generally be prosecuted by Japan if it involves an off-post civilian offense while the U.S. military will prosecute military-specific crimes. Allegations against American military in Japan and Okinawa often draw heavy scrutiny and are heavily politicized due to frequent protests at the American presence. In addition, American commanders in Japan and Okinawa often react by instituting curfews and even banning alcohol use at home, leading to even more potential UCMJ charges.
Military Installations Currently Under the UCMJ Where a Military Defense Lawyer Could Be Needed
How Military Trials Under the UCMJ Began at Kadena Air Force Base
Kadena Air Force Base is a United States Air Force installation on the Japanese island of Okinawa, often referred to as the “Keystone of the Pacific”. At present, it is the largest United States Air Force base in the Pacific region. Kadena Air Base is home to the Air Force’s largest combat air wing, the 18th Wing. The large military population of the base is anchored by the 18th Wing, units of the United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy and forty additional tenant units from the Air Force.
Per the terms of a 1960 agreement, United States military forces are granted access to the land and resources of Okinawa in exchange for shouldering a portion of the defense responsibilities and overall national security of Japan. Kadena Air Base is able to meet these responsibilities by proving overwhelming air combat forces and accompanying ground forces if need be, all within a rapid response format. Currently, Kadena Air Base is home to over 7,500 active duty airmen, soldiers, sailors and marines. Military family members, Department of Defense contractors and Japanese civilian employees bring the population of the base to a total of 20,000 plus. The base covers over 11,000 square acres between two separate areas, the largest portion of which is used primarily for storage. Kadina Air Base has two nearly identical 12,100 foot runways that are flanked by 15 reinforced and shielded aircraft hangers. The length and construction of the runways allow Kadena to receive any aircraft in the United States or Japanese aircraft fleet.
The history of Kadena Air Base begins in the years prior to the United States invasion of Okinawa in early April of 1945. A Japanese construction firm completed a small air field, Yara Hikojo, just adjacent to the small island village of Kadena. The air field was used to launch rapid air attacks on approaching US forces, but was quickly captured when Marines and soldiers invaded the island. The 4,600 crushed coral runway was badly damaged in the fighting, but within 24 hours Army combat engineers were able to repair the runway to the point it could handle emergency landings. In the coming days, engineers were able to add another six inches of coral depth to the runway, making it usable for regular landings and takeoffs. An additional runway was constructed in August of 1945 and both were reinforced in order to handle heavy bomber landings.
The 18th Medical Group at Kadena Air Base operates the single largest medical center in the United States Air Force. Twelve buildings and 450 staff members provide dental and medical care to all service members and dependents in the area. An emergency medical services network is on call 24 hours a day to provide transport to the area Naval hospital and the U.S. Hospital Okinawa at Camp Lester provides a neonatal intensive care unit.
Under the Status of Forces (SOFA) agreement with Japan, United States service members will generally be prosecuted by Japan if it involves an off-post civilian offense while the Air Force will prosecute military-specific crimes.
The Kadena Air Force Base Courtroom
Court Martial at Misawa Air Force Base in Honshu, Japan
Misawa Air Base is located in the Honshu Island of Japan, only 5 km away from the Pacific Ocean. It is run by the U.S. Pacific Air Force and hosts both Japanese and American troops. It is a co-base operated by the Air Force, under the regulations of the Japanese government. The American population on site rises as high as 5500 individuals. The primary objectives of the base include space surveillance using the satellites and geosyncronous operations. It is considered to be the largest ECHELON ground base. At the same time, the installation is also used for civilian flights, making it one of the few such combined bases in the area. If a U.S. airman is charged at Misawa, they are actually most likely to be tried at a different U.S. installation.
The base history dates since the Meiji era, from 1868 to 1912. It was used by the Imperial Army for cavalry training sessions. The operations went on until 1938, when the authorities decided to build the first runway for an airport. In 1944, it was taken through a round of renovations and improvements for the Kamikaze Special Attack troops. Prior to World War II, the base was used for the training sessions of those who attacked Pearl Harbor. The lake in the area was relatively similar to the waters around Pearl Harbor, so the place was perfect. When the United States of America were drawn into World War II, Misawa Air Base experienced an almost total damage, with up to 90% of the base completely destroyed. The American history in the area starts with 1945 (and the first court-martial of an American at Misawa). The base was completely reconstructed and supported plenty of flights during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. At the same time, it was an excellent spot for secret surveillance missions in Russia and China during the ’50s. The first Japanese troops joined the base in 1954.
How Military Trials Under the UCMJ Began in Camp Zama, Japan
Camp Zama is in Kanagawa province, located between Sagamihara and Zama and is relatively close to Tokyo too – about 40 km.
Camp Zama existed for decades, but was not an American base until relatively recently. Once the site of the most important military academy in the Empire of Japan, the Japanese emperor had his own special road to this academy to inspect the training sessions. Today, the road has been transformed in Route 51, one of the most circulated roads in the area. Camp Zama is controlled by the U.S. Army, and came under American control after World War II. Under the Status of Forces (SOFA) agreement with Japan, United States service members will generally be prosecuted by Spain if it involves an off-post civilian offense while the Army will prosecute military-specific crimes.
The Camp Zama Courtroom
How Military Trials Under the UCMJ Began at Fort Buckner, Japan
Fort Buckner is a small base run by the U.S. Army in Okinawa. It is adjacent to Camp Foster and the base was named in the memory of Simon Boliver Buckner who played a major role in the Battle for Okinawa. Units hosted at Fort Buckner have included the 53rd Signal Battalion and the 58th Signal Battalion, responsible for communications operations in Okinawa and the Pacific. Soldiers charged with a crime at Fort Buckner will likely be tried by court-martial at a different U.S. military installation, probably Camp Zama.
How Military Trials Under the UCMJ Began at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan
Located in Tokyo Bay, Fleet Activities Yokosuka is under the jurisdiction of the United States Navy and the Japanese Government. The primary mission of Fleet Activities Yokosuka is to support all naval units in the Pacific area and Sailors are tried by court-martial here. Prior to becoming one of the largest ports in Japan, the place was nothing but a native fishing village. During the 20th century, the base at Yokosuka became one of the most important facilities of the Imperial Japanese Navy. It is the place where some of the most notable Japanese battleships were built, including Yamashiro, Shokaku and Hiryu. In the summer of 1945, the base was taken over by the US Marines, the US Navy and the British forces. In the end, only the US Navy remained on site. Soon after being taken over, the installation was renamed to Fleet Activities Yokosuka and Sailors have been tried by court-martial here ever since. Under the Status of Forces (SOFA) agreement with Japan, United States Sailors will generally be prosecuted by Japan if it involves an off-post civilian offense while the Navy will prosecute military-specific crimes.
The Fleet Activities Yokosuka Courtroom
How Military Trials Under the UCMJ Began at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan
Naval Air Facility Atsugi was spread over two local cities – Ayase and Yamato. They are located in the Kanagawa province. Before being owned by the United States Navy, Naval Air Facility Atsugi belonged to the Japanese Navy. It was established before World War II, in 1938. After the war, Atsugi was rebuilt by Navy Seabees and it was actively used during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Sailors have been tried by court-martial here ever since. Under the Status of Forces (SOFA) agreement with Japan, United States Sailors will generally be prosecuted by Japan if it involves an off-post civilian offense while the Navy will prosecute military-specific crimes, usually at the Fleet Activities Yokosuka courtroom.
How Military Trials Under the UCMJ Began at Camp Courtney, Okinawa
Camp Courtney is operated by the Marine Corps in Japan. The base is located in the Okinawa province – more precisely, in Uruma City, one of the youngest cities of Japan. It was formed in 2005, when the authorities decided to merge multiple smaller cities. The base is adjacent to Camp Butler, which is also operated by the Marine Corps. Camp Courtney was named in the memory of Henry A. Courtney, Jr., who died during the largest amphibious operation and battle in the Pacific during World War II – the battle of Okinawa. Marines charged with a crime at Camp Courtney will likely be tried by court-martial at a different U.S. military installation such as Camp Butler.
How Military Trials Under the UCMJ Began at Camp Foster, Okinawa
Camp Foster is under the jurisdiction of the United States Marine Corps. It is a co-base, partially run under the regulations and laws of the Japanese government. The base is large enough to spread over four different civilian communities – Kitanakagusuku, Okinawa, Ginowan and Chatan. Most of it is located in Ginowan. The base is part of a larger complex that includes more similar facilities – Camp Butler and its courtroom. The installation was initially established as Camp Zukeran, but its name was later changed in the memory of William A. Foster. Foster was awarded with the Medal of Honor for his risky missions during the battle of Okinawa.
How Military Trials Under the UCMJ Began at Camp Fuji, Japan
Camp Fuji is located near the small town of Gotemba, and derives its name from the mountain that overshadows it, Mount Fuji. Camp Fuji spans over 300 square acres, with 30 of them being dedicated to live fire small arms and crew served weapons ranges. Most US Marines in the Pacific area use Camp Fuji for training evolutions at some point in their rotation through the region.
The area of Camp Fuji has been of military importance for several centuries, with its first use by Kamakura Shogunate samurai in the 15th century. In the 20th century the area was used by the Japanese Imperial Army as a training facility during World War II. The Imperial Army built a massive training facility and several smaller surrounding camps. As World War II came to an end, United States Forces took over and absorbed most Japanese military installations, including the Imperial Army training facility and its satellite camps.
After their takeover, the main facility and its camps were renamed to Fuji McNair, South, Middle and North. The United States Marine Corps took over primary control of the base in 1953, using the base as a staging and training area. Small sections of the base were, however given back to Japanese control, including the nearby area of now present day Japanese Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) Camp Takigahara. Marines charged with a crime at Camp Fuji will likely be tried by court-martial at a different U.S. military installation.
How Military Trials Under the UCMJ Began at Camp Gonsalves, Okinawa
Camp Gonsalves spreads over two villages in Okinawa – Higashi and Kunigami. It covers more than 70 square kilometers. It hosts not less than 22 landing areas for helicopters, training sites, firebases and missile ranges and is operated by the United States Marine Corps. Camp Gonsalves is mostly spread on jungle terrain and was commissioned in 1958 (with the first trials by court-martial of Marines beginning then). The unusual terrain helped Marines become familiar with the Vietnamese jungles. The base was renamed in 1986 to Camp Gonsalves in the memory of Harold Gonsalves a heroic Marine died when he was 19 years old during the battle of Okinawa and was awarded with the Medal of Honor. The installation was renamed in 1998 to Jungle Warfare Training Center – JWTC and it is the only military installation of its kind – with jungle based terrains – in the Department of Defense. Marines charged with a crime at Camp Gonsalves – JWTC will likely be tried by court-martial at a different U.S. military installation.
How Military Trials Under the UCMJ Began at Camp Hansen, Okinawa
Camp Hansen is located by Kin Bay, in Okinawa. Just like nine other different installations on the island, this one is part of Camp Butler. The base was named in the memory of Dale M. Hansen, who received the Medal of Honor posthumously about three days after his heroic actions in the battle of Okinawa. The installation is operated by the United States Marine Corps and Marines are investigated and charged there. Camp Hansen also hosts a brig for Marines placed in pretrial confinement and a courtroom for trials by court-martial.
How Military Trials Under the UCMJ Began at Camp Kinser, Okinawa
Camp Kinser located in the immediate proximity of Naha Port, a similar installation that is operated by the US Army. The primary mission of Camp Kinser is to store ammunitions and reserves for most of the American armed forces deployed in the Pacific area. There are dozens of warehouses spread around the 1,000,000 square feet and more than 15,000 tons of ammunitions. The fuel is just as important for the troops in the area and the far east. The camp has the capacity to store 50,000 gallons. Marines charged with a crime at Camp Kinser will likely be tried by court-martial at a different U.S. military installation.
How Military Trials Under the UCMJ Began at Camp Lester, Okinawa
United States Naval Hospital Okinawa is the largest tenant at Camp Lester. Both Sailors and Marines are investigated and charged with crimes at Camp Lester; however, they will likely be tried by court-martial at a different U.S. military installation.
How Military Trials Under the UCMJ Began at Camp Schwab, Okinawa
Camp Schwab is a military co-base operated by the United States of America on Japanese soil. The base is located in the northern part of Okinawa and is often referred to as Man Camp. It was named in the memory of Albert E. Schwab, a Marine who was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his brave actions in the battle of Okinawa. Camp Schwab was set up as a permanent installation in 1959 and trials by court-martial of Marines began then. Camp Schwab primarily serves as a training range for Marines deployed across Okinawa. Marines charged with a crime at Camp Schwab will likely be tried by court-martial at a different U.S. military installation.
The Camp Butler Courtroom
How Military Trials Under the UCMJ Began at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa
Marine Corps Air Station Futenma is a Marine Corps military facility with a 2.7 km long runway, multiple barracks, logistical buildings and administrative facilities. It hosts around 4,000 Marines subject to trial under the UCMJ. The history of MCAS Futenma began with a military airfield, which was built right after the invasion of Okinawa. The airfield was built on the ruins of five different villages and the additional farmlands. The first unit her was the 8th Air Force composed of B-29 Superfortress bombers for the potential invasion of Japan. However, the Japanese surrendered before the invasion occurred. The base was commissioned to the United States Air Force and renamed to Futenma Air Base. The base was mostly used to support the nearby facility Kadena Air Base. In the summer of 1957, the United States Air Force transferred it to the United States Marine Corps and Marines began to be tried by court-martial here. Today, Marines charged with a crime at MCAS Futenma will likely be tried by court-martial at a different U.S. military installation.
The MCAS Futenma Courtroom
Former Military Installations in Japan Under the UCMJ Where a Military Defense Lawyer Could Still Be Needed
How Military Trials Under the UCMJ Began at Yokuta Air Force Base, Japan
Only a small contingent of uniformed American military are likely to be at Yokuta today. However, they are still at risk of court-martial by the mere fact of being on active duty. In addition, service members and retirees who were stationed at Yokuta 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.)
Yokota Air Base is one of the US military bases set up on the territory of Japan after World War II. It is located in Western Tokyo – Fussa. It covers more than 136000 square km and hosts over 14000 individuals. It benefits from a 3.3 km long runaway too. The base was first known as Tama Airfield and was built by the Empire of Japan’s army in 1940. In the autumn of 1945, when the Empire of Japan surrendered the base was renamed to Fussa Army Airfield. A few days later, the authorities decided the Yokota sounded better. The initial objective of Yokota Air Base was to support the 2nd Combat Cargo Group, which brought in four squadrons. A major “face lift” was finished in the ’60s. When the Korean War ended, the base went into a stand-by status until the Vietnam War turned it into one of the most active US military bases in Asia. In 2005, the base became the headquarters of the Japan Air defensive forces. It was also opened to civilian flights to help with the intense traffic on other airports in the area.
How Military Trials Under the UCMJ Began at Torri Station, Japan
Only a small contingent of uniformed American military are likely to be at Torri Station today. However, they are still at risk of court-martial by the mere fact of being on active duty. In addition, service members and retirees who were stationed at Torri Station 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 Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan
Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni was an air station operated by the United States Marine Corps in Japan. The installation is located in Iwakuni, in the Yamaguchi prefecture. The history of MCAS Iwakuni began under the Japanese Empire. The government acquired a huge area in the immediate proximity of the city in 1938. Its purpose was to establish a powerful air station, as the country was quickly strengthening for World War II. The base was finished on July, 8th, 1940 and ready for war. As World War II began, the site had two clear purposes – to train the finest elite warfighters and to deal with the local defense. There were almost 100 professional trainers and around 150 Zero aircrafts hosted there. The first American troops here were Marines. Then the installation hosted American, Australian, British and New Zealander troops. In 1948, the base was taken over by Australia, but handed to the United States of America four years later, in 1952. Only a small contingent of uniformed American military are likely to be at Futenma today. However, they are still at risk of court-martial by the mere fact of being on active duty. In addition, service members and retirees who were stationed at Futenma 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 Fleet Activities Okinawa
Fleet Activities Okinawa was an American military base operated by the United States Navy in Japan and where Sailors are subject to trial by court-martial under the UCMJ. Just like other American installations in Japan, this one is also operated with the Japanese laws and regulations in mind. Fleet Activities Okinawa was not like most other American bases in Japan, which were established soon after the end of World War II. Instead, it was established almost half a decade later, when the Korean War began. Trials by court-martial of Sailors began then. Eventually, the base was closed by the BRAC commission. But, Sailors and retirees who were stationed at Okinawa 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 Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan
Fleet Activities Sasebo is located in Sasebo, on the southern Japanese island Kyushu. Its primary mission was to provide full support to logistic operations taking place in the Pacific area.
By 1905, Sasebo was one of the most important Japanese naval bases. The base reached its peak during World War II. During the war, there were more than 60,000 employees working on site. The base was responsible for aircraft, ships and submarines. After the fall of Japan, the U.S. occupied the site and established Fleet Activities Sasebo. Trials by court-martial of Sailors began then. Eventually, the base was closed by the BRAC commission. But, Sailors and retirees who were stationed at Sasebo 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.)