Legal Question in Military Law in District of Columbia
Was my husband really AWOL?
My husband was sick on a friday, he didn't know where Sick Call was so he stayed home with a stomach virus. his platoon seargent said that they had the next monday off and he assumed it was that coming monday so he didn't show up then either. He was marked AWOL. Is there any way that we can get out of this?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Was my husband really AWOL?
Dear Questioner:
When you say, "get out of this," it's a bit of a loaded question. The best answer is that some punishment will probably follow, the question is how much. I would think it doubtful that he would be court-martialed (but there is always a slim possibility), but there is the better possibility of him receiving nonjudicial punishment and losing some rank. Of course, the best case scenario would just be to receive a reprimand. I would need to speak with your husband in much greater detail, determine his present rank, number of years in service, etc... to give a better assessment.
Feel free to call me at 512-259-7324, visit my website at www.courtmartialbrand.com or e-mail me at [email protected] for further information. The initial consultations are free of charge.
Sincerely Yours,
Steve Brand
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Re: Was my husband really AWOL?
When you're in the service, you have to show up for work, unless you're in the emergency room. Had he shown up for work, he may have been ordered to go to sick call. He was AWOL, and will have to face disciplinary consequences.