Legal Question in Military Law in Illinois

shoplifting/theft

my son is an E3 in the navy and recently got accused of shoplifting/theft. he took some items to the food court while waiting for his Biological mother to wire him the money to pay for it. he went before a ''board'' at which they did not believe he was telling the truth about what happened. he was not given the opportunity to show the receipts for the wire transfer he picked up the day after the incident. (he wasn't allowed back the day the money was wired)He admits he sees now that what he did was a mistake, but they dont believe him. they told him he would go before captain's mass- and they would have the options to dishonorably discharge him, give him a ''slap on the wrist'', or 45/45. He just got out of boot camp and is waiting to attend school for a job that will need security clearance..he had already been granted leave to come home for christmas and the plane ticket was bought. does my son need to seek legal counsel prior to the captain's mass????


Asked on 12/17/08, 4:00 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Anthony DeWitt Bartimus, Frickleton Robertson & Gorny, PC

Re: shoplifting/theft

He should absolutely seek legal counsel because if he does submit to the Captain's Mast (Article 15 UCMJ) he could lose his ability to get a security clearance. He has access to a JAG officer. He should speak with a JAG attorney and decide what he needs to do.

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Answered on 12/17/08, 10:03 am


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