Aggressive Court Martial Lawyer
Owens Law has defended the rights of enlisted servicemen and women for decades. Get the top court martial attorneys in your corner now.
Serving Maryland, DC, & the nation with battle-tested court martial defense
Nothing beats battle-tested military defense experience
When the stakes are at their highest, you need an experienced court martial lawyer who will fiercely protect your rights, prioritize your interests, and guide you through every step of the legal process.
With deep knowledge of military law, a strategic approach, and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome, at Owens Law we ensure you are never alone in your fight for justice.
The court martial defense attorney who fights for you
We fight for those who fight for our country
Meet Joseph Owens—your court martial attorney
Joseph Owens brings decades of military litigation experience from his distinguished career, positioning him as a leading advocate for service members facing legal challenges. With his extensive background as a former combat veteran and former JAG officer, our clients gain the invaluable advantage of working with someone who not only understands military law but also the unique obstacles faced by active duty service members.

We proudly serve every military branch and base from Maryland and beyond.
Track record of legal success in every branch
Army
Navy
Air Force
Marines
Coast Guard
Are You Facing a court-martial?
If you’re facing a court martial, our experienced military court martial lawyer is ready to provide the expert guidance and strong defense you need. We’ll support you through each stage with our knowledge and unwavering commitment to protecting your rights.
What is a court martial?
A
court martial is a judicial proceeding within the military justice system used to try service members accused of violating military law, as outlined in the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). It serves as the military's equivalent of a civilian court trial but operates under its own legal framework and procedures.
Types of court martials and what they mean
Summary court martial
A summary court martial handles minor offenses and applies only to enlisted service members. A single commissioned officer acts as judge and jury for these kinds of cases.
Special court martial
A special court martial is for intermediate offenses, similar to a civilian misdemeanor court. Both a defense counsel and a prosecutor are involved in these cases.
General court martial
A general court martial handles the most serious offenses and is composed of a military judge and at least five panel members or judge-alone.
The process from charges to trial
The court martial process consists of multiple distinct phases, each designed to uphold justice, ensure fairness, and maintain military discipline.
Investigation
An initial investigation is conducted to determine whether an offense under the UCMJ has occurred.
Charges
Formal charges are filed against the accused, outlining the alleged violations of the UCMJ.
Article 32 hearing
During an
Article 32 hearing, a formal investigation is performed, where evidence is reviewed to determine if there’s sufficient cause to proceed to trial.
Trial
Depending on the type of case, a trial is conducted to determine the guilt or innocence of the accused and, if necessary, to impose a sentence.
Sentencing
Sentencing occurs after a guilty verdict has been rendered. This phase determines the punishment the accused will face based on the offense and the evidence presented during the trial.
Our attorney protects your rights in a court martial
By addressing charges, presenting evidence, and challenging procedural errors, our court martial defense lawyer stands by your side to safeguard your future and achieve justice on your behalf.
Know your rights in a court martial trial
You’re up against a different kind of battle now, and understanding your rights is absolutely essential. In the military justice system, your future is on the line—but you don’t have to face this alone. Knowing your rights and having the necessary legal support can make all the difference in navigating this fight and protecting what matters most.
How our seasoned court martial lawyer can help
Armed with years of experience handling a diverse range of cases, Joseph Owens knows exactly what it takes to provide exceptional representation during a court martial. His comprehensive understanding of military law, combined with his passion for justice, means that every client receives the highest level of advocacy.
Types of Cases We Defend in Military Courts
Our team delivers skilled representation for a variety of cases, helping countless clients with a slew of different charges. We recognize that no two clients are the same, and every case requires a tailored approach to address its unique circumstances.
Sexual Offenses
- Sexual assault
- Rape
- Child pornography
Property Offenses
- Burglary
- Larceny
- BAH fraud
Violent Offenses
- Murder
- Assault
- Kidnapping
Drug Offenses
- Drug possession
- Drug distribution
- Drug abuse
- Drug trafficking
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Cultivation of drugs
Military-specific offenses
- AWOL
- Fraudulent enlistment
- Disrespect toward a superior
- Maltreatment
- Desertion
- Contempt toward officials
- Willful disobedience / Insubordination
- False official statements
Key Military Bases We Serve
Strategic representation across Maryland and the entire United States
- Washington Navy Yard — Washington, D.C.
- Andrews Air Force Base — Prince George’s County, MD
- Fort Meade — Anne Arundel County, MD
- Aberdeen Proving Ground — Harford County, MD
- Naval Support Facility (NSF) Indian Head — Charles County, MD
- Marine Corps Base Quantico — Quantico, VA
- Fort Belvoir — Fairfax County, VA
- Pentagon — Arlington, VA
- Dahlgren Naval Surface Warfare Center — Dahlgren, VA
ALL CONSULTATIONS ARE FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL
Stand strong with a veteran court martial lawyer in your corner
You deserve a skilled and dedicated court martial lawyer who is passionate about protecting your rights and reaching a favorable outcome for those who serve in the armed forces.

Our seasoned court martial attorney blends legal expertise with a deep respect for the sacrifices you’ve made as a service member. We’re here to fight for your future, safeguard your rights, and provide the steadfast support you need during this critical time.
CONTACT US TODAY
Common Questions About Court Martial Cases
Can the military still prosecute me if civilian charges were dropped?
Yes. This is because the military justice system operates independently of the civilian legal system and is governed by the UCMJ.
While civilian authorities may decline to pursue charges for various reasons—such as insufficient evidence, procedural errors, or a decision not to prioritize the case—the military retains the authority to investigate and prosecute if the alleged actions constitute a violation of the UCMJ.
How long do court martial cases typically take?
The duration of a court martial case can vary widely depending on the complexity of the charges, the type of court martial, and other factors such as evidence, witnesses, and pre-trial motions.
What are penalties for a court martial conviction?
Penalties for a conviction in a court martial case depend on the type of court martial and the severity of the offense. The following are some examples for each specific kind:
- Summary court martial: Pay decrease for one month, reduction in rank, confinement for one month
- Special court martial: Pay decrease for 12 months, reduction in rank, confinement for up to 12 months
- General court martial: Dishonorable discharge, life imprisonment, financial restitution
It’s important to note that higher ranking individuals may face stricter penalties for violations of leadership responsibilities.
Can I appeal a court martial conviction?
Yes. In fact, in some cases, the appeal process is built in. The military justice system provides avenues for service members to challenge their convictions or sentences if they believe errors occurred during the trial or that the outcome was unjust.
Do I have a right to a military jury?
Yes, you generally have the right to a military jury (referred to as a panel of members) in a court martial, but the specifics depend on the type of court martial and the circumstances of your case.
The right to a jury offers the opportunity for your case to be evaluated by a diverse group of service members who bring different perspectives. However, the choice between a panel and a judge-alone trial is dependent on the details of your case, the evidence, and the legal strategy.