Military Sexual Assault Defense Lawyers
Providing Maryland, DC, & the nation’s service members with sexual assault defense attorneys
If you’ve been accused of sexual assault, you need the Court-Martial Military Attorneys at Owens Law, LLC, to fight for your rights as a service member.
Find justice and clear your name
Having an experienced military sexual assault defense lawyer on your side is essential. Our Court-Martial Defense Attorneys are dedicated to protecting your rights when facing sexual assault allegations.
With our deep understanding of US military law, we build aggressive defense strategies to protect your rights and ensure a fair trial. If you’re a service member accused of sexual assault, we’re here to fight for you every step of the way.
Military sexual assault defense lawyers with a history of success
Fighting for the men and women who serve our country
If you’re facing a sexual assault allegation or have been charged with a sexually based offense, acting quickly is critical. A conviction can have lasting consequences, affecting your career, reputation, and future.
You need experienced military sexual assault defense attorneys who will protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and fight for your future. With over forty years of collective experience, Owens Law, LLC., has successfully represented military members accused of serious offenses, providing strategic legal representation tailored to the complexities of the military justice system.
We understand the seriousness of your situation and are dedicated to delivering a strategic and aggressive defense to protect your future. Trust Joe Owens to clear your name.
Meet Joseph Owens - Your Sexual Assault Court-Martial Defense Attorney
A battle-tested defense attorney with firsthand experience as an Infantryman, Judge Advocate, and VA attorney, Joe Owens has spent his career fighting for service members, exposing flawed prosecutions, and securing acquittals across all military branches.
As a Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner, he knows how to challenge flawed evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and dismantle false confessions. If you're facing allegations, you need an attorney who will fight relentlessly to protect your name, your career, and your future.
Fighting for justice in every branch of the military:
Army
Navy
Air Force
Marines
Coast Guard
Space Force
Facing Sexual Assault Allegations?
Being accused of sexual assault in the military is overwhelming. You need an attorney who understands the military justice process and fights back.
According to the Defense Advisory Committee on Investigation, Prosecution, and Defense of Sexual Assault in the Armed Forces (DAC-IPAD):
- 86.3% of cases show sufficient evidence for probable cause.
- Only 58% have enough admissible evidence to convict.
- Just 42.9% result in convictions for penetrative offenses.
These statistics prove why you need an experienced military defense attorney who can challenge weak evidence and protect your rights throughout the court-martial process.
Understand the Charges
Military sexual assault charges can severely impact your life. Depending on the case, consequences may include:
Dishonorable discharge
An immediate end to your military career and loss of earned benefits.
Lifetime prison terms
Severe penalties based on the nature of the charges.
Sex offender registration
A permanent criminal record that drastically impacts your professional and personal life.
Impact on future employment
A conviction can limit civilian job opportunities and jeopardize security clearances.
Don’t risk your future. You need a military sexual assault lawyer with the experience and expertise to fight for you.
Protect your rights and your future
Sexual assault cases in the military are prosecuted under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ)
Articles 120
and 125. Before a case elevates to trial, it first undergoes an Article 32 preliminary hearing. This hearing evaluates whether there is enough evidence to proceed with a general court-martial.
Not all Article 32 hearings result in a court-martial—some cases are dismissed or handled through alternative legal actions.
You have a right to legal counsel at every stage. The sooner you secure legal representation, the stronger your case will be.
Sexual offenses we defend in military courts
The right defense counsel can make all the difference when facing a court-martial. We provide strategic legal representation for service members accused of:
Rape
A rape conviction under the UCMJ carries severe penalties, including life imprisonment, dishonorable discharge, and mandatory sex offender registration. We provide aggressive defense strategies to challenge the evidence while protecting your rights.
Sexual Assault
A sexual assault conviction can have devastating consequences. We scrutinize every aspect of the case, including forensic evidence, to secure a strong defense for you.
Child Pornography
Military child pornography charges require experienced legal representation to uncover investigative flaws and defend against aggressive prosecution.
How Owens Law saved an Army NCO’s career
We’re in the fight to protect your rights and provide you with the strongest legal defense. See how Owens Law successfully defended other service members in high-stakes cases, protecting their careers and futures.
Your Legal Success Story Is One Call Away
When facing military sexual assault charges, your career, reputation, and future are at stake. At Owens Law, LLC, we’ve successfully defended service members across all branches, securing dismissals, acquittals, and case victories.
Case Results: Proven Defense, Real Results
Case Dismissed
A Marine Corps officer’s charges were fully dropped after we exposed inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case.
Career Saved
An Army NCO retained his military status after we successfully dismantled false accusations leveled against him.
Acquittal Secured
A Navy service member was cleared after expert testimony and forensic analysis proved his innocence.
What is the Court-Martial Process for sexual assault cases?
Military sexual assault cases follow a structured legal process under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), which includes multiple stages before a final verdict is reached. Not all sexual assault charges reach the trial stage, and having an experienced military sexual assault attorney by your side can increase that likelihood for your situation.
Investigation
The investigation begins once a sexual assault allegation is made. Military law enforcement gathers evidence and interviews witnesses to determine whether there are sufficient grounds for charges.
Charges
If sufficient evidence exists, formal charges are filed. The accused is notified of the charges and the next steps in the court-martial process.
Article 32 hearing
An Article 32 hearing determines whether there is enough evidence to proceed to a General Court Martial. Not all cases go to court martial; some may be dismissed or resolved through other actions.
Pretrial Confinement
During pretrial confinement, the accused may be held in custody if there is a risk that they may flee or pose a danger to others. The decision is based on the nature of the offense and the risk factors involved.
Trial
If the case moves forward, a General Court-Martial trial will be held. During this trial, evidence will be presented, and the accused will have the opportunity to defend themselves. The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sentencing
If convicted, sentencing follows. Certain sexual assault convictions, like rape, carry mandatory minimum sentences, including life imprisonment and a dishonorable discharge. Other penalties may include confinement, loss of benefits, and sex offender registration.
It’s crucial to act quickly to protect your rights throughout the court-martial process. The sooner you can acquire legal counsel, the better your chances of building a strong defense to protect your career, reputation, and future.
Facing a sexual harassment-related non-judicial punishment?
Under Article 15 of the UCMJ, service members accused of sexual harassment may face Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP), where commanding officers impose penalties without a Court Martial. These penalties can include a reduction in rank, pay forfeiture, or duty restrictions.
Although these lesser crimes do not go to court, protecting your rights is still essential. We can help defend you and safeguard your military career from severe consequences.
Looking for military legal defense for non-sexual crimes?
We defend military service members in various cases. Whatever the situation, we’ll ensure that your rights are protected.
- Drug possession
- Drug distribution
- Drug abuse
- Drug trafficking
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Cultivation of drugs
- Burglary
- Larceny
- BAH fraud
- Murder
- Assault
- Kidnapping
- 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
Our firm is deeply rooted in the DelMarVa region, providing dedicated sexual assault defense to service members stationed at key military bases, including:
- 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
Common legal questions about sexual assault in the military
What are the differences between military and civilian sexual assault laws?
Military sexual assault cases fall under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), which has stricter rules and broader definitions compared to a civilian court. Furthermore, military convictions can carry mandatory sentences, dishonorable discharge, and sex offender registration.
Who investigates sexual assault cases in the military?
Depending on the branch you serve under, military sexual assault cases are investigated by the Criminal Investigation Division (CID), the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), the Air Force Office of Special Investigation (OSI), or the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS).
What are my rights if I’m accused of sexual assault while serving?
As a service member, you have the right to remain silent, acquire legal counsel, and receive a fair trial under the UCMJ. Exercising these rights early is crucial to building a strong defense.
Do I need a lawyer if I’m not going to be court-martialed?
Yes. Even if your case is unlikely to go to court, non-judicial punishments like Article 15 can still permanently damage your military career. Likewise, an Article 32 hearing requires the presence of legal counsel.
An experienced military sexual assault attorney can help minimize consequences, ensure a fair process, and protect your future.
Can a sexual assault conviction in military court be appealed?
Yes. Military convictions can be appealed through the military appellate courts. A skilled defense attorney can identify errors and fight for a reduced sentence or overturned conviction.
Protect Your Rights with Experienced Military Defense Attorneys
A charge doesn’t have to define your future. Owens Law, LLC fights to protect your rights, career, and freedom. With our experienced military sexual assault defense lawyers, you have a strong advocate on your side.