WORLDWIDE MILITARY DEFENSE LAWYER
War Crimes and Crimes in Combat Zones
Since the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq in 2002-2003, hundreds of thousands of service members have deployed in support of combat operations, such as Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Combat operations, though, are marked by ever-changing, fluid, and often confusing environments. The enemy insurgents hide among the population and engage our forces with guerrilla warfare. And for our troops, they are often required to fight with their hands tied behind their backs. Rules of engagement are overly restrictive and are used to prosecute service members rather than aid them in how to conduct combat operations. It’s no surprise that a great number of warriors, who fight on today’s battlefields, find themselves charged with crimes for aggressive combat operations or for simply making mistakes.
Mr. Vokey has more experience handling such cases than any other attorney in the United States. From murder and manslaughter to orders violations, Mr. Vokey has successfully defended and assisted dozens of Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, and contractors charged with such offenses. He has studied these cases, lectured, and taught hundreds of lawyers on the subject. He knows how to win these unique cases.
Mr. Vokey has handled numerous war crimes and combat zone crimes. Among his many cases of this type, here are just a few examples:
- Defense of Marine squad leader charged with 13 counts of murder during the infamous, so-called Haditha Massacre, which resulted in all murder charges being dismissed.
- 1st Lieutenant platoon commander found not guilty of murder and assault charges for participation in combat operations in Helmund Province, Afghanistan.
- Army soldier charged with murder in shooting death of local man in Afghanistan during combat patrol. All charges dismissed.
- Civilian contractor charged with kidnapping and aggravated assault in federal court. These charges were dismissed.
- Marine captain charged with murder and other offenses during the Battle of Fallujah, Iraq for killing of an insurgent through hand-to-hand combat. All charges dismissed after the Article 32 Investigation.
- Mr. Vokey has also provided representation regarding combat operations to numerous service members serving with Special Forces.