WORLDWIDE MILITARY DEFENSE LAWYER
What Constitutes A Hazing Crime?
Military service is known for its tradition, esprit de corps and activities which bring servicemembers together and promote unity and cohesiveness. Achieving certain ranks or positions, graduating from schools or courses, or just being the members of a group or unit are often marked by certain rituals or rites of passage. However, sometimes servicemembers find themselves charged with hazing for taking part in ceremonies, pranks, disciplinary actions or just traditional military activities. Each service has its own particular orders and regulations prohibiting hazing, but they all have one thing in common – they are overly broad and vague. It seems that just about every tradition, disciplinary action or ritual can be construed as hazing. Hazing can be alleged in a variety of ways with multiple charges. Most frequently, it is charged as a violation of Article 92 of the UCMJ, as a violation of a general order which prohibits hazing. It can also be charged as a violation of Article 93, for cruelty and maltreatment. Finally, acts of hazing can often be charged as assault in violation of Article 128, UCMJ. And since military prosecutors tend to unfairly stack up the maximum number of charges possible, it is common for one suspected of hazing to face any combination of charges involving Articles 92, 93 and 128.
Military Criminal Defense Lawyer
No matter the circumstances, if you find yourself facing hazing charges, you need an experienced military lawyer. You need someone who knows military culture and how such hazing accusations can arise. You need someone who knows exactly how to fight these cases and tell your story to a military jury. You need a lawyer who is not afraid to take on the military power structure, expose command flaws, or put senior officers and noncommissioned officers on the witness stand. At our firm, military criminal defense lawyer Colby Vokey has handled a myriad of hazing cases involving the different branches of the military. Don’t rest your defense solely on your appointed military defense counsel. Military defense counsel in uniform are often inexperienced, under pressure from their service, and carrying case loads too great to provide adequate representation for all of their clients. If you are charged with hazing, call an experienced military lawyer immediately for help. Colby Vokey will provide you with sound advice and zealous representation.