WORLDWIDE MILITARY DEFENSE LAWYER
What Is A False Official Statement?
Those in uniform often find themselves facing accusations of violating Article 107 of the Uniformed Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) for making False Official Statements. According to Article 107, the following elements must be present:
- The accused person signs a certain official document or makes an official statement;
- The document or statement was false;
- The accused knew it to be false at the time of signing it or making it;
- The false document or statement was made with the intent to deceive
Since the military values honor and integrity so highly, a charge of making a False Official Statement can carry with it serious punishment and ramifications. This charge is often added as an additional charge to other offenses, in order to destroy the character of the accused. Sometimes the accused servicemember simply answers questions and says, “I didn’t do it.” Even such simple statements can form the basis of an Article 107 charge. If you are found guilty at a court-martial of making a False Official Statement, you could face a dishonorable discharge and five years of confinement.
Experienced Military Criminal Defense Lawyer
Whether you are under investigation or are facing preferred charges for making a False Official Statement, you need someone who knows how to fight back. At our firm, military criminal defense lawyer Colby Vokey is one of the foremost authorities in this area of the law. While receiving his Masters in Criminal Law, he published the law review article, “ARTICLE 107, UCMJ: DO FALSE STATEMENTS REALLY HAVE TO BE OFFICIAL?” which has been cited numerous times by appellate courts and academics. Please don’t rely on your appointed defense council to fight the government. Detailed 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 making a False Official Statement, call an experienced military lawyer immediately for help. Attorney Colby Vokey will provide his honest opinion about your case, and if he can’t help you, then he will point you in the right direction.