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Obtaining a Copy of Background Investigation Records Held By the OPM

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s Federal Investigative Services (OPM-FIS) conducts background investigations on Federal applicants, employees, military members, and contractor personnel, for suitability and security purposes at the request of another Federal Agency. These records are maintained in a Privacy Act System of Records. OPM background investigations are maintained in the OPM ...

"Victims" Can Do No Wrong - REALLY??

As a defense attorney, it is really frustrating to see this situation happening time and time again – but once again it has happened to another one of my clients: My client, a Naval officer (0-2E with 19 years of service), was involved in a relationship with an 0-2, both assigned to the same ship. It was one of those relationships that never should have gotten off the ground – a lot of on ...

Choosing a Civilian Attorney for Your Military Defense Case

Military service members that have been accused and charged with some sort of crime that will go to court-martial are given the option to use an appointed defense counsel, just as if they had been charged in civilian court. While this choice may seem tempting due to fact that there are no legal fees involved, it is generally not the best solution for someone who really wants to protect his or her ...

What Does a Military Jury Trial Consist of?

The military jury trial is not at all similar to what we see in civilian life. The jurors in the military are called “court members” and they are all military personnel. In a General Court-Martial , there must be at least 5 members; in a Special Court-Martial , there must be at least 3 members. All members must be commissioned or warrant officers. If the accused is an enlisted person, the accused ...