A court-martial is a military court with the authority to hear and decide cases involving military personnel. It is functionally similar to a civilian criminal court but has its own rules and procedures. If you are a military member and have been found guilty of a crime in a court-martial, you may have the option to appeal the verdict. A military criminal defense attorney can advise you on how the process works and what your options are. Here are some reasons why you might want to consider appealing a court-martial verdict:
- You Believe That the Evidence Presented did Not support the Verdict
If you think that the evidence presented at your court-martial was not strong enough to support the verdict, you may want to appeal the decision. You will need to provide a detailed explanation of why you believe the evidence was insufficient and how the evidence did not support the verdict.
2. You Believe That the Court Made a Legal Error
You may want to appeal the verdict if you believe that the court made a legal error during the proceedings. This could include errors related to the admissibility of evidence, the application of military law, or the interpretation of military regulations. Reviewing Courts will place the burden on you for not raising error at trial.
3. You Believe That Your Rights Were Violated During the Court-Martial
If you believe that your rights were violated during the court-martial, you may have grounds for appeal. This could include violations of your right to a fair and impartial trial, your right to counsel, or your right to confront witnesses.
4. You Believe That the Punishment Was Too Severe
If you believe that the punishment handed down by the court-martial was too severe, you may want to appeal the verdict. You will need to provide a detailed explanation of why you believe the punishment was excessive and how it was not proportional to the crime you were convicted of.
5. You Believe That New Evidence Has Come to Light
If you have discovered new evidence that was not available at the time of your court-martial, you may have grounds for appeal. This could include evidence that was not disclosed by the prosecution, evidence that was withheld by the defense, or evidence that was not discovered until after the trial.
6. You Believe That the Court-Martial Was Biased
You may have grounds for appeal if you believe that the court-martial was biased against you. This could include instances where the judges or members of the panel were openly hostile towards you or where there was a conflict of interest that influenced the outcome of the trial.
7. You Believe That There Were Problems With Your Defense
If you believe that there were problems with your defense team or that your defense was not adequately prepared, you may want to consider appealing the verdict. This could include instances where your defense team was inexperienced or where there were communication breakdowns that affected your ability to present a strong defense.
Speak to an Experienced Military Law Attorney
If you have been found guilty of a crime in a court-martial, it can be tempting to simply accept the verdict and move on. However, as we have shown you, there are many grounds for appeal, and it is important to consider all of your options before making a decision. Depending on your punishment, you may or may not have an automatic appeal. Other times you must request one. You need to speak with an attorney who can help maximize the automatic appeals and advise you on whether requesting an appeal is right for you.
Don't simply give up and accept a guilty verdict without first seeking the advice of a qualified military law attorney at Griffin Law Defense. Contact us today to learn more about your options and get the legal help you need to protect your rights and your future.