The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) Article 32 hearing is a through and impartial military investigation of an accused and his/her actions.  It is required before the military criminal case can be referred to a court-martial and it is similar to a grand jury hearing in the federal system. The military Article 32 investigation shall inquire as to the truth of the matter set forth in the military charge sheet, consider the final form of military criminal charges and recommend action in the interest of military justice and military good order and discipline.

The accused military service member is advised of the charges against him/her and of the right to be represented by an attorney. During the Article 32 hearing the accused has the right to cross-examine witnesses against him/her and present anything in his/her military defense or mitigation. The findings and recommendations of the Article 32 Investigating Officer are provided to senior commanding officer (the  convening authority) for further action.  This action can be dismissal of charges, changes in the military charge sheet, and/or referral to a court-martial.

The Law Firm of Puckett & Faraj, PC have won several military defense cases on the strength of the Article 32 arguments and military defense legal proceedings presented. In these cases, the military defense litigation presented identified the weaknesses in the government cases and proved no negligence on behalf of the accused military service member. The convening authority can choose to dismiss a court-martial action based on the findings and recommendations of the Article 32 Investigating Officer.  Puckett & Faraj, PC can provide the military defense lawyer litigation skills to seek to reduce charges or have them dismissed entirely.