DISCLAIMER: THE FOLLOWING RESULTS ARE UNIQUE TO THE SPECIFIC CASE FACTS OF THE INDIVIDUAL CLIENTS INVOLVED. INDIVIDUAL CASES HAVE SEVERAL UNIQUE FACTS THAT CAN DETERMINE THE OUTCOME. YOUR CASE OUTCOME MAY BE DIFFERENT THAN THOSE REPRESENTED HERE. THE LAW FIRM OF PUCKETT & FARAJ, PC DOES NOT GUARANTEE OR PREDICT SIMILAR RESULTS FOR ANY CASE WE UNDERTAKE.

“Not Guilty:” A USMC Lt’s Career Saved

When I was falsely accused of rape by a civilian female last year, I thought my life, let alone my career was over.  I called Haytham Faraj and he explained everything that was going on and what would happen next. His cross-examination of my accuser at the Article 32 hearing exposed her dishonesty to the degree that my investigating officer recommended dismissing the charges.  What happened next was even more devastating.  The command decided to go forward with a General Courts Martial against all recommendations after I had already been told the charges were being dismissed.

Haytham was there for me anytime I called, answering my questions no matter how trivial and reassuring me that he had never lost a rape case and I wouldn’t be his first.  I was charged with violations of Article 120, Aggravated Sexual Assault, Wrongful Sexual Act, Indecent Conduct and Article 133, Conduct Unbecoming an Officer and Gentleman. I was facing 37 years in prison and having to register as a sex offender if convicted of even one of the lesser included offenses.  I thought there was no way my career would survive this even though I was innocent of the charges against me and my accuser was exposed as a liar.

Throughout the trial Haytham was indefatigable in his cross-examination of the Prosecution’s witnesses.  By the end of the first day I knew we had won the case. When the jury came back with a unanimous not guilty verdict I almost broke down.  Haytham was there for me every step of the way.  A few weeks later, I’m continuing with my career without the stigma of so much as even a single dissenting vote on one of the charges.

Haytham was worth double what I paid to get my life back.  Not only did he achieve the best possible result in my case, he truly cares about his clients.  I don’t care whether you’re guilty or innocent of what you’re accused of; there is no one else I’d entrust with my future or recommend to anyone.

Business Owner Exempted from IRR Recall

SPC, USAR and Minnesota Small Business Owner.

I would like to thank both of you and everyone else at Puckett & Faraj who helped with my IRR exemption case.  From the initial consultation to hearing the good news that my exemption was accepted; you have been extremely helpful, friendly, and professional.  I was very impressed with how quickly and efficiently you began working on my file.  And I couldn’t have asked for a better law firm to represent me.  I didn’t have to worry about a thing.  You were very thorough throughout the whole process.  And you remained in close contact (either via e-mail or phone) throughout my whole exemption case.  I was very impressed with the service I received and have no doubt in my mind that I would use Puckett & Faraj in the future if I needed any further legal representation!  Thank you all so much for your hard work and hours put in to helping me be able to fulfill my duties as a business owner!

Saving a Marine Corps SNCO’s Career

SSgt, USMC
At the beginning of this year, my command charged me with three counts of disobeying a direct order and wanted to take away my rank and discharge me from the Marine Corps after 14 years of service. For any one that has been serving for that long could understand how stressful this could be. As the proceedings continued, the command was pushing for a summary court-martial. I called Mr. Faraj and he went right to work. The whole thing took a total of six months to be finished. During that time Mr. Faraj was able to keep me optimistic about being able to keep my rank and most importantly stay in the Corps. Mr. Faraj negotiated a deal with the prosecution to drop the court-martial and go with non-judicial punishment (NJP). If for any reason that I am in a situation that would require legal representation, Mr. Faraj will be the first person that I call. I would recommend his firm to any of my Marines that may need any type of representation.

Saving a Naval Officer’s Career

LTjg, USN

Neal Puckett’s and Haytham Faraj’s dedication and attention on my Special Court Martial case, led to a complete legal victory. The Law Firm’s staff put me and my situation first with complete dedication, a willingness to take on the impossible, and attention to details that assured me that, I would not only win the case, but that I would still be able to maintain my status as a Naval Officer.  Faced with punishment of up to a year in jail, 60 days restriction, a $10,000 fine and the ending a 14-year career, Puckett & Faraj obtained a complete acquittal for me.

A traffic dispute, with a senior Marine Corps officer, led to a verbal altercation, after which I filed a civil complaint.  My Command failed to support and believe me, subsequently sharing information openly with the Senior Marine Corps Officer, removing me from my job in the Pentagon and charging me with conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentlewoman; false swearing; destruction of property; making a false official statement; and disrespecting a senior officer.

If you value your military career and are faced with any form of military legal trouble hire Neal Puckett and Haytham Faraj. These two men have years of military legal experience, are retired Marines having done the hard jobs, have a history of winning, are willing to travel anywhere, give 100% to you and your case, don’t pull punches about the seriousness of your case, and they stand behind you till the end. These are two of the finest, well respected, and brilliant litigators I had come across. I walked away “NOT GUILTY OF ALL 5 CHARGES – Unanimously!” I will go on to retire as a Naval Officer with a clean record and conscience because of Puckett & Faraj, PC.

Saving a Marine Corps NCO’s Career

Corporal, USMC

I was under investigation by NCIS for about a year and a half for child pornography. During that period of time, I kept wandering from department to department uncertain of my future. This was a very stressful time in my life. I was facing having to register as a sex offender and getting kicked out of the military. I felt I was not a threat to anybody nor understood why they wanted to throw my whole life away. It did not matter that I had just made a mistake; NCIS just wanted to prosecute me. As an NCO in the Marine Corps, I exercised the integrity that was expected.   After giving full statements incriminating myself, Haytham Faraj was able to bring my Special Court Martial to an NJP. As if this had not been a victory in itself, Mr. Faraj was relentless as he prepared me very well for my NJP. My NJP results were: reduction to the next lowest rank, forfeiture of half pay for 2 months, and 45 days restriction (all suspended). In addition, he got my command to drop the charge of possession of child pornography. This means I don’t have to register as a sex offender. Mr. Faraj is a caring individual who not only worked out a comfortable payment plan for me, but also spent several hours talking with me on the phone before even discussing any monetary matters. After about two years out of my MOS, I am now returning to my section without losing my specialized secondary MOS. Mr. Faraj is very approachable and likes to maintain a good friendly relationship with clients. Thank you Mr. Faraj!

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Post Trial Action and Harassment by the Great Lakes Police Department

Premediated Murder, Conspiracy, Conduct Unbecoming an Officer

First Lieutenant, United States Army

While conducting offensive operations inside Sadr City as a rifle platoon leader, I was unjustly charged with multiple counts of premeditated murder, conspiracy, and conduct unbecoming an officer. Based on his legal expertise, knowledge and experience, I was fortunate enough to have Neal Puckett represent me as my legal counsel. The most difficult part of my criminal trial was the degree of uncertainty that I felt. However, I knew from the moment that I first met him that I could rely on Neal’s expertise and that he would be my best asset in the long fight ahead. Looking back, I realize without any doubt that if I were to endure a criminal trial again, I would do everything in my power to retain the services of the best military criminal defense attorney in the business. Neal is without a doubt a master of his profession.

Rape

Airman First Class, United States Air Force

I was an Airman First Class in the United States Air Force. When my investigation was through and the charges were brought forth, I thought my life was over. I was looking at 18 years to life – and I felt all alone. Neal came in and was able to turn everything around. I had been tricked into a ‘confession’ because I did not know legal terms and the charges were totally bogus, but I had no evidence, except my word. Neal l knew the law and the system to make it work for me. I got all the charges dismissed. I would NEVER go to a military trial without him – he is the BEST! Neal gave me my life back. I am now living in San Diego, California working for one of the world’s largest companies (Danaher) as a manufacturing Engineering Tech. I am doing very well for myself, and I am about to buy my first house.

Involuntary Manslaughter, Negligent Homicide, Dereliction of Duty, False Official Statement

Staff Sergeant, United States Marine Corps

I was fortunate enough to have Neal Puckett as my counsel during a General Court Martial Trial. During a tour in Iraq, I was in a situation involving a death of a foreign truck driver. I did not give the orders to fire, nor did I pull the trigger. I was charged with involuntary manslaughter, negligent homicide, dereliction of duty and false official statement. I was facing a minimum of 6 months to a maximum of 28 years of brig time. Neal’s attention to detail resulted in charges being dropped and a verdict of “No Punishment Awarded.” My trial was supposed to last for 7 days however, with the expertise of Neal, it was only 3 days with no witnesses called in my defense. We WON! Without Neal’s experience as a trial lawyer and his knowledge of the military laws; things might have turned out differently. I am thankful for hiring Neal to assist me in my rights as a civilian as well as a Marine.

Rape

Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps

I was accused of Rape by two different women. I thought my life was over. Major Faraj was my military attorney. His cross examination of one of the girls during an Article 32 made her so angry that she stopped answering questions. A couple of weeks later she withdrew her accusation. We went to trial with only one girl accusing me. He called my accuser’s friend to the stand and got her to admit that her friend is a liar. He also called a medical expert who also admitted that she changed the documents after the original medical report was filed. The jury found me not guilty of all charges and I left the military with an honorable discharge. He gave me my life back. – Cpl Y.

Larceny, Embezzlement and Dereliction of Duty

Captain, U.S. Marine Corps

Major Faraj represented me when I was charged by several very charges by my command. The command wanted me to plead guilty and go to jail for 3 years. The command flew witnesses from all over the world in a case that had thousands of documents having to do with financial accounts and property. Major Faraj the government’s own witnesses to admit that I was an outstanding officer and that the accounts were poorly managed for a long time. After a one week trial I was acquitted of all the charges except one minor charge for which I received no punishment. – Capt B.

Illegal Transfer of Weapons Charged Under the Assimilated Federal Crimes Act

Master Sergeant U.S. Marine Corps

I’m married and have two children. When I was charged with the illegal transportation of weapons. My life all but collapsed around me. My wife and I were terribly stressed and our morale was destroyed. I went to see Major Faraj as I was considering hiring a famous California lawyer to represent me. I was innocent but I was very afraid because the prosecutors gave deals to two senior Marines for their testimony against me. Needless to say, Major Faraj destroyed their stories and their credibility. He showed them to be liars and proved my innocence. The command dropped the charges for the General court-martial after the Article 32. – MSgt J.

Unauthorized Absence

Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps

I went UA after my MOS school. I was caught by the police and was returned to Camp Pendleton. Major Faraj represented me. He was the only one that listened to my story and spoke to my mother to understand what happened. After he took my case, I didn’t even go to a court-martial. He got me a general discharge under honorable conditions. – PFC B