Since we get so many of the same questions from prospective military clients and their families, we’ve provided answers to many of them here. If your question is not answered, or you need additional information, please free to contact us.

Q. How does the process begin?

A. Puckett & Faraj typically begins the process of providing high quality legal advice and services with a free consultation, so we can gain an understanding of the charges or investigation prior to providing an estimate of fees. We’re happy to include immediate family members in the consultation, so we can explain the federal judicial system, the military criminal legal system and help facilitate informed decisions.

Q. How do you determine your fees?

A. Legal services fees are assessed and determined based on evaluating the federal or military case complexity, level of effort and duration of the litigation. The severity of the charges and the individual circumstances are also considered. In most cases, a flat fee plus expenses will be charged. Representation for other administrative matters (corrections of military records, medical boards and appeals) is more appropriately charged on an hourly fee-plus-expenses basis; a reasonable retainer is required at the time the contract is signed.

Q. What other expenses may be involved?

A. Puckett & Faraj, PC charge a fee plus reimbursed legal expenses.  Those reimbursed legal expenses not quoted in the initial fee may include items such as hiring experts for analysis or testimony; travel expenses including airfare, hotel and rental car; and filing fees for administrative requirements of the judicial system. Examples of additional expertise include, but are not limited to, investigative services, polygraph services, development of physical evidence, graphic depictions, legal research services and filing fees. These expenses will be billed as they accrue during the case and are due upon receipt.

Q. What should I do if I am apprehended or arrested by the police, Military Police, or any other state or federal law enforcement authorities?

A. It’s easy! You remain silent. You don’t speak. You give them your name and ID card and then you refuse to answer any questions unless you have a lawyer present.

Q. What if a law enforcement officer asks me some questions, either at a police station or anywhere else?

A. It’s easy! You remain silent if you think you may somehow be implicated in a criminal investigation. If you are simply a bystander who witnessed a crime, you should tell the officers everything you observed and cooperate.

Q. What if I’m a member of the military and find myself called in just to answer a few questions by anyone, my non-commissioned-officer-in-charge (NCOIC), my commander, or a law enforcement investigator (Army CID, NCIS, or Air Force OSI)?

A. It’s easy! You remain silent. You don’t speak.  You give them your name and military ID card and then you refuse to answer any questions unless you have a military defense lawyer present.

Article 31b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) gives you the right to remain silent when you are suspected of committing an offense. It also gives you the right to have a military defense lawyer present during any questioning. You have these rights even if you are not apprehended or arrested by military authorities. If someone who wants to ask you a question has reason to suspect you may have committed an offense, that person must advise you of your Article 31b rights before asking you any other questions. He or she may then only continue if you agree to waive your rights to remain silent and to have a military defense lawyer present during questioning.