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GENERAL COURTS-MARTIAL
A general court-martial is the most serious level of military courts. It consists of a military judge, trial counsel, defense counsel, and at least five court members. Again, an enlisted accused may request a court composed of at least one-third enlisted personnel. Unless the case is one in which the death sentence could be adjudged, an officer or enlisted accused may also request trial by judge alone. In a general court-martial, the maximum punishment is that established for each offense under the Manual for Courts-Martial, and may include death (for certain offenses), confinement, a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge for enlisted personnel, a dismissal for officers, or a number of other lesser forms of punishment. A pretrial investigation under Article 32, UCMJ, must be conducted before a case may be referred to a general court-martial, unless waived by the accused.
You have a right to counsel of your choice.
You have a right to plead not guilty.
You have a right to have your counsel fully investigate your case.
An Article 32 Investigation is not something that should be waived without a full explanation as to how it can benefit your case.
Click Here to Learn More About the Court-Martial Process
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