Military service members have certain rights and protections like civilians do in the civilian criminal justice system. One of the biggest rights that they have is the protection against self-incrimination. It’s important to understand how this protection works for military members who are subject to investigations, hearings, or court-martial proceedings. Here’s what to know about protections against self-incrimination in the military.
The Fifth Amendment
The protection against self-incrimination stems from the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution. It states “No person…shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself.” The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) recognizes and incorporates this right to military cases.
How Are Military Courts Similar to Civilian Courts?
Just as civilian criminal cases bestow civilians with the right to remain silent, so too does the military. Military servicemembers cannot be forced to testify against themselves and are also entitled to an attorney prior to answering any questions. This is especially relevant for interrogations and investigations. The military member will receive a statement that mirrors the Miranda warning for civilians, which ensures that military members are aware of their rights before they make any statements that could be self-incriminating.
How Are Military Courts Different from Civilian Courts?
Although there are many similarities in the protection from self-incrimination between civilian and military legal systems, there are definitely still differences:
Command Influence
Military members may feel pressured by their command to cooperate with authorities or risk facing military discipline. It’s very important to understand how to overcome this common dynamic.
Article 31 Rights
Under Article 31 of the UCMJ, service members have the right to remain silent and the right to legal counsel. However, unlike the civilian Miranda warning, Article 31 rights must be invoked explicitly. Service members should be aware of the importance of asserting these rights.
Non-Judicial Punishment (Article 15)
During non-judicial punishment proceedings governed by Article 15, service members be required to provide statements. It is crucial to grasp the constraints and repercussions associated with making such statements.
Preserving Your Rights
To protect against self-incrimination in the military, it’s vital that you:
- Understand your rights
- Consult with legal counsel
- Remain cautious
Protecting against self-incrimination represents the foundation of the rights afforded to service members encountering military legal proceedings. As in civilian contexts, these rights serve as safeguards against coerced confessions and aim to uphold the principles of a fair legal process. Through a comprehensive understanding of these rights and timely legal counsel when required, service members can effectively navigate the intricacies of military law while protecting their rights and interests.
The Court-Martial Law Division of Aviso Law LLC Helps Military Members in Colorado Who Have Been Charged with a Crime
The U.S. Government has an interest in obtaining a conviction as soon as possible, as it does not wish to gain negative publicity about one of its service members. That is why it is so important to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced military attorney as soon as possible.
If you are a military service member and have been charged with a crime under the UCMJ, the Court-Martial Law Division of Aviso Law LLC can help. We proudly serve our military members, who sacrifice so much for our country. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!
