Military Drug Crime Lawyer

Experienced Military Drug Crime Attorney

Drug crimes are prosecuted harshly in the United States, especially if you’re on active duty with the military. Possessing, selling, or using drugs can lead to serious criminal penalties, such as time in prison as well as the potential for dishonorable discharge and loss of benefits. Navigating a military criminal case can be confusing and overwhelming. It’s recommended that you contact a military drug crime lawyer to explain your rights and defense options.

For decades, Aaron Meyer Law has been representing military officers through complex criminal cases. We understand how to navigate the courts-martial process, and we’re not afraid to advocate for your freedom in and out of the courtroom. No matter how complicated matters seem, you can trust a military drug crime attorney from Aaron Meyer Law to see you through your case.

Navigating a Military Drug Crime Case

Instead of being charged in a local, state, or federal courtroom, military drug crime cases are handled through a court-martial in military court. Military law covers any activities that involve service members or happen within military installations.

The military police (MP) have jurisdiction over these cases instead of civilian law enforcement. They cover criminal activities that take place on military installations or involve active-duty service members. Illegal drug use can make service members a danger to themselves and others.

Nationally, fentanyl was involved in 88 percent of deaths of service members who overdosed in recent years. It’s estimated that accidental overdoses comprised 84 percent of those fatal incidents in the U.S. military. In more positive news, the annual rate of new substance abuse disorder diagnoses among active-duty service members has been on the decline over the past two decades or so. The incidence rate decreased from 1,663 per 100,000 people in 2007 to 1,088 per 100,000 in 2024.

Alleged offenders in drug crime cases can expect to be prosecuted aggressively. The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) has a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding illegal drugs. If you’re facing military drug crime charges, it’s imperative that you understand your rights and legal options. A military drug crime attorney can help you navigate every step of your case. They can also protect your rights and freedoms throughout the process.

How a Military Drug Crime Lawyer Can Help With Your Defense?

If you’re facing potential legal action for drug crimes in the military, it’s imperative that you understand your rights and legal options under U.S. military criminal law instead of state or federal civilian law. Instead of trying to figure everything out on your own, turn to a local military drug crime attorney with decades of legal experience rooted in military law.

Aaron Meyer Law is a seasoned military criminal defense firm with experience navigating cases throughout the world at every type of military installation. More than any other West Coast military attorney, Aaron Meyer has successfully obtained many jury trial acquittals. Our firm has seen a lot of success with administrative hearings, too. Furthermore, we’ve seen many dropped charges and cases won before hearings or trials were even begun.*

FAQs

How Does a Drug Crime Charge Affect My Status as a Service Member?

How a drug crime charge affects your status as a service member depends on the nature of the charges against you and the strength of your defense in military court. Elements of the case, such as the quantity and schedule of the drug, can determine whether the violation is going to affect your military service. You can be dishonorably discharged from the military and stripped of your benefits, which is why it’s important to understand your defense options.

What Military Drug Crime Penalties Can I Face If I’m Charged?

You can face several military drug crime penalties if you’re charged, depending on the details of the charges against you. Under U.S. military drug crime laws, the possession, sale, or use of certain illegal drugs can result in:

• Dishonorable discharge
• Legal fines
• Loss of benefits
• Time in prison

Certain low-level drug charges may not trigger a court-martial, but you can still face serious consequences.

Do Drug Crime Cases in the Military Trigger a Court-Martial Every Time?

No, drug crime cases in the military do not trigger a court-martial every time. In some cases, simple possession may result in nonjudicial punishment, such as a board of inquiry (BOI) investigation or a summary court-martial.

Special courts-martial and general courts-martial are reserved for more serious drug crime cases. Regardless of the level of charges brought against you, it’s wise to hire a drug crime lawyer with military law experience.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Military Drug Crime Lawyer?

How much it costs to hire a military drug crime lawyer can vary, depending on the complexity of your case and the fee structure of the firm you hire. Military defense lawyers may also charge based on their experience and location.

When you hire a military defense law firm to represent you, you can usually expect to pay a flat fee or hourly rate, depending on their fee structure.

Hire a Drug Crime Lawyer With Military Experience to Handle Your Defense

You can expect drug crimes in the military to be prosecuted harshly. It’s critical to act accordingly to form a defense that protects your rights and freedom. The military drug crime attorney at Aaron Meyer Law can help. When you choose Aaron Meyer to represent you, you’re choosing an attorney you can trust. Our peers think so, too. We’re a part of:

• American Association for Justice
• Avvo’s Clients’ Choice Award
• Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles
• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers**

If you’re ready to discuss your case in more detail, our team is here to listen. Come and visit us at our office to learn more about how we can help you. We’re located in Orange County right off the 405 and near the I-5 and I-405 interchange. Reach out to schedule an initial appointment today.

*Past wins cannot predict future case results. Every case is different and requires a personalized strategy.

**Legal awards and industry affiliations do not guarantee positive case results.