How Hard Is It to Be a Military Lawyer?

When considering a career as a criminal defense lawyer, it’s important to know how the process works. For example, you can be a military criminal defense attorney who represents members of the six branches of service: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Space Force, and Navy. This brings about the question, “How hard is it to be a military lawyer?”

It’s useful for those who strive to practice this area of law to learn more about it and have a basic understanding of what to expect.

About Military Criminal Cases

Military law covers a wide range of criminal activities that typically occur within a military installation or abroad. These laws exist to protect service members and wider communities alike. Still, they are not perfect. It’s up to military criminal defense attorneys to protect those being charged under military law. These legal professionals make sure they are treated fairly.

Each branch largely manages its own cases. For example, the U.S. Marine Corps had a total of 11 General Courts-Martial (GCMs) and 10 Special Courts-Martial (SPCMs) in May 2025.

In recent years, the government has been taking steps to improve prosecutorial procedures for military criminal cases, leaning toward more independence. Reforms that took effect at the end of 2023 enabled independent lawyers to hold prosecutorial authority over certain military criminal cases instead of military commanders. This can allow for more neutrality when moving through a criminal case.

Nevertheless, the military justice system is known for being vulnerable to negative influences and manipulation. Additionally, reports of military crimes aren’t always accurate.

A recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report found that, for cases of racial disparities in the military, military departments don’t collect and maintain data on different aspects of the military justice process in a central location.  This ultimately makes it difficult to study data collected by the Department of Defense (DoD) on these cases.

Becoming a Military Lawyer

The process of becoming a military criminal defense attorney can be challenging due to the competitive nature of the field and the number of qualifications you must meet. To join the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps, you must meet all legal qualifications, complete rigorous officer training and legal training, and commit to the military lifestyle.

For example, you must receive a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an American Bar Association-accredited school and become a commissioned officer of whichever military branch you want to work for.

While the process of getting there can be tough, it’s also rewarding. Military criminal defense attorneys are trained in a variety of areas of law and can expect to gain trial experience early in their careers. It’s important to be prepared to take on this level of responsibility.

FAQs

Q: What Types of Crimes Can a Military Criminal Defense Attorney Defend Against?

A: A military criminal defense attorney can defend clients against a wide range of offenses listed under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). These include:

• Desertion
• Drug offenses
• Fraud
• Larceny
• Murder
• Sexual assault

Military lawyers are trained to handle legal matters specifically related to military members. You can count on them to have unique knowledge and experience in these types of cases.

Q: How Much Do Military Criminal Defense Lawyers Make?

A: The amount a military criminal defense lawyer makes ultimately depends on what services they offer, where they are located, and how long they’ve been practicing. Attorneys with more experience and who are located in higher-cost areas tend to charge more for their services. Certain areas of law are in higher demand than others, which can impact overall costs and profits.

Q: Do Military Lawyers Have to Pass the Bar?

A: Yes, military criminal defense attorneys and prosecutors alike must pass a bar examination in at least one state or territory to become a practicing JAG officer. Once they pass the bar, they are eligible to practice military law anywhere. In addition to being admitted to a state bar, they must receive a J.D. from an American Bar Association-accredited law school. Furthermore, they must become a commissioned officer in whichever branch they want to practice law.

Q: What’s the Difference Between a Military Criminal Defense Lawyer and a Civilian Criminal Defense Lawyer?

A: Military criminal defense attorneys and civilian criminal defense lawyers perform many of the same functions at a base level, but they operate under a different set of laws. Civilian criminal defense lawyers represent everyday citizens involved in criminal cases.

Military criminal defense attorneys specifically focus on crimes that occur on a military installation or within the military abroad. They are trained specifically to handle military legal matters, such as courts-martial and internal disputes.

Learn More About Military Criminal Defense Cases in California Today

Much like being arrested by civilian law enforcement, being apprehended by military police can be a stressful and daunting situation. If you’re in a situation involving military law enforcement, it’s imperative to understand how to protect yourself. A military criminal defense lawyer from Aaron Meyer Law can counsel you.

We bring decades of military criminal defense law experience at every level. In 2004, Aaron Meyer was commissioned as a Marine officer and Judge Advocate (JAG) in the United States Marine Corps. He has experience working in the Department of Defense’s busiest trial team.

Mr. Meyer has earned more jury trial acquittals than any other military attorney on the West Coast of the country, and he has achieved great success with administrative hearings as well. Aaron Meyer Law brings decades of legal experience to any case. We handle all types of military criminal defense cases throughout California, including:

• Administrative separations
• Discharge upgrades
• General Courts-Martial
• Military disputes
• Official military record corrections
• Special Courts-Martial

Moreover, we’ve built a strong reputation over our years in business, becoming members of the:

• American Association for Justice
• Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles
• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

We’ve also won the Avvo Clients’ Choice Award in recent years.

If you’re ready to talk to a local military criminal defense attorney, our office is conveniently located off I-5 on Lake Forest Drive. Reach out to set up a consultation with a member of our legal team today.