UCMJ Article 93 Cruelty and Maltreatment Lawyer

UCMJ Article 93 Cruelty and Maltreatment Attorney

Being charged under Article 93 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) is serious and can threaten your career, reputation, and freedom. These cases involve accusations of maltreatment or cruelty directed at a subordinate. They are taken seriously due to the power dynamics at play and the significant negative effects on victims. If you are under investigation or have been charged, working with a UCMJ Article 93 cruelty and maltreatment lawyer is vital.

Work With an Experienced Military Defense Lawyer

Aaron Meyer Law provides skilled defense to members of the U.S. military facing investigations or charges under the UCMJ. Attorney Aaron Meyer is a Marine veteran who has also served as a Marine Officer and Judge Advocate. His background gives him insight into what it takes to defend service members against heavy maltreatment penalties. When you are facing charges, our relentless advocacy and aggressive strategies can help protect your future.

What Is UCMJ Article 93?

Article 93 prohibits maltreatment or oppression of, or cruelty toward, those who are bound to follow your orders. Whether you are an officer or NCO, you may be charged with violating UCMJ Article 93 if you are suspected of abusing the authority that comes with these roles.

Article 93 provides important protections for junior service members. With 2,521,729 military personnel in the U.S. military in 2024, most of whom are subject to the authority of higher-ranking service members, Article 93 is essential to promote an environment of safety and fair treatment across ranks for a great many people.

For a service member to be convicted under Article 93, it must be demonstrated that:

• The accused was in a position of authority over the alleged victim
• The victim was subject to the accused’s orders
• The accused engaged in maltreatment or oppression of, or cruelty toward, the victim

Other Types of Military Law Cases We Handle Include:

• Articles of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ)
• AWOL/Unauthorized Absence
• Boards for Correction of Military Records
• Military Administrative Separation
• Military Civilian Assault Defense
• Military Civilian Drunk on Duty Defense
• Military Civilian Sexual Assault
• Military Legal Assistance
• Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)
• Special Court-Martial Defense

What Conduct Is Covered by UCMJ Article 93?

A variety of actions can be considered cruelty or maltreatment under UCMJ Article 93. Some common types of cruelty and maltreatment to which UCMJ Article 93 applies include:

• Sexual assault or harassment. In the 2024 fiscal year, there were 8,195 reports of sexual assault involving service members. Inappropriate comments and unwanted advances that create a hostile work environment for a subordinate may lead to charges.
• Assault or battery. Physical acts or threats of violence can qualify as maltreatment, especially when coming from an authority figure. In these cases, the military must distinguish between lawful discipline or training and unlawful physical conduct.
• Verbal abuse. Repeated insults, degrading language, and public humiliation can be seen as cruelty under Article 93. While direct communication is fundamental to military culture, it must not become abusive rather than corrective.
• Toxic leadership strategies. Patterns of behavior that create a hostile or oppressive environment for subordinates can fall under Article 93. This includes strategies such as intimidation tactics, targeting specific subordinates, or fostering an atmosphere of fear.

Unfortunately, abusive conduct is not at all uncommon in the U.S. military. Forty percent of military personnel self-report discrimination, bullying, or hazing, which may be penalized under Article 93 when between an authority figure and a subordinate.

Maltreatment Penalties You May Face Under Article 93

The penalties for violating Article 93 can vary depending on the details of your case and the discretion of a court-martial. Some potential consequences you may face include:

• Dishonorable discharge
• Confinement
• Reduction in rank
• Forfeiture of pay and allowances

The impact of a conviction can extend far beyond formal punishment. A conviction can damage your standing within your unit and can be considered when evaluating you for advancements in rank. It may also impact your security clearance and your ability to stay in a leadership position. You could also experience significant reputational damage and social stigma, even beyond your time in the military.

The Role of Military Protective Orders During a UCMJ Article 93 Case

Military protective orders (MPOs) are often issued during an investigation into Article 93 violations or if there is a pending court-martial for an alleged violation. Being aware of the possibility of MPOs and whether there are any orders against you is important to prevent further maltreatment penalties.

MPOs can require you to avoid the alleged victim by abstaining from physical contact, online communication, third-party contact, and other forms of interaction. No-contact orders can be used in place of a formal MPO. A no-contact order still places limitations on your contact and communication with the victim and can result in additional penalties if violated.

Why It’s Important to Hire a UCMJ Article 93 Cruelty and Maltreatment Lawyer

The high stakes and extreme stress during a UCMJ Article 93 case can be overwhelming. If you hire a UCMJ Article 93 cruelty and maltreatment lawyer, they can help by:

• Protecting your rights during the investigation. Military investigations move fast and can escalate quickly. A lawyer can protect your constitutional rights, such as against unlawful search and seizure and against self-incrimination, helping you make statements and decisions that do not threaten your case.
• Explaining the nuances of military law. Article 93 cases rely on subtle distinctions between lawful leadership and alleged maltreatment. A lawyer can explain how Article 93 applies or does not apply to your actions, given the realities of military command.
• Identifying weaknesses in the case against you. A lawyer can search for flaws in the evidence and arguments against you to threaten the prosecution’s ability to provide sufficient proof for a conviction.
• Guiding you through unique military procedures. Many service members are unfamiliar with the structure and rules involved in military hearings. A lawyer can explain each stage of a UCMJ Article 93 case. They can also manage the legal requirements you must fulfill and the filings you must complete.
• Negotiating on your behalf. Lawyers can identify opportunities to mitigate charges by negotiating with the prosecution.
• Working to protect your career and future. A lawyer works to reduce the risk of long-term damage to your career and military reputation. This can be done through negotiating lighter or alternative penalties, providing exonerating evidence that clears your name, or finding methods of dismissing your case altogether.

Reach out to a Dedicated UCMJ Article 93 Cruelty and Maltreatment Attorney

Cruelty and maltreatment cases are taken very seriously, which can make understanding how to protect your rights and future feel overwhelming. Contact Aaron Meyer Law to learn how a UCMJ Article 93 cruelty and maltreatment attorney can help.

Military Law Resources

• How Court-Martial Convictions Affect Your Civilian Career and Benefits
• What to Do in the First 24 Hours After You’re Told You’re Facing a Court-Martial
• Military Administrative Separation Board Process
• How Combat PTSD and Trauma Can Impact Your Military Criminal Case
• How to Prepare for an Administrative Separation Board (Step-by-Step for Service Members)