At the Law Offices of Murphy and Price, LLP, we have decades worth of experience defending service members and their family members in matters of UCMJ, including court-martials, Article 15, chapter process. Whether you are a cadet at the Air Force Academy or an Airman at Peterson, Cheyenne Mountain, or Schriever Air Force Bases, we can provide the defense you deserve. We are a civilian law firm with military legal experience and a firm understanding of Colorado State law and the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

If you are facing criminal charges that have the potential to bar you from reenlistment or may result in your other-than-honorable or dishonorable discharge from service, you cannot afford to put your future in the hands of a JAG officer who adds your case file to a growing stack of pending litigation. Let the diligent legal team at the Law Offices of Murphy and Price, LLP handle your criminal defense for you.

Our criminal defense legal team is passionate about defending our military service members, their families, and visitors to local military installations. Whether you are a Colorado native who has been arrested on base or you are an Airman or their family member stationed at a Colorado Air Force Base, or a government contractor who works on a base near Colorado Springs, we are waiting to build your defense.

When laws overlap or are different, as is common with UCMJ and state and federal courts, things can get complicated. We can help you navigate the intricacies and ensure your best outcome.

A common gray area and misconception is that civilians are only obligated to local and state laws since they are not bound by the Uniformed Code of Military Justice (UCMJ — the military legal code). However, posted at the entrance of every military installation is a sign that states that anyone entering the base is subject to installation rules and regulations. Regardless of whether or not you understood these laws or not, you may be arrested by military police if you are accused of violating them. For illegal criminal acts that violate both base regulations and local law, military police or local police may arrest and charge you, but you may face charges in the federal magistrate court with jurisdiction over the military installation.

For instance, driving while under the influence (DWIA) is a crime under both installation regulation and local law. If you are accused of such crimes on Peterson AFB, military police can arrest you, and you will face charges in the federal court system in Colorado Springs. In another example, however, possession of recreational marijuana is legal under Colorado State law, but is illegal under federal law and violates all military installation policies and you can face charges under federal law whether or not you are civilian or military.

At the Law Offices of Murphy and Price, LLP, we are here to help. Contact us for your consultation and let us begin building your case today.