Your military record is your reputation, and it better be correct. At Swift & McDonald, P.S., in Seattle, Washington, we offer a full range of services for individuals who need to work through the Military Board of Corrections to restore their military record and reputation.
You Have the Right to Discharge Review Board Civilian Counsel
What Is the Board of Corrections?
Each branch has two boards that can either correct your records or upgrade your discharge: the Discharge Review Board (DRB) and the Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR). If you believe there was an error, injustice, or inequality that occurred during your discharge or you received an unfair or erroneous characterization, then we may be able to help you get your records corrected or get a discharge upgraded. Charles Swift spent more than ten years as a military defense attorney in the JAG corps, defending more than 150 military criminal cases and earning a reputation as one of the foremost experts in military defense. The attorneys at Swift & McDonald have experience assisting current and former military members correct their records and stand ready to help you determine your case, assist you with the process, and, if needed, represent you at the DRB or BCMR reviews.
The DRB/BCMR can review your case in three ways:
- You can appear before the board with or without a lawyer
- Your counsel can appear before the board on your behalf
- The board can evaluate your case based on your military record and any evidence you submit
Discharge Review Board
The DRB only reviews the character, reason, and authority of discharges to determine if an error, injustice or inequality occurred. If the DRB determines an error, injustice or inequality occurred during your discharge, the DRB may decide to change or upgrade your discharge. There are no automatic discharge upgrades. In order to change your discharge, you must request a review by the DRB.
How do I know if I need a DRB?
The DRB only reviews final discharges that occurred in the last 15 years and any discharge that was not the result of a general court-martial. If you want to request a review for a general court-martial, you need the BCMR instead of the DRB. The DRB does not eliminate, overturn, or pardon a court-martial conviction and the DRB does not modify or change military personnel records. If you would like to change or modify your military personnel records, you need the BCMR instead of the DRB.
Board for Correction of Military Records
The BCMR and DRB boards differ in many ways. Unlike the DRB, the BCMR reviews almost any service member record, including restorations of rank, grade or rating, physical disability evaluations, and discharges. The request for review must happen within three years of the alleged wrongdoing. However, if you can show "good cause", the BCMR may consider cases after the three-year mark. Similar to the DRB, the BCMR cannot overturn, pardon, or eliminate a conviction from a court-martial.
Free Initial Consultation · Central to Major Military Bases in Western Washington
From offices in Seattle, the firm represents clients in civilian criminal matters and military family law matters throughout Washington State. Mr. Swift represents clients in military law matters at U.S. bases around the world. Contact the law firm of Swift & McDonald to arrange a free initial consultation with an experienced lawyer today. Call toll free 800-391-7308.
