In the military, the majority of sex offenses differ significantly from civilian sex offenses. Military sex offenses almost always involve two people who know each other. So-called date rape is the most common type of offense prosecuted under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). In fact, at U.S. bases, most aggravated sexual assault charges involving an unrelated victim are prosecuted through the local civilian court system.
Military sex offense cases usually come down to "he-said-she-said" evidence. Investigating the offense for an effective defense requires seeking out any private motivation the accuser may have for proceeding with the charges. If the offense is deemed serious enough, a court-martial proceeding may be initiated, with the defendant getting very little opportunity to explain the facts behind the story.
In addition to handling sexual assault and rape cases, I have extensive experience representing military personnel in the following areas:
- Sexual harassment
- Child sexual abuse
- Child pornography
As a member of the military facing serious criminal charges such as a sex offense, it is your right to retain civilian counsel. It is not only your right, it is your best opportunity for a fair outcome that protects your future.
Experienced Military Sex Crimes Defense Attorney
I am military criminal defense attorney Charles Swift of Swift & McDonald, P.S., in Seattle, Washington. During my 20-year career in the military, I served as a JAG defense lawyer for ten years, where I was involved in dozens of courts-martial and administrative procedures involving sex offenses. My success in these extremely difficult cases was unmatched by my peers. In addition to my own experience, my partner, Catherine McDonald, worked as a public defender as a dependency and felony attorney for more than 10 years. During that period, she questioned dozens of children regarding allegations of sex and child abuse. This experience that made her skilled in the cross examination of a child — perhaps the most difficult thing a criminal defense attorney must encounter.
When we opened our firm, we committed our professional careers to placing the needs of our clients above everything else. Our past success does not guarantee results in your case, but it does guarantee that we had the experience to give you the best possible value and the best possible skill to put on the best possible defense in the courtroom. As a civilian military defense attorney, I can vigorously investigate the charges and aggressively pursue strategies that put your assets such as your reputation and career on the table as evidence in your favor.
Free Phone Consultation · I Represent U.S. Military Personnel Around the World
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 military sex offenses attorney today. Call toll free 800-391-7308.
