What is an Article 15 offense?

An Article 15 offense is a military law violation in the state of Mississippi. It is a form of non-judicial punishment or administrative action, which is available to commanders to help maintain good order and discipline in the military. This punishment typically includes restriction to barracks, extra duties, or forfeiture of pay, and is imposed without a court martial. It can also result in a reduction in rank or a reprimand. Common Article 15 offenses in Mississippi can include any minor offenses such as sleeping on duty, unauthorized absences or AWOL, minor hazing, disorderly conduct or disrespect for a superior. An Article 15 also allows a commander to suspend punishment for a period of time, usually six months, to allow an offender to prove he or she can follow the regulations and avoid any further offenses. During this period, if the accused is found to have committed any additional offenses, the commander can then impose the full punishment as specified in Article 15. If the accused decides not to accept the punishment imposed by the commander, he or she may request a court martial trial. In a court martial trial, the accused has the right to be represented by a lawyer, and the offense may be more severe, depending on the facts of the case. It is important to remember that, even if a person is found guilty at the court martial level, they may still be discharged from the military.

Related FAQs

What is the Military Rules of Evidence (MRE) 608?
What is the role of an appellate defense counsel?
What is the UCMJ Article 33?
What are the potential forms of relief available to an accused in a court-martial?
What is a counter-motion in a court-martial?
What is the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) Article 134?
What is the role of a military defense attorney?
What is the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) Article 7?
Who has the authority to convene a court-martial?
What is a post-trial review article in a court-martial?

Related Blog Posts

Military Law – What You Need to Know - July 31, 2023
Understanding the Different Types of Military Law - August 7, 2023
Navigating Military Courts and Procedures - August 14, 2023
A Guide to Military Service Member Rights - August 21, 2023
Understanding Military Court Martial Laws - August 28, 2023