August 10th, 2010
“Child pornography” means any visual depiction, including any photograph, film, video, picture, or computer or computer-generated image or picture, whether made or produced by electronic, mechanical, or other means, of sexually explicit conduct, where the production of such visual depiction involves the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct . . . .” 18 United States Code §2256(8).
Knowingly possessing, receiving, distributing or creating child pornography is illegal. Punishment for a conviction of this type of offense is normally harsh and registration as a sex offender is required.
Military and civilian authorities aggressively pursue any individual they think are involved with child pornography. In some cases, authorities pose as children on the internet in an attempt to lure unsuspecting people into committing a criminal offense.
Not all individuals suspected of violating this statute even knew they possessed, received or distributed this type of material. Given the vast amount of unwanted spam, junk e-mails, viruses, and other attacks upon people’s computers, receipt of unwanted and illegal material can occur without your knowledge.
If you are suspected of this offense, call Mr. Sigmon immediately. Having tried these types of cases in the past and having worked on precedent-setting military appeals, Mr. Sigmon has developed significant expertise in representing military members suspected of the type of offense. Through the use of computer experts and aggressive representation, Mr. Sigmon will protect your rights and your future. Call him now!
Tags: air force, army, child pornography, court martial, courts-martial, criminal law, department of defense, law, marines, military, military justice, military law, Military Law Advice, military lawyer, navy, ucmj, uniform code of military justice
Posted in Military Law Advice | No Comments »
July 10th, 2010
In the unfortunate event that you are convicted of an offense during your court-martial, or if you elect to plead to some offense, it is important to present the best picture of you to the court members (jury) or the military judge. Most inexperienced attorneys fail to adequately prepare for the sentencing phase of the court-martial. By taking advantage of the relaxed rules in sentencing and developing an effective strategy an experienced attorney can significantly reduce your punishment and possibly save your career.
Mr. Sigmon aggressively develops your case so that your unique circumstances are presented to the court. Mr. Sigmon has used a variety of techniques over the years to present evidence before the court so that your best qualities are showcased in an effort to insure that any punishment you receive is significantly reduced.
For a free consultation call Mr. Sigmon today. Do not settle for less-experienced attorneys or assume that high attorneys fees equal quality representation. Mr. Sigmon takes into consideration your ability to pay and offers you top-notched representation at a price you can afford.
Tags: air force, army, civilian defense counsel, court martial, courts-martial, department of defense, law, marines, military judge, Military Law Advice, military lawyer, navy, rules, sentencing
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
June 25th, 2010
If you are asked by military authorities to search your personal property or home, what are your rights?
First you do not have to consent to a search of your home or personal property. If fact, you should never volunteer to let your property searched. If the authorities tell you that your cooperation will help your case, do not believe them. If they have a legal basis to search, then they can secure a search authorization.
Second, under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), military authorities are required to secure a search authorization (warrant) from a magistrate to search your personal property or home. To secure that authorization, the military authority must convince the magistrate that there is evidence of a crime present in the location of the search.
Third if the authorities have a search authorization, ask to see it and read it carefully. The scope of the search may be limited and can not be used as an excuse to search everywhere. If they don’t show you an authorization tell them to leave. After the search is completed and if the authorities remove any property, ask them for an inventory right then. If they refuse, document your conversation with them.
If you are the spouse of a military member you also do not have to consent. If your spouse isn’t present you should assume he/she did not consent to a search. Military authorities may tell you that your cooperation will help your spouse. Do not believe them.
If you are suspected of a crime or the subject of a search, contact Mr. Sigmon immediately. Early action by Mr. Sigmon may prove critical to protecting your rights and freedom.
Tags: air force, army, civilian defense counsel, criminal law, law, marines, military authorities, Military Law Advice, military lawyer, military police, navy, personal property, search, searches, ucmj
Posted in Military Law Advice | No Comments »
February 24th, 2010
The new Article 120, UCMJ (Rape, sexual assault, and other sexual misconduct) took effect for offenses occurring on and after October 1, 2007. These new changes created 36 offenses that replaced offenses under the former Article 120 and others under Article 134.
Those new Article 120 offenses include:
- Indecent assault
- Indecent acts or liberties with a child
- Indecent exposure
- Indecent acts with another
That UCMJ change also amended some Article 134 offenses.
- Indecent language communicated to another
- Pandering (having someone commit an act of prostitution) is still an offense under Article 134 but the elements have been somewhat modified.
- There is a new Article 120 offense when the pandering is “compelled.”
The changes also permit charging an accused when the accused personally did not engage in the sexual act, sexual contact, indecent conduct, or lewd act, but instead caused another to do so.
If you are suspected of committing any sexual offense, contact Mr. Sigmon immediately! Your future is at risk as these offenses carry significant criminal penalties and early action by Mr. Sigmon may be crucial for your defense.
Tags: assault, exposure, indecent liberties, law, military, pandering, rape, sexual offenses, ucmj
Posted in Military Law Advice | No Comments »
|
Areas of Expertise
- Courts-Martial
- Court-Martial Appeals
See Also
New Blog Posts
According to news reports: The Air Force is testing for Spice through a civilian laboratory and by March will be conducting in-house urinalysis testing. The use of designer synthetic chemicals, such as Spice, and other intoxicating substances are prohibited AFI 44-120. Testing includes random inspection testing, and unit, dorm and gate sweeps. If you test [...]
Read the Blog...
|