Have you ever seen those TV shows?
When the police are reading the suspect their rights, they say something like, you have the right to remain silent.
Anything you say can and will be used against you in the court of law. Something like that.
Well, in the military, It’s called Article 31.
And trust me, it’s powerful.
But here’s the thing.
Article 31 rights are often misunderstood.
So I’m here to explain.
This is your line of defense.
This is your shield.
In the military under Article 31 of the UCMJ, you cannot be compelled to incriminate yourself.
This isn’t just a constitutional and statutory right.
It’s a protection.
It’s like your own personal forcefield.
You have the right to remain silent.
And you should use it.
Think about it.
You’re called in.
Something’s happened.
And they’re asking you questions.
What do you do? What do you say?
Well, here’s the answer. Invoke your Article 31 rights. Say I want a lawyer. Done. That’s it. That’s what you say. No more, no less. I want a lawyer. Because here’s the kicker. Anything you say can and most likely will be used against you. And once it’s out there, it’s out there. You can’t take it back. You can’t say. Never mind. So let your lawyer do the talking. Follow me for more breakdowns on the UCMJ. In military law. Oh, and one more thing.
Remember… In the face of an interrogation, the magic words. I want a lawyer. Magic words.
Stay safe.
Stay strong.
In the meantime, w’ell be defending those who defend America.
Contact the Law Office of Jocelyn C. Stewart at 253-317-8494
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