Conduct Unbecoming of an Officer and Gentleman

According to the Uniform Military Code of Justice (UMCJ), any commissioned officer, cadet, or midshipman who is convicted of conduct that is unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman shall be punished as a courts martial may direct. This can relate to actions committed or actions that were omitted which then constituted the violation. The term gentleman in the code applies to both men and women who are commissioned officers, cadets or midshipmen.

What constitutes unbecoming conduct?

Conduct or behavior which acts in the capacity to dishonor, disgrace, or seriously compromise the individual's character or standing as an officer and as a gentleman constitutes unbecoming conduct. Examples of this type of conduct would be:

• Cheating on an examination
• Being drunk and disorderly in a public place
• Public association with known prostitutes
• Committing a crime or attempting to commit one involving depraved moral character
• Failing without good cause to support the officer's family
• Using insulting and defamatory language to another officer in their presence or about that officer to other military personnel

Consequences of Officer Misconduct

Officer misconduct can be sufficient grounds for a service member to be involuntarily discharged. An administrative discharge can be based on misconduct which may include a civilian conviction, drug use, commission of a serious offense, minor disciplinary infractions or a specific pattern of misconduct. Many actions which are addressed in officer misconduct cases may also be addressed by court-martial.

A maximum penalty can include dismissal, forfeiture of all pay and allowances and confinement for a period which is authorized and not in excess of punishment as prescribed in the UMCJ for most similar offenses or, if none is prescribed, for a 1 year period.

Defense for Accusations of Officer Misconduct

If you are facing military officer misconduct charges or some other related matter, you need to consult with an experienced military criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights. At Guy L. Womack & Associates, a Houston criminal defense attorney team, we have extensive experience in military court-martial proceedings as well as administrative discharge hearings and can offer you the aggressive representation you deserve. As a father and son team, Mr. Womack and his son Geoff, represent military law cases nationwide. We fully recognize that your military career and freedom are on the line and will do everything in our power to protect these.

You Want the Best Attorney for Your Defense

Mr. Womack is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Marines as well as a former Military Judge and Infantry Officer; he has become one of the top military defense attorneys in the nation and is one of the most respected and powerful attorneys in federal, state and military courts. His case results speak for themselves and are nothing short of stunning.

For experienced, effective and aggressive defense, contact a military criminal lawyer at Guy L. Womack & Associates today and we will review your officer misconduct charges in confidence.