Article 15 Explained: Is It a Conviction, and Can You Say No?
What is an Article 15?
It is nonjudicial punishment under the UCMJ. A commander can impose it for certain offenses without a court-martial.
What punishments can it bring?
Depending on rank and the commander’s authority, an Article 15 can bring reduction in rank, forfeiture of pay, extra duties, restrictions or a reprimand.
Is it a criminal conviction?
No, but it can still affect pay, promotion chances and your military record.
Can you refuse it?
In many situations, service members can decline nonjudicial punishment and demand trial by court-martial. That choice carries serious risks, so talk to a military criminal defense attorney before deciding or missing any response deadline.
Read more about how an Article 15 in the military can affect your career.
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