Navy Legal Services & Assistance Overview
Persons serving in the military face a unique set of circumstances and situations that require specialized legal advice. Whether it’s family law, criminal charges, re-enlistment, special duty assignments, or a host of other issues, the military provides its own agencies with legal counsel to assist its members in handling the legal aspects of their service. This post is the first part of a three-part series focusing on these unique legal services, the personnel available to help, and where and how to locate them.
The Navy Legal Services program is made up of 15 regions for Navy trial and defense counsel. These regions span from the active duty and reserve commands in the United States, Guam, and Japan.
The Norfolk, Virginia region is the largest of the trial regions in the United States. Together with the Washington, D.C. and Quantico regions, the Norfolk region is the largest in terms of numbers of active duty assigned. The numbers of active duty personnel served in the areas surrounding these two regions have increased significantly in recent years, due to consolidation of various Navy commands.
As is the case with all military branches, members and employees of the Navy can go to any of the multiple branch facilities located throughout the area for their needs. Here in the Norfolk area , there are seven Navy Legal Services offices that serve the active duty commands in the region, including deployments and detachments. They concentrate on the defense side of more serious disciplinary action, but that does not define the breadth and scope of the legal services programs available. In addition to defense of Article 15’s, courts martial, and other matters, there are other specialized legal advisors and services available to the active duty personnel here in Norfolk.
Additionally, the Navy Legal Services program has civilian personnel. They, along with the Sailors on active duty, provide other legal services to the active duty personnel and their families. This includes general legal assistance in estate planning, criminal injunctions, and family law issues, among a host of others. This program dedicates personnel and resources to advising the active duty personnel and their dependents in an effort to enhance their quality of life.
In the event of an international legal matter or an overseas assignment, the Navy has assembled a team of professionals to assist them. Without going further into the legalities of working as an expat, overseas contracting issues, or requirements involving visas, the Navy has personnel trained to advise, assist, and help the active duty personnel – both on duty, and preparing for their assignments around the world.
Services Navy Legal Offers
One of the most notable entities in terms of military law in Norfolk, VA is the Navy. Typically, the first thing that comes to mind when breaking down the law is a criminal defense. This is no different in terms of the Navy and their presence in Norfolk. The Navy provides free criminal offenses and civil defense services for active duty personnel and their family members. This includes representation in court for all offenses. In the event that a member is not stationed in Norfolk, their legal assistance office will provide them with the necessary information so that they can be represented as needed. If an active duty service member is stationed out of Norfolk, they will also get assistance from the Norfolk office.
For any service member who is dealing with a personal legal matter, the Navy provides free attorney consultations. These issues can include family law legal services, debt and financial legal issues, wills or general estate planning, immigration legal issues, landlord and tenant legal assistance, military justice and administrative separation, and claims and torts. Referrals will also be made if these issues cannot be fixed, including military justice or administrative separation. Women and men who are active in the reserve component but do not fall within the control of the Commanding Officer can elect to seek assistance under the civilian legal assistance program.
Getting Help from Navy Legal in Norfolk & Beyond
In Norfolk, VA, active duty Navy personnel seeking legal assistance should begin by contacting the Naval Station Norfolk Family Support Center at (757) 444-2102. Alternatively, you may contact the officer in charge at (757) 444-8933. In either case, you should have readily available your orders or other documentation showing that you are an active duty service member, so that Norfolk Legal Assistance staff can confirm your eligibility for services.
Once they have established your eligibility as a Navy service member, Legal Assistance staff will schedule you an appointment. When you go to your appointment, bring with you all relevant information regarding any legal matters you are facing, and the legal documents in your possession. Legal Assistance staff cannot conduct casework without having the appropriate documents in hand to review.
For example, if you are seeking help with a Trust, you will want to bring in a copy of that Trust. Family Law issues tend to be the most popular among military families. Child custody, property division, or separation agreements will all require your personal financial information in order to proceed. Bring a year’s worth of pay stubs, bank statements, and debts into your Legal Assistance appointment, along with any other documents you can provide to assist in the matter.
For Keep your ducks in a row, if you are going to take time out of your busy day, make sure you are prepared.
Legal Issues for Sailors
Common Legal Issues for Navy Personnel in Norfolk, VA
The deployment of Navy personnel often has a tremendous impact on family dynamics. Some families encounter legal issues for which they need to retain a local attorney. While stationed in Norfolk, Navy personnel may experience issues involving custody and visitation for children. Many of these issues arise from the need to relocate with the Navy or differences about where the families intend to live when the active deployment ends. The order in which Navy families address these issues can determine whether the resolution satisfies a client’s priority.
Other growing concerns regarding child custody involve the separation of those who have entered into a domestic partnership or civil union. Legal consideration for the intended benefit of one party or both parties must be made in equal proportion. As the focus remains on the best interests of the child, a discussion with an experienced attorney about how either parent makes a different arrangement for custody makes sense.
Norfolk, Virginia, is home to multiple city, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. This includes the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, the Joint Forces Staff College of the National Defense University, the U.S. Naval Academy, and other shipyards and marine facilities. With such a heavy concentration of military bases and other supporting facilities, it becomes easy to imagine the number of tenant-landlord disputes heard by a local court. This is especially true since tenants include enlisted personnel, civilians, and veterans who reside throughout Norfolk. Navy personnel should be aware of how they are protected by lease agreements when it comes to eviction, and that they have the right to have the entire rent check payable to the landlord once all tenants are removed from occupancy. An example of this would be a dispute where one spouse retains occupancy of a home or apartment, while the other spouse declines to pay rent out of spite. The spouse who pays rent has the right to recover any penalties assessed by a landlord without returning the favor.
Another area of concern for Navy personnel in Virginia involves military orders that require an officer or enlisted personnel to transport household goods. Transporting goods overseas can be costly, especially when it takes up to 30 days to complete the task. Not having compensation for the goods taken overseas can prove troublesome. Failure to exercise due diligence in settling money needed for household goods transported overseas can result in more than just lost cash. It can result in material charges that could hurt one’s credit score due to a breakdown in communications, or other lost assets retained jointly by Navy personnel.
Questions concerning juvenile records are another issue for Navy personnel in the Portsmouth area. When issues arise concerning a child’s education, curfew, or a wide array of other matters, maintaining an open and ongoing dialogue between parents and children is essential to avoid establishing a permanent record. This is especially important when those records can affect eligibility for a military service branch or many other occupations.
Navy Legal Protections for You
Nearly all Navy personnel are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). This is a system of military law that is designed to bring about fair treatment to all members of the armed forces, addressing factors such as protective services, legal entitlements, equal opportunity, and the general conduct of personnel. The UCMJ also provides these personnel with legal rights and protections , ensuring that a fair process will occur no matter the allegation or crime. Among the rights afforded to military members under the UCMJ is the right to speak with a military lawyer before responding to any interview request by outside law enforcement. Those interview protections can only be waived with a signed document provided by the service member. All service members also have the right to receive free legal advice and services in their area of station whenever they so desire. Those legal protections and rights are guaranteed in Norfolk, VA as well, and they apply to active duty and reserve component personnel alike.
Utilizing Services Offered by Your JAG
Benefits of Utilizing Navy Legal Services in Norfolk, VA
When stationed at Naval Base Norfolk, service members and their families can access a variety of legal services through the Navy Legal Services. From help with investigations to pre-trial advice, these services can be invaluable during difficult times. The Navy’s attorneys work exclusively with military members and their families, which provides unique insight into the legal matters specific to the military and its structure.
The confidentiality of the Navy Legal Services is paramount. Because these attorneys are licensed to practice law in Virginia and are active duty service members themselves, they are able to communicate freely with military members about their case without the fear of sensitive information becoming public knowledge. A lawyer-client privilege is established immediately, which provides a degree of protection over what is discussed about the case.
These lawyers are incredibly experienced in representing military members who have been charged with an offense. The military justice system is much different than civilian courts, so having counsel who is familiar with how things work is critical. This experience allows them to develop strong, insightful solutions to problems quickly so that their client receives the representation they need.
Another advantage the attorneys at Navy Legal Services have in working with military members is understanding exactly how the military as an organization typically handles cases. Most civilians are unaware that rules like Article 15 exist, which is why it is helpful to have someone who is already familiar with the process. The Navy’s legal team takes a great interest in providing the best possible legal advice to service members. Since they come from a military background themselves, they are able to relate to clients who may be discouraged with the legal process, including non-judicial discipline proceedings.
It is important for service members to remember that they have access to these low-cost legal services while living in Norfolk, VA. The cost savings for using these attorneys are immense when compared to what a civilian lawyer might charge. This allows many people to get the help they need without worrying about having to pay an exorbitant fee.
Contact Information & Helpful Resources
The following is the contact information and some helpful links for Navy legal services in Norfolk, VA. It also provides some choices from a prior "Other Military Services" blog post on how to get around this, without having to drive somewhere.
Naval Station Norfolk
Road: Norfolk
Building: NavLegalServ
Phone: 757-444-1342
Website: www.jag.navy.mil/legal_services.html
Naval Base Norfolk
Road: Norfolk
Building: JAG Office
Phone: 757-462-7498
Website: www.jag.navy.mil/legal_services.html
Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic
Road: Norfolk
Building: JAG Office
Phone: 757-451-7179
Website: www.jag.navy.mil/legal_services.html
Naval Support Activity, Norfolk
Road: Hampton
Building: JAG Office
Phone: 757-878-3920
Website:
N/A
Carrier Strike Group 10 (CSG)
Road: Norfolk
Phone: 757-443-3011
Website:
N/A
Carrier Strike Group 8 (CSG 8)
Road: Norfolk
Phone: 757-445-5168
Website:
N/A
Submarine Group 2
Road: Norfolk
Phone: 757-452-0681
Website:
N/A
Final Legal Tips for Sailors
In conclusion, it is vital for Navy personnel and their families in Norfolk, VA to be proactive in navigating the complex landscape of legal rights and available services. First and foremost, utilizing the resources of the JAG Corps is crucial. The JAG Corps provides a wealth of information about legal rights, local services, and any changes in the law that may affect personnel. Maintaining regular communication with the nearest Navy Legal Services Office also ensures that military families are aware of any new programs or initiatives that could be beneficial.
Moreover, accessing online resources, such as the My Navy Portal or Military OneSource, allows service members and their families to stay informed about legal matters, personal rights , and the various benefits that they have earned through their service. It is essential for Navy personnel to keep abreast of any issues that could affect their finances, estate planning, or other legal matters that may arise.
In addition, seeking out off-base resources, like local legal aid societies or non-profit organizations, can further assist in navigating legal processes and providing support. Finally, being aware of deadlines, such as those for filing claims, changing beneficiary designations, or updating wills, ensures that peace of mind is never put on hold.
By utilizing these resources and maintaining a proactive approach, Navy service members and their families can confidently secure their legal rights and navigate the legal landscape in Norfolk, VA.