Defense Service Office North (DSO North)
Mission
We provide the highest quality legal representation to military service members as efficiently as possible, consistent with our ethical obligation to represent our clients zealously. We represent service members at Administrative Separation Boards, Boards of Inquiry and Courts-Martial, in addition to providing advice to service members on defense-related topics such as nonjudicial punishment.
Contact Us First
If you need the assistance of a defense attorney, please contact us for more information. Be prepared to provide an email and/or phone number where you can be reached for scheduling an appointment or to set up an initial consultation.
You will also need to complete a Request for Services.
Legal Services Provided
Please review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) before selecting from the topics below. Click on the topic for more information.
If you need assistance with any of these issues, download the Request for Services and contact us.
Defense
- Administrative Separations
- Article 31b Rights
- Article 32 Investigations
- Attorney-Client Relationship
- Confinement
- Convening Authorities
- Complaints of Wrongs
- Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP)/Office Hours
- Post-Trial Matters (Appeals, Clemency)
- Right to Counsel
- Types of Court-Martial
- Military Justice Terms
How to Obtain a Remote Appointment
Contact the closest office to you by phone or e-mail. If you do not know the closest office, contact our headquarters location.
We will ask for a phone number where you can be contacted. If you do not have access to a place where you can have a conversation privately, you will be instructed where to go on-base in order to do so.
You will need to complete a Request for Services prior to the initial consultation.
Walk-in Procedure
Appointments are optimal. However, defense clients (suspected or accused of misconduct or being subjected to administrative proceedings) may walk in for consultation with defense counsel on a daily basis depending on attorney availability. During walk-in hours, service members have the opportunity to consult with defense counsel regarding pre- and post-nonjudicial punishment advice, summary court-martial advice, Article 138 and 1150 complaints, administrative separation processing, hardship discharges and suspect's rights. Although a defense counsel is available for consultation, the attorney and service member will not form an attorney-client relationship except in unusual circumstances.
If you are coming to see an attorney as a walk-in, be sure to bring any documents given to you related to the reason you are seeking advice. Simply come to our office and complete an intake form. Every effort will be made for you to speak with an attorney as quickly as possible.