Posted by Bradley Henderson
Last Updated
Stone River Law’s military defense lawyer represents service members at Hill Air Force Base and throughout Utah who are facing courts-martial, military investigations, nonjudicial punishment, administrative separation or civilian criminal charges. Attorney Bradley Henderson served 12 years on active duty in the Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps, including as Chief of Military Justice for Air Force Global Strike Command and the 9th Air Force, where he prosecuted and supervised courts-martial. Our Layton office is minutes from the base.
Call 801-448-7451 to talk with Brad about your situation.
Why Military Justice Experience Matters
Military cases don’t work like civilian cases. For many cases, Commanders, not district attorneys, decide whether to pursue charges, and the same allegation can lead to a court-martial, nonjudicial punishment, an administrative discharge or a combination of all three. Each path has its own rules, deadlines and effect on your career.
Brad has worked inside that system. As a military prosecutor and legal advisor, he reviewed investigations, advised senior commanders on how to handle misconduct, and supervised prosecutions at several levels of command. He knows what commanders and military prosecutors weigh when they decide how to proceed, and he uses that knowledge to look for weaknesses in the government’s case and options that protect your future.
Military Cases We Handle
- Courts-martial for alleged violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ)
- Military investigations, including interviews by the Office of Special Investigations (OSI) or Security Forces
- Article 32 preliminary hearings
- Nonjudicial punishment under Article 15
- Administrative discharge boards and separation actions
- Letters of reprimand and other adverse administrative actions
- Sexual assault allegations under the UCMJ
- Drug offenses, including urinalysis cases
- Fraud, theft and false official statement allegations
Civilian Charges Against Service Members
If you are arrested off base in Davis or Weber County, your case will usually be handled in a Utah court, and your command may also be notified and take its own action. A conviction or plea in civilian court can affect your career, security clearance or separation. We defend the civilian case while keeping the military consequences in view, so a decision in one doesn’t create problems in the other.
Learn more about criminal defense in Layton and the Second District Court in Farmington.
Your Right to a Lawyer in a Military Case
Service members have the right to a military defense attorney at no cost, and the right to hire civilian counsel at their own expense. A civilian attorney can work alongside your military defense counsel or take the lead, depending on what you want.
If investigators or your command want to question you about suspected misconduct, you have the right to remain silent under Article 31 of the UCMJ. Ask to speak with a lawyer before answering questions.
Brad Henderson’s Military Justice Experience
- 12 years on active duty in the Air Force JAG Corps (2006–2018)
- Chief of Military Justice, Air Force Global Strike Command and the 9th Air Force
- Deputy Staff Judge Advocate, 90th Missile Wing
- Chief of Adverse Actions and General Law, 20th Air Force
- Prosecuted and supervised courts-martial involving drug offenses, sexual assault allegations, theft, fraud, false official statements and conduct unbecoming an officer
- Served as a preliminary investigation hearing officer
- Deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq
- Training includes the Trial and Defense Advocacy Course and the Special Victims Course
Common Questions About Military Defense
Do I need a civilian lawyer if I already have military defense counsel?
Not always. Your military defense counsel is free and can represent you well. Some service members also hire a civilian attorney for added experience, more time on their case, or continuity if their military counsel changes. The choice is yours, and the two can work together.
Should I accept an Article 15?
It depends on the evidence, the likely punishment and your career goals. In most cases you can turn down an Article 15 and demand trial by court-martial, but that choice carries its own risks. Talk with a lawyer before your deadline to respond.
What should I do if OSI wants to interview me?
You are not required to answer questions about suspected misconduct. Politely say that you want to speak with a lawyer, and contact one before the interview.
Can you help if I was arrested off base?
Yes. We defend service members in Utah civilian courts and consider how the case may affect your military career.
Do you represent service members at other installations?
Yes. We can represent military servicemembers with cases and investigations related to the United States military at any installation around the world.
Talk With a Military Defense Attorney Near Hill AFB
If you are under investigation, facing charges or dealing with an adverse action, early advice can protect your rights and your career. Call Stone River Law at 801-448-7451 or request a consultation. Our office is at 952 S. Main St., Suite A, Layton, Utah 84041.
Past experience does not guarantee a particular result. Every case depends on its own facts and applicable law.