A top Marine lawyer admitted to once doing nothing as troops beat a ‘young gay Marine,’ command investigation finds

Photo of Col. Christopher B. Shaw — Col. Christopher B. Shaw, shown as a lieutenant colonel in this picture, was a deputy director of the of the Judge Advocate Division. (Cpl. Emmanuel Ramos/U.S. Marine Corps).

Familiar with the command structure of the military, many active duty service members fear that their uniformed military defense attorney may prioritize career over client, and so decline to fight “hard” for them against the military leaders/establishment that controls the attorney’s career.

While most active duty defenders I’ve worked with have been courageous and zealous, the continuing saga of this Marine lawyer makes clear that these fears are not without basis.

The Marine Corps would do well to take all necessary steps to eliminate this form of “unlawful command influence” and ENSURE that defense counsel are insulated from unworthy leaders who would punish them for doing their job. As Congress invests heavily to provide for the thorough and aggressive prosecution of our service members accused of crime, so too should it focus on ensuring the rights of our innocent men and women accused of them are as strongly protected. And the most important step in doing that is to ensure the lawyers defending them need not be looking over their own shoulders.

If you or a loved one find yourself a defendant in the gears of Military Justice, chances are that your active duty lawyer will unhesitatingly put client before career–they are men and women of outstanding professionalism and doing so is part of the oath they took to become a lawyer.

But if you have any doubts, you’re not without options. Several of us have retired from active duty after practicing military justice for decades and we are beholden to no one. We’re here to help with command investigations and just a phone call away.

KingMilitaryLaw.com
~When Experience Matters Most~

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Leslie Puik

01:03 07 May 23

There aren't enough words of high praise to express our appreciation for Don King of King Military Law. He and his very qualified staff Kasheta and Angela took care of our needs like we were their only clients. They are all highly professional, superb communicators, responsive, and thorough. They are caring, compassionate and patiently listen to and address every concern as though they were helping one of their family members. Don excels at helping others understand the processes of the law. He educates his clients so that they can navigate toward the best possible solution and outcome. We will be forever grateful for the entire team's effort to help our family through the most challenging time of our lives.I highly recommend King Military Law.

john puik

11:57 05 May 23

Don fought hard for our son with passion and experience.My wife and I can't say enough good things about our experience with King Military Law. Don is an excellent communicator, patiently explaining every aspect of the case, keeping us informed throughout the process. It was obvious to us that his experience in the military law system was the most important benefit of our decision to hire him. The staff, Kasheta and Angela were incredible. Emails were returned promptly. All questions were answered without delay. I always felt like we were their only client. We were truly blessed to have found Don and his staff to help us with this matter.

Dakota Grammer

21:49 09 Mar 23

Let me begin by saying Mr. King has saved my life. I hired Mr. King for defense in a Court Martial case. His entire team worked tirelessly to create a solid defense for me. They would even just have conversations with me to make sure my mental health was okay throughout the whole process, making sure I know my resources incase I needed help. Because of Mr. King and his team I got an amazing plea that would not have been possible without him. I would recommend anyone to Mr. King and his team. Thank you all again for everything you have done for me and helping me still have a life after such a stressful event!

Bman153

06:14 28 Feb 23

I felt so hopeless until I found Don. The way that most of us service members aren’t entirely educated on our rights. Is appalling. What I was accused of is supposed to be a career killer. Something as simple as licking my finger tips while handling cash could’ve cost me everything. Don and LT Bassani both work in tandem in away that was so symbiotic you could’ve sworn they’ve worked together for decades. And a special and well deserved shoutout to Angela and Kasheta. They walked me through the process and practically held my hand the entire way. Not only that but they made myself and my witnesses feel comfortable. When it’s all said and done. This is the team you want on your side.

Kyp Ridenhour

19:05 05 Dec 22

Don King is as exceptional as his resume would have you believe. His knowledge of legal proceedings, and litigating skills were far above what I had even expected. His assistance was worth every penny. I could not have been happier with choosing King Military Law. Don and his team helped me through every part of the legal procedure that I was dealing with and if it had not been for his team I would not have been able to continue my career in the United States Marine Corps. Mr. King and his team were always able to help me and I would not ever recommend anyone else for help in a military law situation as Mr. King has more experience in military law and litigating than any prosecutor that the United States government would put up against you. His team will help you fight back any false charges and I would happily trust him and his team in any situation. My brother is a lawyer and he told me I was very lucky to find such an experienced lawyer to help me. Please reach out to KingMilitaryLaw for help if you are ever in need.

Tonio

01:46 17 Nov 22

I had a great experience working with King Military Law. They are excellent when it comes to communication and understanding the law. I would truly recommend them to anyone who needs assistance on any legal issues.

Siddharth Swaminathan

14:41 09 Nov 22

Simply put Don, Kasheta and the rest of king military law are amazing. They are worth every dollar and Don truly cares about each of one of his clients. He will work night and day for and there is no one better than Don in this business. I was facing a board of inquiry for a situation that had gotten so far out of hand. Don pointed out so many flaws in my case and stopped my situation before it made it to a BOI. I cant thank Don enough. I called Don over 20 times a day. He always answered my phone calls, was patient and was with me every step of the way keeping me calm and grounded. My only regret is I didnt call Don immediately at the first sign of trouble.

Pusha 392

01:17 03 Nov 22

Was in an overwhelming situation with the Navy, reached out for a consultation with Mr King, he explained potential outcomes and path that could be taken. I felt comfortable hiring him and his team. Mr Don and his are knowledgeable, effective, efficient and very understanding. Because of their help I’m able to continue my time in the Navy. Big shout to Angela Schlosser and Kasheta De La Garza, who work and assist Mr Don King

greg Mea

04:22 12 Oct 22

I can’t recommend King Military Law enough ! I felt like I wasn’t just a case but an actual person. They were professional yet compassionate every step of the way. Answered every question with kindness and honesty. They are completely transparent an filled with knowledge . Which i think is what everyone should look for when thinking about hiring an attorney. They truly have your best interest at heart.

Gabe Carothers

03:05 30 Jul 22

King military law truly cares, and will be by your side every single step of the way. If you are even thinking of calling them. Do It. They are true professionals who care. Thank you king military law.