MILITARY OFFICER SEPARATION BOARDS
WHAT IS A BOARD OF INQUIRY?
Boards of Inquiry are the statutory method used by which the military services separate or “eliminate” an officer from military service. The Board of Inquiry could result in your military discharge or military separation. The process differs slightly in each service but essentially begins with a report of misconduct or substandard performance. The officer is notified, or ordered to “show cause” for retention, and a local commander convenes a Board of three officer, all senior to the officer notified. The Board then convenes a hearing at which the service is represented by a government attorney who will present evidence as to why the officer should be separated. If you are ordered to “show cause,” you have a right to be represented by an active duty military attorney free of charge at this hearing. You also have a right to hire experienced military lawyer to represent you. Click here for information to help you decide if you should hire an experienced military attorney.WHAT DO BOARDS OF INQUIRY DO?
During the hearing, the board must answer three questions. First, does the preponderance (e.g., 51 percent) of the evidence support the reason for separation? If so, does that reason merit separation from the military? If so, what type of discharge should you receive. If you’re eligible for retirement, the Board will likely be ordered to make a “retirement grade determination,” which is a recommendation as to whether you should be retired at a lower rank than the one you then held. Most of these decisions are simply recommendations to the Separation Authority (usually a General or Flag officer) or even to the Service Secretary. THESE HEARINGS ARE REAL CHANCES TO CONVINCE THE BOARD THAT YOU SHOULD BE RETAINED IN THE SERVICE AND SHOULD NOT BE DOWNPLAYED OR WAIVED WITHOUT CONSULTING AN EXPERIENCED MILITARY ATTORNEY!SHOULD I HIRE AN EXPERIENCED MILITARY LAWYER TO HELP ME AT A BOARD OF INQUIRY?
The BOI process can have dramatic impacts on your career and your future as a civilian. For this reason, we encourage you to obtain experienced counsel to assist you BEFORE you make any decisions. After participation in hundreds of BOIs over two decades as an active duty attorney, either as the government attorney, the officer’s defense attorney, and as the Separation Authority’s attorney, Don will explain that EXPERIENCE MATTERS! As an active duty O-6 JAG, Don sat on the working group that created and recommended the Navy’s latest BOI procedures. He knows what the Separation Authorities care about, what the Board members care about, and how to persuade them all. “My top Captain across all designators and commands. Best JAG I have ever known!” Navy Rear Admiral, 2019 And you need experienced counsel NOW! Click here to read about why it is so important to get counsel as soon as you can. At King Military Law, we know what’s on the line. We understand the importance of thorough, meticulous preparation and we’ve mastered the art of winning. Please give us a call if you think we can help. King Military Law: Decades of Experience in YOUR Corner–When Experience Matters MostGoogle Reviews
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
