Court Martial Lawyer – Johnson’s trial date scheduled
By DawnDee Bostwick – Waynesville Daily Guide
FORT LEONARD WOOD — The case against Spc. Jermaine Johnson, 26, will go to trial May 18-20. The decision came Friday during Johnson’s arraignment proceedings at Fort Leonard Wood.
The Army reservist did not enter a plea at the arraignment, where he was also advised of his rights concerning court martial proceedings. The proceeding lasted less than 10 minutes.
Under the Constitution’s Fifth Amendment, those serving in the Armed Forces are not given the right to grand jury indictment. As such, Congress enacted the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which governs the military justice system. A general court martial is similar to a civilian felony court.
During the arraignment, the defense deferred its choice of court martial by panel or judge.
Johnson has been charged in relation to the death of Myria Silva, 23. Silva was found dead on or about Oct. 10. She was the wife of Pfc. Benjamin Silva, who is assigned to the 4th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade on Fort Leonard Wood, and mother of two daughters.
Johnson faces seven charges including intent to deceive or provide false statements, premeditated murder, sodomy, assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm, adultery, kidnapping and obstructing justice.
Johnson, a member of the 7223 Medical Support Detachment 10 from Mobile, Ala., was serving in Fort Leonard Wood’s General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital as a healthcare specialist.
If he is convicted, Johnson will face a maximum punishment of life in prison without parole.
Fort Leonard Wood officials emphasize that the charges are merely an accusation and that Johnson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Michael Waddington is a court martial lawyer – court martial attorney that defends military personnel worldwide as well as deployed civilian contractors subject to the UCMJ. He defends Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, Coast Guard, and civilian contractor court martial cases. He has successfully defended military personnel as a court martial lawyer Army Navy Marine & Air Force court martials in Germany, England, Italy, Iraq, Kuwait, Korea, Okinawa, Japan, Yokota, and throughout the United States. military-defense-lawyer-recentcases.htm.
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