Area Defense Counsel there for Airmen

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LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  The Little Rock Air Force Base Area Defense Counsel office provides numerous services for Air Force members facing adverse administrative or criminal action.

Capt. Peter Kezar, the ADC, and Senior Airman Jamie Palmiter, the defense paralegal, assist members facing courts-martial, Article 15s, discharge boards, flying evaluation boards, unfavorable information files, referral enlisted and officer performance reports and other adverse actions.

They also assist members who have been questioned and read their rights, or who may be questioned at some point in the future.

"If you have been questioned and read your rights by an Air Force Office of Special Investigations agent, security forces investigator, or anyone else, you have the absolute, fundamental and constitutional right to remain silent and request the assistance of an attorney," said Captain Kezar. He adds that if statements are made, verbal or written, those statements can and will be used against the member in a court-martial.

Airmen who initially waive their rights may reassert them at any time and end the interrogation.

"Ultimately, Airmen have the right to make a statement as well as the right to not make a statement, but they don't have the right to lie," said Captain Kezar.

Captain Kezar also points out that Airmen have the right not to consent to searches of one's urine (for a urinalysis), blood, breath, car or residence.

"A search may still be performed, despite your lack of consent, if there's probable cause or if it's command-directed, but depending on the nature of the search (whether it's based on consent, probable cause, or being command-directed), there may be different consequences," said Captain Kezar. "You may decline consent to a search at any time and you may talk with an attorney before consenting to a search and before making any statements."

The ADC is not attached to any wing, numbered Air Force or major command. They fall under a separate defense command, so they are able to independently represent people.

"We are here to ensure that necessary check and balance in our military justice system and to ensure the process is fair," Captain Kezar said. "We are here for everyone, whatever your rank is."

Captain Kezar is a licensed attorney certified by the Air Force as a judge advocate. Airman Palmiter is a certified paralegal. For questions or legal assistance, call 987-3260. After hours, the ADC may be reached through the command post at 987-1900.

(Courtesy of the ADC office)