ADC - your advocate in times of need

  • Published
  • By Capt. Danielle Crowder and Staff Sgt. Robert Pilon
  • Area Defense Counsel
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  Many have seen our photos on posters in common work areas stating "The Area Defense Counsel works for you, not the command."  But many still may not know who we are or what do we do.

Like our counterparts at the base legal office, we are active-duty attorneys and paralegals, but unlike the legal office personnel, we don't work for the command. The Area Defense Counsel (or ADC) was established in 1976 to provide defense services independent from the base legal office. That means that we represent our clients, not the Air Force.

In 1983, Maj. Gen. Thomas Bruton, then The Judge Advocate General of the Air Force, put it this way: "It is not the job of the defense counsel to assist or make it easy for the Government to establish or present its case.  To the contrary, the independent defense structure pioneered by the Air Force was in part established to enable defense counsel to freely make those many difficult and sometimes challenging decisions without fear of command interference or reprisal." 

We represent active-duty Air Force members in actions under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), at courts-martial and non-judicial punishment actions.  We also represent clients in a variety of other actions including administrative discharges, referral performance reports and letters of reprimand.  We can assist while the command is still investigating, before any action is taken against you. 

Remember, under military law, an Air Force member suspected of committing a criminal offense has the right to remain silent and the right to consult with a military lawyer free of charge prior to making any statement.  Additionally, any statement that is made -- whether oral or written -- may be used against the member in a court-martial, non-judicial punishment action or administrative action.  The fact a member exercises either the right to remain silent or the right to consult with an attorney cannot be held against the member by Air Force authorities.

If you find yourself in need of our services or have any questions about what we do, please stop by our office in in Bldg. 1255, Suite 201 (above Finance and MPS) or call us at 501-987-3260.