Area Defense Counsel

The ADC provides Air Force members who are suspected of an offense or facing potential adverse administrative actions with independent legal representation. The ADC is an experienced judge advocate who operates outside the local chain of command so as to avoid even an appearance of possible command influence or conflicts of interest. This ensures the member receives completely confidential legal advice.

Services Provided

The ADC's prime responsibility is to vigorously and ethically
represent clients during adverse military actions such as:

- Courts-martial and Article 32 hearings
- Article 15 actions
- Administrative discharge and demotion actions
- Denial of re-enlistment
- Referral EPRs/OPRs
- Suspect Rights advisements
- Line of Duty investigations
- Reports of Survey
- LORs and LOCs
- UIF entries and control rosters
- Any other adverse actions in which counsel for an individual is required or authorized

The ADC is not able to assist in certain areas such as personal civil legal matters, civilian convictions, and items handled by other base agencies. However, if you have any questions as to the availability of our services, please call to make an appointment at 226-3910.

****The Area Defense Counsel is available for Air Force members only. Sister services must contact the nearest servicing base for representation.

Office Hours & Closures

Monday through Friday, 0730 to 1630, by appointment.

We operate by appointment only; however, emergency
walk-ins are accepted as needed. Please call DSN
226-3910 to set up an appointment.

Although independent of the base, the ADC office observes
all holidays, down days, weather delays and closures in
accordance with the wing.

Location

The Area Defense Counsel is located in Bldg. 557.

Article 31 Rights

Under the provisions of Article 31, UCMJ, 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 statements. Any statements a member makes, oral or written, may be used as evidence against them in a trial by court-martial or in other judicial or administrative proceedings. Members must have the right to consult a lawyer and to have a lawyer present while being interviewed or interrogated by authorities. In addition to military counsel, members are entitled to civilian counsel of their own choosing, at their own expense. Members may stop the questioning or request a lawyer at any time during questioning. The fact that a member exercises the right to remain silent or the right to consult with an attorney cannot be held against the member by Air Force authorities.