July 31, 2025 | Military Assistance
If you’re a member of the U.S. military and facing criminal charges in Louisville, Kentucky, one of your first questions may be whether you have to pay for a military defense lawyer. The answer depends on a few key details, including the type of case and whether you want additional legal help.
While military personnel do have access to free legal services, there are situations where hiring a civilian defense attorney may be in your best interest. Here, we’ll explain how military defense works and what you need to know about costs, rights, and options.
Your Right to a Military Lawyer
All service members are entitled to free legal representation if they are facing a court-martial. This right is guaranteed by the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). The military will assign you a defense attorney (often called a Judge Advocate General (JAG)) at no cost to you.
These lawyers are fully licensed and trained to handle military criminal cases. They understand military procedures and can help protect your rights throughout the process.
When Might You Consider Paying for a Lawyer?
While military lawyers are free, you can still choose to hire a civilian criminal defense attorney to represent you, either alone or alongside your assigned JAG attorney. If you do this, you will need to cover the cost of hiring that lawyer yourself.
Some reasons people choose to pay for a civilian attorney include:
- You want someone with more experience handling serious or high-profile cases.
- You feel more comfortable working with a lawyer outside the military.
- You want a second opinion or additional legal advice to support your JAG attorney.
- You believe your case may involve civilian courts or long-term consequences beyond military discharge.
Hiring a private attorney is your choice, but it does not replace your right to free representation from a military lawyer.
Can You Use Both a Military and Civilian Lawyer?
Yes, you can. You are allowed to have both a free JAG attorney and a private civilian attorney working on your case. In many situations, the two lawyers can work together to protect your rights and build your defense.
Your civilian attorney will not be paid by the military, and they must be approved to appear in a military court. However, this approval is usually a simple process.
What if Your Case Involves Civilian Charges Too?
If you are charged with an offense that violates both military and civilian laws (like DUI or assault), you may face consequences in both systems. In these cases, a civilian attorney can represent you in Kentucky state court while your JAG attorney handles the military side.
Having both types of lawyers gives you full coverage and ensures that all parts of your case are handled properly.
Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Louisville Today for a Free Case Review
If you’re serving in the military and have been charged with a crime in Louisville, Kentucky, you have legal rights and options. While you do not have to pay for a military lawyer, you may choose to hire a private attorney for added help or peace of mind.
To better understand your situation, set up a free consultation with a criminal defense attorney in Louisville who handles both military and civilian cases. That way, you can help ensure that your case gets off to a productive start.
For help and to learn more, contact Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Contact the Louisville Military Defense Attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers For Help Today
For more information, contact the military defense attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers give us a call today at (502) 371-7000 or visit us at our Louisville Law Office.
Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers – Louisville
214 Clay Street, Suite A,
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 371-7000
