Capovilla & Williams Urges Service Members to Know Their Rights When Facing a Military Investigation
Former Army JAG officers say the first conversation with investigators can shape a career, and many troops don't realize they can ask for a lawyer first.
WOODSTOCK, GA, November 05, 2026 -- Capovilla & Williams, a national military defense law firm founded by two former Army judge advocates, is urging service members to learn their rights before they answer questions from military investigators or their command. The firm says many troops facing an investigation give statements, sign paperwork, or accept punishment before they understand what is at stake.
An investigation can start with a single allegation. For the service member, the result can range from a letter of reprimand to separation from the military to a federal conviction at court-martial. Decisions made in the first few days often matter the most.
"I believe justice transcends politics or whatever policy is trending at the moment," said Dan Higgins, a partner at the firm and a 10-year Army veteran.
Rights Service Members Should Know
The right to remain silent. Under Article 31(b) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, investigators must tell a suspected service member what they are accused of, that they do not have to make a statement, and that anything they say can be used against them at court-martial. Those warnings apply whether the questions come from CID, NCIS, OSI, or someone in the chain of command.
The right to a lawyer. Service members can ask to speak with a lawyer before answering questions. They are entitled to a military defense counsel at no cost and may also hire a civilian defense lawyer.
The right to turn down nonjudicial punishment in most cases. Unless they are attached to or embarked on a vessel, service members offered nonjudicial punishment, often called an Article 15 or captain's mast, can generally refuse it and ask for a trial by court-martial instead. That choice carries real risk on both sides and should be made with a lawyer's advice.
The right to respond. Letters of reprimand, separation boards, and other administrative actions usually include a deadline to submit a written response or rebuttal. A strong response can keep a reprimand out of a permanent file or change the outcome of a board.
"Everyone deserves an advocate and someone in their corner," said Christopher D. Jones, the firm's chief operating officer and a retired Air Force colonel.
Built by Former JAG Officers
The firm was founded by Robert F. Capovilla and Mickey S. Williams. Capovilla served in the Army JAG Corps as a magistrate, prosecutor, trial defense counsel, and special assistant U.S. attorney. News outlets including CNN, Military Times, and Stars and Stripes have turned to him as a source on military law.
Williams served with the 1st Ranger Battalion and deployed to combat four times before becoming a judge advocate. As a JAG officer, he prosecuted cases at Fort Lee and defended soldiers at Fort Campbell.
The firm represents service members of every branch worldwide, with a focus on Fort Benning and Fort Campbell. Recent results posted by the firm include dropped charges for soldiers at Fort Rucker and Fort Bragg and full acquittals for an Air Force E-6 and a Navy diver. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome in any future case.
Beyond court-martial defense, the firm also handles federal employment law cases, Title IX matters, and VA disability claims. Its attorneys host the "Military Justice Today" podcast and wrote the book "Court Martial Cases: Defense Strategies and Best Practices."
About Capovilla & Williams
Capovilla & Williams is a national law firm based in Woodstock, Georgia, founded by former Army JAG officers Robert F. Capovilla and Mickey S. Williams. The firm defends service members facing courts-martial, military investigations, nonjudicial punishment, reprimands, and separation boards in every branch of the armed forces, in the United States and overseas. It also represents federal employees in workplace disputes, students and faculty in Title IX proceedings, and veterans seeking VA disability benefits. The firm can be reached 24 hours a day at 866-951-0466. Learn more at military-defenseattorney.com.
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Contact Information
Caroline MaddoxCapovilla & Williams
Woodstock, Georgia
United States
Voice: 866-951-0466
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