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Re: Improper Referral Question



Hey, Bret,
Interesting scenario.  I have seen this often, in fact.  Am aware of no case law which finds an improper referral even when all recommendations are against it.  You're seeing what happens when common sense and legal sense align, but moral cowardice prevails at convening authority/CMC guidance level.  We give Art 120 "victims" their day in court to avoid the greater pain of family/public backlash for past allegations of failing to adequate pursue "military rape cases."  I'm copying Haytham to see if he has any better insight or has found some case law.  
Unlikely to prevail in my view since recommendations are "advisory only."
Wish I had more.  I feel your pain, though.  You just have to go to court and hand the accuser her ass (so to speak).  And when she complains of ill treatment, you can point to the CA for pushing it to trial.
S/f,
Neal
Neal A. Puckett, Esq
LtCol, USMC (Ret)
Puckett & Faraj, PC
1800 Diagonal Rd, Suite 210
Alexandria, VA 22314
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On Nov 1, 2011, at 12:42 PM, White Capt Bret A wrote:

Neal,

I wonder if you've run into this scenario before, and if so, if you can point me in the right direction:

I have an Art 120 case (with other minor charges) with the following actions since the Art 32 investigation:

- The IO finds "no evidence to support" the nonconsensual sex
- The TC concurs with the IO
- The Art 33 advice concurs with the IO
- The SJA to the GCMCA also says "no evidence to support" the nonconsensual sex
- All charges and specs referred to GCM without modification

The CDC thinks that this is ripe for a motion to dismiss due to improper referral, but I can't find caselaw to support that assertion.  

Do you have any experience in this area from your days on the bench?  I'd appreciate any pointer you have in this.

V/r,


Bret A. White
Captain, U.S. Marine Corps
Defense Counsel

Defense Services Organization, Eastern Region
Marine Corps Base, Quantico               
3250 Catlin Avenue                            
Quantico, VA 22134          

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