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SSgt Lopez

Haytham,
 
SSgt Lopez e-mailed me and just wants to talk about her options.  She said that from your conversation she feels like an NJP would probably be best but she's uncomfortable pleading to one (or more) of the specs, namely cruelty and maltreatment.  I told her she could swing by the library where I'm studying and we could discuss it.  I'm just going to lay out her options and talk to her about the possibilities with each one, essentially:
 
- NJP deal: guarantees no conviction, and means being a cop after the Marine Corps is a pretty good option, they won't try to adsep her, but promotion will be very tough and reenlistment may be, too, in the current climate. 
 
- SPCM: while a full acquittal is possible, that's banking on jury nullification and if we get a handful on the jury who are sticklers, a conviction on one or two specs would be likely because, regardless of the command climate, etc.  there are one or two specs where a jury would likely say "you knew it was wrong to do X".  WIth a SPCM conviction, promotion is nearly impossible, and would hurt her chances of going into law enforcement after the Marine Corps. 
 
As far as terms: my understanding is that she'd have to agree to testify against GySgt Kelton.  As long as it's consistent with her proffer, I don't think you and I have an issue with this.  Any other important terms you think we need to include? 
 
I'll let you know what she says.
 
S/f,
 
Bret