Understanding UCMJ Article 120 A Complete Guide to Military Sexual Assault Charges

Wiki Article

If you’re serving in the military or know someone who is, you’ve probably heard about the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). It’s the set of rules that all service members must follow, and one of the most serious parts of it is Article 120. This part of the UCMJ deals with sexual assault and related offenses. Because these are serious charges with life-changing consequences, it’s important to know what Article 120 covers. A helpful site to learn more about this is https://ucmjmilitarylaw.com/ucmj/article-120/.

Article 120 covers a wide range of behavior, from rape to unwanted sexual contact. It applies to all branches of the military and is meant to protect service members from sexual harm. But that also means that if someone is accused of breaking this rule, they could face court-martial, jail time, and a dishonorable discharge, even if they’ve served honorably for years.

Charges under Article 120 can include things like sexual assault, abusive sexual contact, and aggravated sexual assault. The law also looks at factors like whether the person gave consent, whether force or threats were used, or whether someone was too drunk or unconscious to agree to anything. The rules are very specific, and that means even one misunderstanding can lead to a serious charge.

It’s also important to know that being accused doesn’t mean someone is guilty. The military justice system allows every accused person a chance to defend themselves, with help from a military lawyer or civilian attorney. These cases often include witness statements, phone records, texts, and any other evidence that can show what really happened. It’s a good idea for anyone involved in this type of situation to learn their rights and stay informed every step of the way.

If you or someone you care about is involved in a case connected to Article 120, the best first step is to learn as much as possible. Staying informed helps people make better choices and understand what they might face. Keeping calm, asking questions, and getting the right help makes a big difference. No matter what side someone is on in these cases, knowledge is power.