Area Defense Counsel

Area Defense Councel unit patchThe ADC provides Air Force members who are suspected of an offense or facing potential adverse administrative actions with independent legal representation. Legal defense services are open to all active duty and Reserve Air Force members.

The McChord ADC is part of the Air Force Legal Operations Agency and their chain of command runs through Travis Air Force Base, Calif., and Washington D.C.

The ADC's experienced judge advocate falls outside the local chain of command, which avoids even an appearance of possible command influence or conflicts of interest as well as allows Airmen to receive completely confidential legal advice.

Article 31 Rights

Under the provisions of Article 31, UCMJ, an Air Force member suspected of committing a criminal offense has the right to remain silent and the right to consult with a military lawyer free of charge prior to making any statements. Any statements a member makes, oral or written, may be used as evidence against them in a trial by court-martial or in other judicial or administrative proceedings. Members have the right to consult a lawyer and to have a lawyer present while being interviewed or interrogated by authorities. In addition to military counsel, members are entitled to civilian counsel of their own choosing, at their own expense. Members may stop the questioning or request a lawyer at any time during questioning. The fact that a member exercises the right to remain silent or the right to consult with an attorney cannot be held against the member by Air Force authorities.

Services

The ADC's prime responsibility is to vigorously and ethically represent clients during adverse military actions such as:

 - Courts-martial and Article 32 hearings
 - Article 15 actions
 - Involuntary discharges
 - Administrative discharge and demotion actions
 - Denial of reenlistment
 - Referral EPRs/OPRs
 - Flying Evaluation Boards
 - Line of Duty Investigations
 - Reports of Survey
 - LORs and LOCs
 - UIF entries and control rosters
 - Any other adverse actions in which counsel for an individual is required or authorized

The ADC is not able to assist in certain areas such as personal civil legal matters, civilian convictions, and items handled by other base agencies. However, if you have any questions as to the availability of our services, please call to make an appointment.

****The Area Defense Counsel is available for Air Force members only. Sister services must contact the nearest servicing base for representation.

Comm: (253) 982-2240

Hours: Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Call to make an appointment

For an after-hours emergency, you can seek the assistance of the ADC by calling the McChord Field Command Post, (253) 982-3666, and asking to speak with the Area Defense Counsel.

100 Col. Joe Jackson Blvd.
Suite B 135
Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA 98438