Question:

I am writing a mystery in Alaska. I am not military, but my son was marines, dad army and ex-husband and brother navy. If that counts. My character commits a felony while in the army in the town where he's stationed. It is not discovered until he is honorably discharged. Can he still have the use of a military attorney?

Jim's Reply

What an interesting question. Since we don't know whether or not the felony was a crime against the military while he was active, we can't be sure. For example, if he committed certain offenses (desertion, murder, theft of military armaments, etc.) the military may be able to arrest and confine him as if he were still active duty. Otherwise, he's a veteran and that means he's a civilian and most criminal activity would be in the civilian system so he'd be on his own...VA doesn't help in cases like this.: