Sexual Assault and Wokeness in the Military
Military sexual assault allegations have become increasingly politicized, putting accused service members at greater risk than ever before. As detailed in “Woke Warriors,” co-authored by our founding attorneys Andrew and Katie Cherkasky, the military justice system has transformed dramatically in recent years regarding how these cases are handled.
The Reality of Military Sexual Assault Prosecutions
The military now prosecutes nearly every sexual assault allegation that has what prosecutors call a “cooperative victim.” Even more concerning, our experience shows the military frequently takes cases to court-martial that civilian prosecutors have already declined. This isn’t a matter of being tough on crime – it’s a politically driven policy that can destroy innocent service members’ careers.
According to our analysis shared in “Woke Warriors,” the military’s sexual assault conviction rate is strikingly low – approximately 93% of cases end in acquittal at trial. This statistic reveals a troubling truth: many weak or unfounded cases are being pushed to court-martial for political reasons rather than legal merit.
Why You Need Experienced Defense Counsel
At Golden Law, our military defense attorneys have a unique perspective on these cases. Having served as both prosecutors and defense counsel in the military justice system, we understand how the current political climate affects charging decisions and case handling. The military’s aggressive stance means that:
- Commanders feel pressured to push cases to court-martial regardless of evidence
- Investigators may focus on confirming allegations rather than finding truth
- Administrative actions can damage your career even if you’re acquitted
- Early legal representation is crucial to protecting your rights
- Your command’s career interests may conflict with treating you fairly
The Current Political Climate
The military’s approach to sexual assault cases changed dramatically after 2012, when a documentary called “The Invisible War” sparked congressional pressure for more prosecutions. As we detail in our book, this led to:
- Commanders losing discretion in handling these cases
- Increased pressure to believe all allegations
- New legal frameworks favoring accusers
- Automatic benefits for alleged victims regardless of case outcome
- Career consequences for leaders who question allegations
Protecting Your Rights and Career
If you’re accused of sexual assault in the military, you need to understand:
- Do not make statements to investigators without consulting an attorney
- The military can prosecute you even if civilian authorities declined the case
- You face both criminal and administrative career threats
- Your command may feel pressured to act against you regardless of evidence
- Early legal representation often leads to better outcomes
The Golden Law Difference
Our founding attorneys literally wrote the book on how the military justice system handles these cases today. We have successfully defended service members against sexual assault allegations at over 120 military installations worldwide. Our experience as former JAG officers gives us unique insight into both prosecution and defense strategies.
Don’t let an allegation destroy your military career. Contact Golden Law’s experienced military defense attorneys for a free consultation. Our team understands the current political and legal landscape and how to navigate it effectively to protect your rights and career.
Remember: The military’s current approach to sexual assault cases often presumes guilt before innocence. You need experienced counsel who understands both the legal and political aspects of these cases. Let our experience and insight work for you.
