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Area Defense Counsel Area Defense Counsel

The ADC provides Air Force members who are suspected of an offense or facing potential adverse administrative actions with independent legal representation. The ADC is an experienced judge advocate 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.
tabServices Provided  
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
- Administrative discharge and Demotion actions
- Denial of Reenlistment
- Referral EPRs/OPRs
- Suspect Rights Advisements
- 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.

· Army - Fort Leonard Wood at 573-596-0628 and DSN 581-0628

· Marines, Navy, and Coast Guard go to Great Lakes Naval Center at 847-688-4753 and DSN 792-4753
tabPersonnel 
Capt. Peter F. Havern, Area Defense Counsel 

Staff Sgt. Danielle Espinosa-Chesko, Defense Paralegal

ADC Flyer
tabOffice Hours and Closures 
Monday through Friday 

0730 - 1630, by appointment. 

We operate by appointment only; however, emergency walk-ins are accepted as needed. Please call 618-256-3246 or DSN 576-3246 to set up an appointment. 

Although independent of the base, the ADC office observes all holidays, down days, and weather delays and closures in accordance with the Wing.
tabLocation 
The Area Defense Counsel is located in building P-7. It is the small building on the corner across from the Parade Field. Parking is available in HAWC parking lot located on the side of the building.
tabArticle 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.
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