Area Defense Counsel represents Airmen Published Nov. 20, 2013 By Staff Sgt. Maria Bowman 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- When a person is suspected of a crime in the military, the suspect is told about his or her legal rights under Article 31 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The rights most people are familiar with are the "right to remain silent" and the "right to an attorney." The military has its own defense attorney for individuals suspected of crimes, called the Area Defense Counsel. The ADC is available to Air Force members at Scott Air Force Base who find themselves in need of legal representation when they are faced with possible adverse administrative actions or being suspected of an illegal activity. "We represent the Airmen on this base and are their voice to their commanders when they get in trouble," said Capt. Crystal Wong, Area Defense Counsel. "We also provide advice if they believe they are close to being in trouble. We provide assistance on a wide range of issues, from the very minor 'my supervisor yelled at me because he thought I was late,' to 'I committed a crime, what do I do.'" When an individual comes to the ADC for assistance, 100 percent confidentiality is guaranteed. Tech. Sgt. Danielle Espinosa-Chesko, defense paralegal, said, "The chaplains and ourselves are the only two outlets on this base that you can go to, and what you say won't come back to hurt you. They can talk to us in confidence." Wong recommends coming to see the ADC as early as possible, so they can better be of service. "If Airmen think they might need a second opinion on a response to an action, they should come see us," she said. "We would rather have them come to us early, instead of waiting until they are facing bigger punishment. Get help from us early on. We give them a better way ahead. We are here to tell their side of the story and make sure their rights are protected." Once the ADC becomes involved, they help their clients through the legal process to help them achieve their goals. "When they come in, we will try and figure out what's going on and what they need assistance with," said Espinosa-Chesko. "Based on the information we get, we map out what our next steps will be and help them achieve realistic goals." In addition to working on a way to achieve the right outcome for their clients, the ADC also can let them know what repercussions they can expect. Wong said, "We know when something is likely going to end up an Article 15, court martial or just a slap on the wrist. We can give them an idea of what they might be facing. That way they aren't going be in limbo. We provide them peace of mind. A lot of the time, when you are under investigation, nobody's talking to you, so you don't know what's going on." When their clients are under investigation, the ADC can sit with them during investigations from the Office of Special Investigations or Security Forces. They can also represent them in a military court. "The government has the burden of proof and has to prove a crime occurred beyond a reasonable doubt," Wong said. "We are here to hold the government accountable, and keep their feet to the fire. We keep the system honest. We make sure our clients' rights are protected." The Area Defense Counsel is located in building P-7, which is a small building on the corner across from the Parade Field. Parking is available in the Health and Wellness Center parking lot located on the side of the building. Appointments are required, but they accept emergency walk-ins. To make an appointment with the ADC, call 256-3246.