As the suicide rate climbs among American service members, a decades-old statute that makes attempted suicide a military crime will be reconsidered for the first time since 1991 "when it was upheld". The statute was instituted during World War II as a way to deter troops who faked their suicides as a means to avoid duty.
A current case involving a former Marine who received a bad-conduct discharge as well as 180 days in the brig for his actual suicide attempt is being heard to determine the relevance of the old law when applied to the current military climate and the issue of deteriorating mental health among soldiers.
Defense lawyers in the case will seek to have the bad-conduct discharge dropped as the ruling prevents the individual from receiving mental health and other veterans benefits necessary to his recovery.
If you or someone you know needs help with a Military Criminal Defense issue, contact Criminal Defense Attorney John L. Calcagni now at (401) 351-5100 for a free consultation or more information.
To read the original article with the details of this case, click HERE
No comments:
Post a Comment