Area Defense Counsel offers legal support

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Elijaih Tiggs
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Airmen are held to a higher standard than their civilian counterparts. In the event Airmen fall short of that standard, they are met with consequences of adverse military actions. The manner in which one responds to those actions could either rebuild their Air Force career or set them on a path towards discharge. The Area Defense Counsel assist Airmen in making the best defense presentation to secure their careers.

Area Defense Counsel Capt. M. Dedra Campbell operates Grand Forks AFB’s ADC office with Defense Paralegal Staff Sgt. Natesha Champion and reports to a separate chain of command which runs through the Senior Defense Counsel at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas to the Air Force Legal Operations Agency at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Operating under a separate chain of command allows the ADC to provide confidential legal advice without command influence.

“The Area Defense Counsel is independent; I’m a licensed attorney and my job is to zealously represent Airmen even if I’m up against their entire chain of command, and even if it’s a very contentious case. I’m willing, and required to do that by the Air Force and my professional rules of conduct as an attorney,” says Campbell “I will fight for them.”

Adverse military actions may include letters of admonishment, Article 15s, courts-martial and beyond if deemed necessary by the Airman’s leadership.

“Airmen are afforded certain, rights and it is important somebody is in their corner ensuring they know their rights and help make sure they are able to exercise those rights,” said Campbell.

Some of the rights Airmen have in situations concerning adverse actions include the right to consult with a military attorney free of charge before making any statement to law enforcement and the right to have an attorney present while being interviewed.

Campbell said Airmen usually initiate services by contacting the ADC directly, if the Airmen were already aware of the ADC’s services from hearing about them through supervisors, commander’s calls and briefings, or they may be directed to ADC after encountering legal authorities.

Although the ADC is available for legal representation against adverse military actions, it is not available to assist with personal civil legal matters, civilian criminal matters, or issues resolved by other offices.

The ADC isn’t able to help in every legal matter, but in the areas they are able to assist they do so through zealous representation of individual clients while always maintaining professionalism as per their mission.

Champion said some Airmen may feel alone and as if it’s the end of the world when facing adverse military actions, but the ADC is there to help build Airmen’s morale and prepare them to respond adequately.

Champion said some Airmen may feel alone and as if it’s the end of the world when facing adverse military actions, but the ADC is there to help build Airmen’s morale and prepare them to respond adequately.

“If you call our office and we miss your call please leave a message, we will return your call as soon as possible,” said Campbell.

Leaving a message when calling allows Campbell and Champion to properly address potential clients and their legal needs.

For further information, contact the ADC at 701-747-3341.