You want clear answers. A military criminal case can shake your work, your home life, and your sense of control. You hear rumors. Some say it wraps up in weeks. Others warn it drags on for years. The truth sits in the middle and depends on what you face, who is involved, and how strong your defense is. First, you face an investigation. Next, your command decides what to do. Then, if charges move forward, you face an Article 32 hearing and a court martial. Each step takes time. Each delay cuts into sleep, focus, and trust. Strong military defense can speed some steps and slow others. The goal is not speed at any cost. The goal is a fair result that protects your rank, record, and freedom. This guide walks through what really affects the timeline.
Step 1: The Investigation
Most cases start with a report. Someone calls law enforcement or tells a supervisor. You may learn about it from a knock on the door or a call to report for questioning.
Common investigators include:
- Army CID
- NCIS
- OSI
- CGIS
Each group follows rules under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. You can read the basic rights and process in the Manual for Courts Martial at https://jsc.defense.gov/Military-Law/Manual-for-Courts-Martial/.
Typical investigation times:
- Simple misconduct such as minor theft or small drug use. A few weeks to a few months.
- Serious cases such as assault or large fraud. Several months.
- Complex cases with many witnesses or digital evidence. Six months or longer.
During this time you may feel stuck. You still work. You still show up. Yet you wait. You wonder what comes next. That strain is real.
Step 2: Command Action And Charging
When the investigation ends, your commander chooses a path. The options depend on the evidence, your record, and mission needs. You can see basic command tools in the UCMJ overview from the Library of Congress at https://www.loc.gov/rr/frd/Military_Law/UCMJ-2019.pdf.
Common outcomes include:
- No action. The case closes.
- Administrative action. A reprimand, extra duties, loss of position, or separation board.
- Nonjudicial punishment under Article 15 or Captain’s Mast.
- Courts martial charges.
This step often takes a few weeks. Your command reviews the file, talks with legal, and weighs risk. You may feel pressure to accept quick punishment. You may also feel fear that any choice is wrong.
Step 3: Article 32 Hearing
For serious cases that go to a general court martial, you face an Article 32 preliminary hearing. This is not a full trial. It is closer to a screening. The hearing officer reviews evidence and gives advice on:
- Whether there is probable cause
- Which charges should move forward
- How the case should be handled
From the date charges are preferred to the hearing often takes one to three months. You and your lawyer can present evidence, question witnesses, and make arguments. That work takes time to plan. You may want more time to prepare. The government may push for speed. The balance between speed and care can stretch the clock.
Step 4: Court Martial
Once charges are referred to a court martial, the case moves toward trial. There are three main types of court:
- Summary court martial. For lower level offenses. The process is short.
- Special court martial. For mid level offenses. Punishments can include confinement.
- General court martial. For the most serious charges.
Each type has different timelines. The table below shows common ranges. These are rough. Your case can be shorter or longer for many reasons.
| Stage | Common type of case | Typical time from start of stage to finish |
|---|---|---|
| Investigation | All cases | 1 to 6 months or more |
| Command decision and charging | All cases | 2 to 8 weeks |
| Summary court martial | Minor offenses | 2 to 6 weeks after charges |
| Special court martial | Mid level offenses | 2 to 6 months after charges |
| General court martial without Article 32 | Some serious offenses | 3 to 9 months after charges |
| General court martial with Article 32 | Most serious offenses | 4 to 12 months after charges |
Why Some Cases Move Faster Or Slower
Three main forces shape the clock.
First, the seriousness of the charges. Harsher charges bring more evidence, more expert review, and more motions. That takes time.
Next, the number of witnesses and records. A case with one event and two witnesses is short. A case with many events, phones, videos, and travel is slow.
Last, the need for motions and expert help. Your lawyer may need to argue to block evidence, get access to records, or add experts. Each motion needs time to file, answer, and hear. That time can protect your rights.
How Long Does The Whole Process Take
From the first report to final result, many service members see these ranges:
- Minor misconduct that stays with command. A few weeks to a few months.
- Cases with nonjudicial punishment. One to three months.
- Special court martial. Four to ten months.
- General court martial. Six months to more than a year.
Appeals, discharge boards, or later record issues can stretch this even longer. Yet the most intense strain often sits in that first year.
How You Can Endure The Waiting
This process touches your family. It affects sleep, trust, and money. You cannot control every step. You can still act.
- Stay informed. Ask your lawyer to explain each step and likely timing.
- Protect your mental health. Use chaplains, medical, or counseling support.
- Guard your words. Do not talk about the case with coworkers or online.
Most of all, remember that time in the system does not define you. The case is part of your story. It is not the end of it.
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