JBLM Legal Representation
Representing Those Stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord
The Federal Practice Group is proud to provide JBLM legal representation to those who are or have been stationed at the base.
In February of 2010, Fort Lewis and the McChord Air Base joined together to form what is now known as Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). Fort Lewis was a U.S. Army base and McChord Air Base was under the control of the U.S. Air Force. The reason this joint venture came about was following a recommendation from the Base Realignment and Closure Commission five years previously.
The base is now under the jurisdiction of the Army and the facility is located about nine miles from Tacoma, Washington. What makes this installation unique is that fact that it is the only power-projection base on that side of the Rocky Mountains. As it is close to the Pacific Ocean, it is able to take advantage of the ports in Seattle, Olympia, and Tacoma. There are also two airports which the Air Force units are able to use, McChord Field and Sea-Tac Airport.
JBLM is made up of several different parts, but the information given by the U.S. Census Bureau states that the base has a total area of 15.9 square miles, 3.78% of which is water. The geography of the base is mainly conifer trees and oak woodlands and is very rocky. The census also stated that there were approximately 19,000 people living on the base. When the entire joint base is considered, however, there are approximately 25,000 soldiers and it can support up to 120,000 members of the military who are retired.
The density of the population is 1,248.5 people per square mile and the 232.8 households per square mile. Roughly 60% of the people on the base are White, 20.3% are African-American, and 13.1% are Hispanic. At 37.5%, most of the people on the base are between the ages of 25 and 44 and 285 of the people are between 18 and 24. The average income per household is $32,384 and per person is $20,878. Of these people, 8.2% are living below the poverty line.
Joint Base Garrison
The base is under the jurisdiction of the Army’s Joint Base Garrison. They are responsible for operating the base for the combat units as well as the families of soldiers who are on base. The base commander is from the U.S. Army and the deputy base commander is from the Air Force. Within this Joint Base Garrison are four main organizations, the Directories of Public Works, Family and Morale, Plans and Training Security, and Human Resources. There are also three military units which work to support the Joint Base Garrison, the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, the 627th Air Base Group, and the 1st Joint Mobilization Brigade.
JBLM Crimes
Just like any other military installation or community, there are a variety of crimes committed that fall under the JBLM legal jurisdiction:
- Property Crimes: These may involve theft, burglary, or vandalism on the base. Property crimes can affect both military facilities and personal property.
- Assault and Battery: Incidents involving physical altercations or violence may occur, resulting in charges of assault or battery.
- Sexual Assault: Sadly, sexual assault can occur on military bases, and there are procedures and resources in place to address these issues.
- Drug Offenses: Possession, distribution, or use of illegal drugs is prohibited on military bases and can lead to criminal charges.
- DUI/DWI: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a crime, just as it is off the base.
- Domestic Violence: Incidents of domestic violence can lead to criminal charges, and there are support services available for victims.
- Fraud and White-Collar Crimes: Cases of fraud, embezzlement, or other white-collar crimes can occur within the military community.
- AWOL (Absent Without Leave): Service members who leave their duty station without authorization can face charges.
- Disorderly Conduct: Instances of disorderly conduct or disturbances can lead to legal consequences.
- Traffic Violations: Common traffic violations like speeding, running red lights, or parking violations can result in fines and other penalties.
If you have been accused of one of the aforementioned crimes, it’s important to retain JBLM legal representation to ensure your rights are honored.
JBLM Legal Services You Can Trust
For decades, our law firm has provided elite JBLM legal services. We work hard for service members who are stationed in the United States and abroad. With more than 100 years of combined military law experience, we are prepared to fight for you. As active and retired military personnel, we understand what is at stake and will work diligently for a favorable outcome. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.