Fort Bliss Trial Defense Services

Representing Fort Bliss Service Members

As retired military personnel, our team of Fort Bliss trial defense services attorneys understand what is at stake if you are charged with a crime.

Fort Bliss is known as being the second-largest Army installation in the entire country. With an area of over 1,700 square miles, it is second only to the White Sands Missile Range. Although it cannot state that it is the largest installation, it does have other claims to fame. For example, it is the largest U.S. Army Forces Command installation and the largest Army Maneuver Area. Not only does it have a large area of land for ground training, but it has the largest portion of unrestricted airspace in the country. This space is used for testing missiles and training in artillery.

As of 2010, the population of Fort Bliss is 8,591. Military members are made up of the 1^st Armored Division, the 15^th Sustainment Brigade, the 212^th Fires Brigade, the 32^nd Army Air & Missile Defense Command, the 402^nd Field Artillery Brigade, and 11^th Air Defense Artillery Brigade. The El Paso Intelligence Center is also located at Fort Bliss. This is a federal tactical operational intelligence center and is a counterpart to the Joint Task Force North which is run by the Department of Defense. This is located at Biggs Army Airfield, a military airport at the fort. Also found at this fort is the Fort Bliss National Cemetery.

The History of Fort Bliss

There has been a military presence in the area since 1849. A fort was established where downtown El Paso currently is, but the fort had to move because of Indian raids, as was common at that time. A new fort was established at Magoffinsville, which remained in operation for the next 14 years, mostly made up of troops from the 8^th Infantry. When the Civil War began, Fort Bliss was under the control of the Confederate Army. They were ordered to surrender it to the Confederacy, but they held it until 1861. During this time, the Confederates where using it to attempt to attack New Mexico. After the Battle of Glorieta Pass, the fort was left empty. Colonel James Carlton took over the fort with 2,350 men and they stayed there until flooding forced the fort to move again.

Fort Bliss moved to Camp Concordia in 1868 but was renamed Fort Bliss one year later. In 1976, the fort was abandoned until it was established as a permanent post in 1878. The plan for where Fort Bliss presently is was not finalized until 1892 when Captain John Ruhlen laid out the site. The fort received its name from a soldier named William Wallace Smith Bliss who had fought in the Mexican-American War.

Fort Bliss Crimes

Crimes committed on a military base, including Fort Bliss, are subject to both civilian and military jurisdiction. The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) governs the conduct of military personnel and can result in military justice proceedings, such as courts-martial. Civilian authorities may also have jurisdiction, depending on the circumstances and the nature of the crime. Regardless of the crime, it’s important to retain Fort Bliss trial defense services if you are charged.

Common types of crimes that can occur on or around military bases like Fort Bliss include: 

Violent Crimes: These can include assault, domestic violence, and murder. 
Property Crimes: Such as theft, burglary, vandalism, or trespassing. 
Drug Offenses: Possession, distribution, or trafficking of illegal drugs. 
DUI (Driving Under the Influence): Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. 
Sexual Assault and Harassment: These are taken very seriously in the military, and specific regulations and procedures apply. 
Fraud and White-Collar Crimes: Including identity theft, credit card fraud, or embezzlement.

Traffic Violations: Like reckless driving or speeding. 
Weapons Violations: Improper possession or use of firearms and other weapons. 
Environmental Crimes: Such as illegal dumping or pollution. 
Military-Specific Crimes: AWOL (Absent Without Leave), desertion, insubordination, or disobeying orders.

If you have been charged with a crime, it’s important to engage in Fort Bliss trial defense services. The military criminal defense attorneys at the Federal Practice Group know the procedures, laws, and ways of the military, and can fight on your behalf.