Legal Assistance Office Embed

DSO Mission Statement

The Defense Services Organization zealously defends Marines and Sailors facing disciplinary action to safeguard the Rights of those who safeguard our nation.

DSO Creed

We are Marines – Judge Advocates and Legal Services Specialists – who are dedicated to defending our fellow Marines and Sailors, by providing them legal counsel in any matter required by statute, regulation, or otherwise authorized. We are zealous advocates for our clients, serving independently of the local chain of command and under the supervision of the Marine Corps Defense Services Organization. We zealously represent every client within the guidelines of the law, consistent with our professional ethics, and in accordance with our rules of practice.  We selflessly perform our duties with the utmost integrity, motivation and pride, without fear of reprisal, or expectation of professional or personal gain. In the same spirit as "Taking Care of Our Own," we are: "Marines Defending Marines."

Hours of Operation

New Walk-In Schedule:
Area 22 (Bldg. 22163, 1st Deck, across from the gym)
Monday/Wednesday: Check in at 12:45 PM – 1:00 PM
Tuesday/Thursday: Check in at 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM

Walk-Ins Only for

Administrative Separation
Non-Judicial Punishment
Fast Track Counseling
Summary Court-Martial
Legal Advice

To receive walk-in counseling, the following documents must be provided:
- Charge sheet, administrative separation notification, or similar documents.
- Pages 11 and 12 of the Service Record Book.
- A summary of the evidence to be used at the hearing (if applicable).

Without these materials, the Defense Counsel may contact the command to obtain the necessary documents. If these are not available, the Senior Defense Counsel (SDC) or Defense Team Leader may determine that adequate counseling cannot be provided. For more details, see https://www.dso.marines.mil/ for further guidance.

At the Marine Corps Defense Services Organization at Camp Pendleton RDCW - MCB Camp Pendleton, we embody the ethos of "Marines Defending Marines," committed to providing dedicated legal representation for our fellow service members. Our team understands the unique challenges Marines face, both in and out of uniform. We uphold the values of honor, courage, and commitment while fiercely advocating for the rights and interests of those we serve.

We play a vital role in offering legal assistance to service members facing criminal charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Our main responsibilities include:

Legal Representation: Defending Marines in courts-martial and other military legal proceedings.
Legal Guidance: Providing advice on rights, potential defenses, and the legal process.
Evidence Gathering: Assisting in the investigation of cases and compiling evidence.
Client Advocacy: Working to secure the best possible outcomes for our clients, whether through trial or plea deals.
Education: Informing Marines about their legal rights and relevant issues.

Walk-in counseling includes providing confidential and privileged legal information to Marines and Sailors facing non-punitive or administrative corrective actions. This covers issues such as:
- Nonjudicial punishment
- Summary courts-martial
- “Fast track” disposition packages
- Adverse entries into service record books
- Notifications of initiation of administrative separation processing
- Other similar administrative procedures

We also provide privileged and confidential legal information to Marines and Sailors who have been advised of their Article 31(b) rights and have chosen to consult with counsel.

Unless the defense attorney has been authorized to form an attorney-client relationship with the accused, they will not advise the Marine or Sailor on whether to accept or refuse nonjudicial punishment or a summary court-martial, request an administrative board, or make a statement to investigators. Instead, the defense attorney will present the risks and benefits of each option, allowing the Marine or Sailor to make an independent decision.

We are here to ensure that every Marine receives fair and just treatment, upholding the integrity of our Corps while advocating fiercely for those we serve.

Address: Camp Pendleton Defense - Bldg. 22163, 1st Deck (22 Area)
Office: 760-763-2087

In any legal emergency, it is crucial to exercise your rights under Article 31(b) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and the U.S. Constitution.

Right to Remain Silent: You have the right to remain silent during questioning by law enforcement or command. If you invoke this right, they must stop questioning immediately.
Right to Know the Charges: You must be informed of the accusations against you.
Right to Counsel: You have the right to consult with a lawyer before questioning. A defense attorney will be provided at no cost in the military.
Right to Refuse Consent: You are not required to consent to searches unless authorized by law. Refusing consent may prevent unauthorized searches.
Right to Remain Silent Cannot Be Used Against You: Your silence cannot be used to imply guilt.
Law Enforcement Tactics: Law enforcement may use deceit during questioning, but you are not required to assist them.
No Special Treatment: Neither prosecutors nor law enforcement can offer leniency based on your cooperation. Any negotiations should be discussed with your defense attorney.

Confidentiality is paramount. Anything shared with your defense attorney remains protected by attorney-client privilege and cannot be used against you in court. Defense attorneys are ethically obligated to maintain this confidentiality, and no one else involved in your case can disclose information without your consent.
Rule of Professional Conduct: Lawyers cannot reveal information unless authorized by the client or under certain exceptional circumstances (e.g., imminent harm).
Attorney-Client Privilege: Conversations with your attorney are protected and cannot be introduced into court unless waived by you.
Never discuss your case with anyone other than your defense attorney. If you do, that individual could be compelled to testify against you. We do not disclose whether a service member is in contact with an attorney.

Manual for Courts-Martial (2024 edition)
MCO P1900.16 W/CH 2, Separation and retirement Manual (MARCORSEPMAN)
MCO P1070.12K W/CH 1, Marine Corps Individual Records Administration Manual (IRAM)
MCO 5800.16 W/CH 1-7 W/Vol 1-17, Legal Support and Administration Manual (LSAM)

Defense attorneys at DSO serve independently from the local chain of command. Though administratively part of Legal Services Support Section, H&S Bn, MCB Camp Pendleton, all Fitness Reports for defense attorneys are written by the Senior Defense Counsel and higher authorities in the chain of command.