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Marines

Unit HomeStaff SectionsOffice of the Staff Judge Advocate (SJA)

Office of the Staff Judge Advocate (SJA)

The Staff Judge Advocate will provide comprehensive, timely and responsive legal support to the Commanding Officer, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, and all the Marines and other authorized personnel aboard the MCAS New River. Commanders will be provided all legal support necessary to effectively and efficiently exercise command and control over their units. Support to commanders will focus on administrative law, civil law, and ethics to ensure good order, discipline, and a high state of military readiness. 

Address: Office of the Staff Judge Advocate (OSJA)
Marine Corps Air Station New River
AS-216 Bancroft Street
P.O. Box 21002
Jacksonville, NC 28545-1002

Directions click here
E-mail: New_River_SJA@usmc.mil
Phone: COMM: (910) 449-7157/8/9
DSN: 752
FAX: (910) 449-6096
   

 

Expand List item 13840Collapse List item 13840  Federal Holiday Closure Schedule

Closed all federal holidays:

New Year's: January 1
M. L. Kings Jr. Birthday: Third Monday in January
Presidents Day: Third Monday in February
Memorial Day: Last Monday in May
Juneteenth National Independence: June 19
Independence Day: July 4
Labor Day: First Monday in September
Columbus Day: Second Monday in October
Veterans Day: November 11
Thanksgiving Day: Fourth Thursday in November
Christmas: December 25
   

 

Expand List item 13839Collapse List item 13839  Hours of Operation

Monday through Friday
0730-1130 / 1300-1600

Expand List item 13842Collapse List item 13842  Normal Weekly Events - Services & Hours

NOTE: The information on this site is for informational purposes only and does not represent legal advice from an attorney or the Legal Assistance Office. All information below is subject to change without notice; patrons are asked to call to confirm before visiting any SJA office.

Civil Processing:   Thursdays at 9:00 a.m.
Legal Assistance Office (AS-216): 910-449-6169 Open Friday
0800 - 1100 & 1300 - 1600
Family Law:   Open Friday
0800 - 1100 & 1300 - 1530
Limited to first come, first served
Notary Services / Power of Attorney:   Open Friday
0800 - 1100 & 1300 - 1600 
Wills & Powers of Attorney Brief:   1300 Friday at SJA Building AS-216 (50 capacity)

 

Unit Briefs available on Request

Contact Us:  (910) 449-7159

The Civil Law section includes, but is not limited to: reviewing command directives; researching ethics issues and drafting ethics opinions for the Staff Judge Advocates; reviewing liability waivers; and providing training. 

The Civil Law section also researches legal issues and drafts responses for debarment procedures, Lautenberg Act violations, fundraising requests, post-government employment questions, civil processing applications, civilian solicitor authorization opinions, reinstatement of driving privilege letters, and many other legal requests. 

Expand List item 13854Collapse List item 13854  Claims Officer & Coordinator
Contact:

COMM: (910) 449-7159
DSN: 752-7159
Destructive Weather Information:
Tort Claims Unit Norfolk:
Office of the Judge Advocate General

Tort Claims Unit Norfolk
9324 Virginia Ave. Suite 104
Norfolk, VA 23511-2949

Phone: (757) 350 - 3085

E-Mail: TortClaimsUnit@us.navy.mil
Federal Tort Claim Packets:
Personnel Claims Act Packets:
Claims for loss of or damage to Household Goods and unaccompanied baggage shipped or stored at government expense:

How you submit your claim depends upon how your household goods shipment was processed

  •  Defense Personal Property System (DPS) If a service member’s household goods shipment was processed using the Defense Personal Property System (DPS), the claim must be filed against the Transportation Service Provider (TSP) in DPS. Service members can access their DPS account at www.move.mil.  DPS incorporates direct on-line claims filing, negotiation, and settlement.  30 days after filing a claim in DPS, service members may transfer all or a portion of the claim to their Military Claims Office (MCO) by selecting the “transfer to MCO” option in DPS.  The Navy MCO is the Personnel Claims Unit (PCU) located in Norfolk, VA.  For important information about transferring all or a portion of your DPS claim to the PCU: Instructions and guidance on transferring DPS claims.
  •  Non-DPS Claims - If your household goods shipment was not processed using DPS, you must submit your claim to the TSP using those instructions provided to you by the TSP at delivery. 30 days after filing a claim with the TSP, the service member can transfer all or a portion of the claim to the MCO. For important information about transferring all or a portion of your claim to the PCU: Claims for loss of or damage to Household Goods for non-DPS shipments.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Personnel Claims Unit at toll free (888) 897-8217, commercial (757) 440-6315 or DSN 564-3310.
Individual Forms:

If you are filing one of the claims addressed in one of the above packets, the appropriate forms are already included in the packet. These are additional forms for anyone who may need just the form. If you are filing one of the claims addressed above, it is highly recommended that you review the above packet for filing your claim.

 

Expand List item 13852Collapse List item 13852  Ethics Regulations
Expand List item 13853Collapse List item 13853  Links
Expand List item 13851Collapse List item 13851  Services
Coordination with Civil Authorities: The Civil Law Section has the responsibility of coordinating matters in accordance with the guidelines in the JAGMAN, Chapter 6, relating to civilian warrants of arrest, surrender of military personnel to civil authorities, the service of civil process, and all related matters for commands at MCAS New River.
Arrest Warrants: The Civil Law Section will notify command representatives when service members are named in arrest warrants. Information will also be provided as to the nature of the charges and bail amount required. Commanding officers are ultimately responsible for ensuring the timely presence and proper attire of the service member.
Delivery of Service members to Civilian Authorities: When it appears that civilian authorities desire to take control of a service member, commanding officers will immediately be informed of the proper procedures to follow. Under no circumstances should custody of any service member be surrendered to civilian control except through the Civil Law section. Contact the Civil Law section in any case dealing with civilian authorities.
Subpoenas and Civil Process: All subpoena and civil process served aboard the Air Station is to be served only via the Civil Law section, at the Joint Law Center. Attempts to serve individuals at their own unit or other locations are not authorized and should be redirected immediately to the Officer-in-Charge, Civil Law.
Repossession of Property: In order to protect the legal rights of both the debtor and creditor and maintain peace and security aboard the base, both voluntary and involuntary repossessions of personal property located aboard the base will be coordinated through the Civil Law Section. The Officer-in-Charge, Civil Law shall act as the liaison between the creditor or his repossession agent and the service member/debtor. All on-base repossession actions shall be effected at a time and place directed by the Civil Law Section only after presentation of all appropriate legal documents by the creditor or his agent.
   

 

The Civil Process Section serves as the single point of contact for all civil process matters involving commands at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River. As such, it acts as the sole liaison between civil authorities and all commands aboard the installation for matters involving the service of process.

The Civil Process Section is responsible for coordinating the execution of arrest warrants and the service of subpoenas, writs of repossession, claims, and other civil legal documents directed to military personnel and Department of Defense (DoD) employees.

Expand List item 13855Collapse List item 13855  Procedures

For military personnel, notification of civil process will be made telephonically or electronically to the designated representative (Unit Legal Officer) of the commanding officer with special court-martial jurisdiction over the individual concerned.
For DoD employees, the individual’s immediate supervisor will be notified.

All service of civil process, including arrest warrants and summonses, will occur exclusively at the Civil Process Section, Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, MCAS New River—unless otherwise authorized by the Staff Judge Advocate.

How to serve a servicemembers, civilian employee, or anyone else aboard the installation:

  1. Contact the Civil Division at the Onslow County Sheriff's Office at (910) 455-3113.
  2. Send them the documents for service along with their $30 service fee.
  3. The Sheriff's Office will liaison with OSJA for service at the building AS-216 on Bancroft Street.. 

Note: Self-help repossession is not authorized aboard MCAS New River. Writs of execution or voluntary repossession actions must be coordinated through the Civil Law Section of the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate

The Installation Victim and Witness Liaison Officer (IVWLO) for Marine Corps Air Station New River acts as the Installation Commanding Officer’s subject matter expert and manager for the Victim-Witness Assistance Program (VWAP) aboard the installation.  In that capacity, the IVWLO chairs the VWAP Council, manages and maintains a list of all unit Victim Witness Assistance Coordinators (VWAC) and other base Victim Witness Representatives, provides liaison with local civilian services for victims of crime, tracks all services provided and is the central point of contact for the base program.

Pursuant to Marine Corps Directives, each office or agency which provides services to victims and witnesses appoints a Victim Witness Assistance Representative/coordinator and each unit (battalion and squadron level and above) appoints a Victim Witness Assistance Coordinator (VWAC). The VWAC and other representatives are responsible for that unit or office’s part of the station VWAP.

Expand List item 13874Collapse List item 13874  Resources

Directives and Instructions

VWAP Forms

General

Military and civilian programs and services providing counseling, treatment, or other support services:

Transitional Compensation

National Victim Organizations:

International Victim Resources:

Federal Sites:

Corrections/Registries:

Sex Offender Registries:

Multimedia:

Internet Fraud:

Fraud/Identity Theft:

Trauma and Stress:

Domestic Violence:

Sexual Assault:

Stalking:

Victims with Disabilites:

Immigrant Women Victims:

Trafficking:

Child Abuse and Neglect:

Elder Abuse:

Drunk Driving:

Survivor of Homicide Victims:

Other Links and Resources:

Expand List item 13873Collapse List item 13873  Victim's Rights

Personnel directly engaged in the prevention, detection, investigation, and disposition of offenses, including law enforcement, legal personnel, commanders, trial counsel, and staff judge advocates, will ensure victims are accorded their enumerated rights as set forth in Article 6b of the UCMJ and related policies. A victim has the right to:

  1. Be reasonably protected from the accused.
  2. Be provided with reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of:
    1. A public hearing concerning the continuation of confinement before the trial of the accused.
    2. A preliminary hearing pursuant to Article 32 of the UCMJ relating to the offense.
    3. A court-martial relating to the offense.
    4. A post-trial motion, filing, or hearing that may address the finding or sentence of a court-martial with respect to the accused, may unseal privileged or private information of thevictim, or may result in the accused’s release.
    5. A public proceeding of the Military Department Clemency and Parole Board relating to the offense.
    6. The release or escape of the accused, unless such notice may endanger any person’s safety.
  3. Be present at, and not be excluded from, any public hearing or proceeding described in 
    1. Paragraph 3.2.a.(2), unless the military judge or preliminary hearing officer determines, after receiving clear and convincing evidence, that testimony by the victim would be materially altered if the victim observed that hearing or proceeding.
  4. Be reasonably heard, personally or through counsel, at:
    1. A public hearing concerning the continuation of confinement before the court- martial of the accused.
    2. Preliminary hearings conducted pursuant to Article 32 of the UCMJ and court- martial proceedings relating to Rules 412, 513, and 514 of the Military Rules of Evidence or regarding other rights provided by statute, regulation, or case law.
    3. A sentencing hearing relating to the offense.
    4. A public Military Department Clemency and Parole Board hearing relating to the offense. A victim may make a personal appearance before the Military Department Clemency and Parole Board or submit an audio, video, or written statement.
  5. Confer with the attorney for the U.S. Government in the case. This will include the reasonable right to confer with the attorney for the U.S. Government at any proceeding described in Paragraph 3.2.a.(2).
    1. Victims who are eligible for legal assistance may consult with a military legal assistance attorney in accordance with Paragraph 3.4.
    2. Victims of an alleged sex-related offense, who are eligible for legal assistance pursuant to Military Department or National Guard Bureau policies or Sections 1044 or 1044e of Title 10, U.S.C., may consult with an SVC/VLC/VC in accordance with Paragraph 3.5.
    3. All victims may seek the advice of a private attorney at their own expense.
  6. Receive restitution as provided in accordance with State and Federal law.
  7. Proceedings free from unreasonable delay.
  8. Be informed in a timely manner of any plea agreement, separation-in-lieu-of-trial agreement, or non-prosecution agreement relating to the offense, unless providing such information would jeopardize a law enforcement proceeding or violate the privacy concerns of an individual other than the accused.
  9. Be treated with fairness and respect for their dignity and privacy.
  10. Express their views about disposition of the case to the commander or convening authority.
  11. Decline to testify at a preliminary hearing conducted pursuant to Article 32 of the UCMJ.

The Legal Assistance Office (LAO) located on Camp Lejeune is staffed with judge advocates, Federal civilian counsel, and support personnel and come to MCAS New River only on Fridays from 0800-1600.

LAO provides a wide range of legal assistance services concerning civil legal matters to eligible personnel (active duty military personnel, retirees, and their respective dependents) in accordance with the Manual of the Judge Advocate General of the Navy and supplemental implementing regulations of the Navy and Marine Corps.

The LAO Director maintains liaison with relevant North Carolina agencies, such as the North Carolina State Bar Committee on Legal Assistance for Military Personnel, the North Carolina Department of Insurance, and the Consumer Protection Division of the North Carolina Attorney General.

LAO also provides notary public services and assistance concerning immigration and naturalization. Services available from the LAO are provided as resources and generally include assistance with the following: pre-deployment legal preparedness, estate planning, family law, consumer protection, debtor-creditor problems, and landlord-tenant problems.

Through various means, LAO provides information to the public with a view towards consumer education and prevention of victimization. LAO prepares cases alleging a pattern or practice of harmful business for review and appropriate action by the Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Board

The LAO OIC oversees the operation of the Tax Center, which provides tax return preparation and electronic filing services free of charge to eligible clients.

Expand List item 13847Collapse List item 13847  Client Walk-Ins

Consumer Law, Landlord/Tenant Disputes, Military Rights and Benefits, Name Changes, Step-Parent Adoptions, Debt Collection, Crime Victim Assistance, Child Custody, Service Member Civil Relief Act
Fridays 0730-0830

Expand List item 13848Collapse List item 13848  Powers of Attorney & Notary Services

Open Thursday and Fridays
0730 - 1130 and 1300 - 1545

Expand List item 13850Collapse List item 13850  Separation and Divorce Brief

Every Tuesday and Thursday at 7:00 a.m. at Camp Lejeune Legal Assistance (Building 66)

Unit Briefs available on Request

Expand List item 13849Collapse List item 13849  Will Brief

Fridays at 1000
0945 Check-in Time

The New River Tax Center is now CLOSED, as of 17 April 2026. The Camp Lejeune Tax Center is open year-round for anyone requiring tax assistance. For questions or to make an appointment please call the Camp Lejeune Tax Center at 910-451-3296

Camp Lejeune Base Tax Center

Location: Trailer 64a Molly Pitcher Rd (next to Papa John’s)

Services:  Free income tax preparation and filing for 2025, 2024, and 2023 state and federal tax returns.

For questions or to make an appointment please call 910-451-3296.

The IRS filing deadline was 15 April 2026 for most taxpayers, you can still file but may receive a penalty fee for filling late.  To request an automatic six month extension use IRS Free File to request an extension at https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/get-an-automatic-six-more-months-to-file-all-taxpayers-can-use-irs-free-file-to-request-an-extension

For more information including location and hours of operation, please visit the Camp Lejeune Tax Center website:

https://www.lejeune.marines.mil/Sections/Regional-Law-Center-East/#mcb-camp-lejeune-tax-center

Defense Section, Regional Law Center Camp Lejeune
(910) 451-4909

The Defense Section, Regional Law Center Camp Lejeune (910) 451-4909 provides advocacy oriented legal services support including NJP counseling; Article 31b, UCMJ rights advisement; summary court-martial counseling; involuntary administrative separation counseling; competency review board counseling; pretrial confinement initial review representation; assignment of defense counsel as respondent’s counsel at administrative discharge boards and boards of inquiry; assignment of defense counsel for Article 32 investigative hearings; and assignment of defense counsel at courts-martial. 

Telephone Policy: It is the New River defense policy that no legal advice to a prospective defense client may be given over the telephone or through third parties calling on behalf of the prospective client. Certain emergency circumstances, such as when dealing with clients at remote locations will be addressed individually. Service members who are unable to appear at our walk-in hours should call the office for further guidance.

-------------------------------------

We provide counseling services for Marines and Sailors with regards to:

  • Non-Judicial Punishment (Booker Rights) 
  • Administrative Separation/Board of Inquiry 
  • Summary Court-Martial 
  • Interrogation

Requirements:

Marine/Sailor must have the following:

  • Copy of Charges (preferably on a UPB) 
  • Copy of SRB or 3270 printout 
  • Notification and Acknowledgement of Rights for NJP/Administrative Separation
  • Copy of any written evidence - (especially for NJP)

Walk-in times:

0830-1030 on Tuesday or Thursday at Building AS-216 located on the second deck.

Expand List item 13858Collapse List item 13858  About Counsel Advice
  • NJP counseling. Please ensure that statements, documents, evidence that support the proposed NJP, and the proposed Unit Punishment Book entry are ready for the attorney to view at the counseling. Failure to do so may result in the service member having to return to receive more advice on a follow-up visit. 
  • Advice regarding administrative separations. Please bring a copy of any paperwork that is relevant. 
  • General advice for anyone who is the subject of an investigation or may be the subject of an investigation or criminal proceeding. 
  • Advice regarding a Board of Correction of Naval Records (BCNR) proposed correction. 
  • Advice when you are facing a Summary Court Martial. 
  • Advice when you have or expect to receive an adverse fitness report. 
Expand List item 13860Collapse List item 13860  Article 31 Rights

Article 31 (b) of the UCMJ prohibits compulsory self-incrimination. Specifically, no person acting on behalf of the military may interrogate, or request any statement from a person suspected of an offense without first informing him or her of the nature of the accusation, that he or she has the right to not make a statement, to consult with an attorney, and to stop questioning at any time.

It is very important to keep in mind that any statement you choose to make can later be used against you, whether or not you directly admit to wrongdoing.

Also, keep in mind that even if you initially agree to answer questions, you have the right to stop the interview at any time. The quickest way to stop an interview is to say that you wish to speak to an attorney. 

Expand List item 13861Collapse List item 13861  Confidentiality

Information you give your defense attorney, his or her colleagues, and defense assistants (including clerical staff) to help him or her represent you is legally privileged information. This means that your lawyer cannot and will not reveal things you tell him or her in confidence except to help solve your legal problem. No court can force him or her to reveal information. 
There are some exceptions to the defense attorney-client privilege. The circumstances are varied, but basically they fall into two categories. They are as follows: 

  • If your lawyer has information that shows that you plan to commit a criminal act, especially if the crime will cause someone bodily harm, he or she may take steps to protect the intended victim. The exception applies only if your lawyer concludes that you are going to commit a crime in the future. If you go to a criminal defense lawyer for a crime you have already committed in the past, the exception does not apply and the lawyer cannot reveal your confession. 
  • The other exception is if you and your lawyer get into a dispute about whether he or she did a good job. In that case, the lawyer may be able to use your confidential or privileged information to defend him or herself. 
Expand List item 13863Collapse List item 13863  Forms & Resources
Expand List item 13862Collapse List item 13862  General Legal Tips
  • Not all military attorneys can have a confidential relationship with a service member. Ask any attorney if you have that confidential relationship with him or her before discussing any potentially criminal matters. 
  • Command Legal Officers in the Marine Corps and Navy are not attorneys and work for the Commander, not you--anything you say to them may be used against you. 
  • Anything you say to military doctors and psychologists may be used against you. 
  • Before disclosing any potentially incriminating information to a military chaplain, ask if you have a confidential relationship with him or her. 

Please contact the Defense section for any specific questions or required guidance.

Expand List item 13864Collapse List item 13864  Links
Expand List item 13859Collapse List item 13859  Military Justice System

Members of the armed forces are governed by the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), a statute enacted by Congress which amounts to the military criminal code. The UCMJ applies to service members' activities whether or not they are on a military installation and whether or not these activities are military related. Military trials are known as courts-martial, with juries made up of military members. Accused military members have the right to an attorney (civilian or military), and court-martial rulings can be appealed to a Court of Criminal Appeals or the U.S. Court of Appeal for the Armed Forces, the military's highest court. For incidents that occur off military property, the civilian or military court may exercise jurisdiction over the offense.

Expand List item 13856Collapse List item 13856  Services

The Defense section provides the following legal services and advice: 

  • Plan, coordinate, and conduct defense of clients facing special courts-martial, general courts-martial, and administrative discharge proceedings. 
  • Provide legal counseling to personnel facing non-judicial punishment, summary courts-martial, request masts, competency review boards, and RCM 305 pretrial confinement hearings. 
  • Represent clients during Article 32 proceedings. 
  • Defend officers facing BOIs and Field Flight Performance Boards. 
  • Seek clemency from convening authorities and address errors in post-trial documents. 
  • Educate Marines and Sailors on fitness report and NJP rebuttals, BCNR and NDRB petitions, and administrative discharges. 
Expand List item 13857Collapse List item 13857  What Military Attorneys CANNOT Do
  • Represent you in a civilian court for criminal or civil matters. 
  • Provide advice to anyone who is not active duty, retired, or reserve recalled to active duty. 
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