Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

At the Marine Corps Defense Services Organization at Camp Pendleton, we embody the ethos of "Marines Defending Marines," committed to providing dedicated legal representation for our fellow service members. With offices in Area 22 and Area 53, 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.

What We Do

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:

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

Walk-in Services

Walk-in services are conducted at the Defense Services Offices (DSO) in the following locations:

• Area 22: Bldg 22163, across from the gym, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1245-1330.
• Area 53: Bldg 53505, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 0800-0830.

Confidential Counseling

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.

Walk-in counseling is offered on Mondays and Wednesdays at Bldg 22163, 2nd Deck (22 Area) NLT 1330 on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

Marines must arrive NLT 1300 in order to receive an introductory brief explaining basic rights and obligations, prior to being seen by an attorney.  Any exceptions to this rule will be addressed individually by the Senior Defense Counsel (SDC).  Commands and/or servicemembers may contact the branch office in order to request alternative meeting times based on the availability and scheduling of the defense attorneys.

Walk-in counseling is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays at  Bldg 53505 (53 Area) NLT 0800 on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Marines must arrive NLT 0800 in order to receive an introductory brief explaining your basic rights and obligations, prior to being seen by an attorney.  Any exceptions to this rule will be addressed individually by the Senior Defense Counsel (SDC).  Commands and/or servicemembers may contact the branch office in order to request alternative meeting times based on the availability and scheduling of the defense attorneys.

Senior Defense Counsel

Major Matthew R. Sinnott

Defense Services Organization Chief

Sgt Dylan R. Meyers

Front Office

(760) 725-5679

Before a defense counsel can provide walk-in counseling—Marines and Sailors may present the following materials:

• Charge sheet, administrative separation notification, or similar documents
• Pages 11 and 12 of the Service Record Book
• Summary of the evidence that may be used at the hearing (if applicable)

If a Marine or Sailor arrives for walk-in counseling without these documents:

• A member of the Defense Services Organization (DSO) may contact the command to obtain them.
• Without these necessary materials, the Senior Defense Counsel (SDC) or Defense Trial Team Leader may determine that adequate counseling cannot be provided.

For further guidance, please refer to CDC PM 2-13.