San Diego Military Attorneys: Fighting Administrative Actions

Ten months ago I was wrongfully accused of conspiring with other students to violate the command’s Academic Honor Code at the Surface Warfare Medical Institute here in San Diego, CA. In addition, I was accused of Obstructing Justice. Pretty serious allegations. I retained Gary Barthel’s services after being notified by my command that they were going to administratively separate me for misconduct. He immediately went to work on my behalf. His diligence and unquestionable expertise in preparation for my Administrative Separation Board resulted in a unanimous vote of no misconduct. No basis for separation! Having never been involved in a legal proceeding before, I had many doubts over the course of those long ten months leading up to the board. My case in particular seemed complicated, to me that is. But once the board started and the first witness was called, I knew I was in good hands. For fourteen hours I watched Mr. Barthel finesse his way through a complicated case with ease! From the timing of specific witnesses to keeping the board members educated and engaged… the poor JAG representing the government never stood a chance. If you’re wrongfully accused of criminal activity, you want Mr. Barthel in your corner. If your Military career is on the line, you want Mr. Barthel in your corner. For fourteen long hours Mr. Barthel owned the room… I cannot stress it enough that this is the man you want in your corner.

Kevin Courtney was my appointed attorney by the United States Marine Corps (USMC) against the USMC. I was fighting an administrative separation due to a civilian conviction. From start to finish not once did Kevin provide me with any empty promises or false hopes. The only thing he did promise was that he would try his best to obtain the outcome I was hoping for. Which was retention in the Marine Corps. I was guided with what documents I should gather, what to expect, and every outcome possible regardless of good or bad. Not once was I lied to. I was never pushed to go with a specific route, only advised on what the possible outcomes were for each route we were able to take. Any questions I had he answered them truthfully and never assumed the answer. If he wasn’t sure he would find out and get back to me as soon as possible. I was shown courtesy, respect, and empathy. My case was a very extraordinary one. One that if an honorable discharge was given it would be similar to winning the lottery. Regardless of not being retained in the USMC, An honorable discharge was far from what I was expecting. I thought of it as something impossible. Yet, Kevin was able to put up the fight and show who I was as a Marine and a man outside of duties to the board members who had all the control in my outcome. I definitely feel confident recommending Kevin Courtney to anyone seeking an attorney who will go above and beyond!

I served with Kevin Courtney, during that time he also served as my Legal Attorney for me during my Administrative Separation. Without him, I wouldn’t have got a second chance at a good Career. He’s one of the most professional Marines I have ever met. I could only imagine the good he’s done for other people. He sat down with my wife and I and gave us the best advice. Before the Board review, I was looking at An other than honorable discharge and my Career over. At the end I was given a General Discharge and a second chance. All thanks to him, my Career is still intact.