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Florida Military Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Military Law for Florida on
Q: Need to convince a friend he has VA benefits and to see a lawyer. He has 2 hon and last was DD. when was law changed?

The law was changed to read the last discharge must be honorable. ** When was the law changed?** He was enlisted then commissioned and while enlisted received 2 honorable DD 214's. A commissioned officer cannot receive a dishonorable discharge only can be dismissed. Anyway he is entitled to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 21, 2024

Your friend is likely eligible for VA benefits, even with the last discharge being a dishonorable one. The specific rule change you’re referencing, which affects VA benefits based on the character of the last discharge, does not necessarily bar someone from benefits if they have multiple periods... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Military Law for Florida on
Q: Ex-husband receive military retirement. Do I get 50% of the retirement pay after being married for 12 years?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 28, 2024

Whether you receive 50% of your ex-husband's military retirement pay depends on several factors, including the length of your marriage overlapping his military service. Typically, the "10/10 Rule" applies, meaning you must have been married for at least 10 years, with 10 years of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Military Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Florida on
Q: I am 19 years old and I am in the Florida national guard. Can I buy a handgun

I am a service member under FS 250.01 (19), according to FDACS website I am also allowed “to carry a concealed weapon or concealed firearm if you are 18 years of age or older”. And under FL Statue 790.0655 (2)(d)(9) I am allowed to purchase a rifle or shotgun under 21. My question is am I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 26, 2024

This is a complex question that involves federal and state laws, as well as specific exemptions for military members. Let's break it down:

1. Federal law: Generally, federal law prohibits licensed firearms dealers (FFLs) from selling handguns to individuals under 21. This applies...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Military Law for Florida on
Q: Art 31(b)

When a CID agent who is participating in an official law enforcement investigation receives incriminating evidence from a third party, should they be required to advise the suspect of their Article 31(b) rights before the agent receives the incriminating evidence?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 1, 2024

No, in the situation you described, the CID agent would generally not be required to advise the suspect of their Article 31(b) rights before merely receiving incriminating evidence from a third party.

Article 31(b) of the UCMJ states:

"No person subject to this chapter may...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Military Law for Florida on
Q: When is a DA Form 3881 (rights warning procedure/waiver certificate) required in conjunction with a DA Form 2823?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 26, 2024

When you're dealing with official procedures within the U.S. Army, it's crucial to understand the specific contexts in which different forms are required. The DA Form 3881, known as the Rights Warning Procedure/Waiver Certificate, is utilized whenever someone in custody is to be... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Military Law, Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: The military says I was abusive to my spouse but I can show proof it was the way around?and I was discharged for it.

I have a length of abuse with my ex-husband, who was a marine, and when I was in, he abused me, and I sent him to jail at the state that we were located at Everett, Washington, and that’s how the Navy was involved in it not only that I had issues with my ex cutting my military issued ID. I had an... View More

Rod Caruco
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answered on Feb 29, 2024

From what you’ve provided, it appears you are prior service Navy and were administratively discharged with something other than an Honorable characterization of service, causing you to be ineligible for certain veteran benefits.

If that is the case, you may be able to seek an upgrade of...
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2 Answers | Asked in Military Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Florida on
Q: I wanted to know if you are allowed to purchase either a handgun or rifle at age of 19 if you are serving in FLARNG

I am serving in the Florida national guard I am a resident of Florida I have a Florida drivers license I am 19 I live in Miami corresponding to Miami dade county

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Feb 13, 2024

In Florida, the general law restricts the sale of firearms to individuals under the age of 21. However, there are exceptions to this rule, especially for members of the military and law enforcement. As a 19-year-old serving in the Florida National Guard (FLARNG), you are considered part of the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Military Law for Florida on
Q: Am I a member of the unorganized militia of the United State?

I'm a 17-year-old male without any physical or mental disabilities, but I do have high functioning autism and ADHD. Am I still "able-bodied" in the context of Title 10 Chapter 12?

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Dec 4, 2023

The term "able bodied" as used in 10 USC Section 246 doesn't seem to be defined. Wiktionary defines "able-bodied" as "Having a sound, strong body; physically competent; robust; fit for service.", so it might depend upon why it would matter whether or not you are... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Military Law for Florida on
Q: Will a POA suffice so I can take over my husband’s coparenting agreement while he is in school for his new assignment?

My husband, who is in the Air Force, is leaving for about five months to tech school to cross train to his new AFSC. There is a parenting agreement in place for my stepdaughter and right now we have her every other weekend (Friday - Monday). Will a military POA suffice so I can take over my... View More

Bruce Alexander Minnick
Bruce Alexander Minnick
answered on Sep 23, 2022

The Judge was the ONLY person who established your husband's visitation rights, and the Judge is the only person who can answer this question. Do NOT rely on a "military POA." Ask the Judge.

1 Answer | Asked in Military Law for Florida on
Q: Is it legal for the VA to keep my entire disability pension check to satisfy a debt they determined I owe. I can't live
Gregory M. Rada
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Gregory M. Rada
answered on Sep 16, 2022

You can request to be put on a payment plan by calling VA at 800-827-0648 or by going to this website: https://www.va.gov/manage-va-debt/

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Family Law and Military Law for Florida on
Q: I got a girl pregnant and since I don’t want to be with her she is taking military orders to Japan.

We are both military she is Air Force. I am army national guard on a deployment. She is not going to allow me in the kids life and is going to send me court docs requesting protection. No domestic violence has occurred.

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on May 19, 2022

In Florida, if you want to assert your rights you would need to file a petition for paternity. In Florida if you take no action the mother will have full legal custody and control of the child. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Banking and Military Law for Florida on
Q: I believe my car has been wrongfully repossessed, what should I do?

I am active duty member currently on deployment but coming home soon. Back in January my car got impounded for expired tags. I talked to the impound lot and explained the situation and they said they would hold my car till I got back from deployment. Now right when I am about to come home I found... View More

Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on Apr 7, 2022

You are protected by the Servicemembers' Civil Relief Act, which protects military personnel from certain actions while deployed. You should contact the bank and assert the repossession was improper under the Act, especially since you were not past due and had made arrangements for you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Military Law for Florida on
Q: There is a Florida statute that says all able-bodied citizens of this state are in the militia. Is there an age range?

“ The militia consists of all able-bodied citizens of this state and all other able-bodied persons who have declared their intention to become citizens.” Does this mean that there is no defined age range? I’m 15 years old, and I’m curious if I’m legally part of this militia.

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Feb 1, 2022

Florida Statute 0.02 Militia.— (the statute from which you have quoted) provides that

(1) The militia consists of all able-bodied citizens of this state and all other able-bodied persons who have declared their intention to become citizens. ... ".

Correct. There seems...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Military Law for Florida on
Q: No Prior Criminal Record a Disabled Veteran with PTSD and Mild TBI served in Combat after september 11. Honorable

Charged with F2 Laviscious battery in Florida. Met person in an adult website that promised is only adults within their regulations. Person faked age and mother pursuing for this veteran to be charged. I did not know.

Henry George Ferro
Henry George Ferro
answered on Jan 4, 2022

First thing for you to do is to hire a competent and aggressive criminal trial lawyer...and refrain from discussing the facts of this case on the internet...These charges are extremely serious and you are facing severe consequences if convicted. My former partner, Bruce Lehr, is a very effective... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Military Law, Adoption and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: My wife is a disabled veteran and has 9 year old daughter. We are looking to try for me to adopt her

The father has not been in her life since she was 1, and has had no contact nor attempted to contact her. I understand that these kind of adoption can cost quite a bit, and given my wife's disability, we don't have that kind of extra money. So I'm asking if there are any pro bono... View More

Tami Lane Augen
Tami Lane Augen
answered on May 11, 2021

You can actually do this without an attorney if you are unable to locate a pro bono attorney. Here is the link to the forms from the Florida Courts website:... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Products Liability and Military Law for Florida on
Q: I am a living parent of a veteran that was heavily exposed to Agent Orange on Vietnam he has 4 other children who was or

He was named in a class action suit that was settled after he died and at the time all the children were minors and we never married. How can they find out what happened to this money that they should be entitled too.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Aug 18, 2020

I'm very sorry for your loss and your family's loss. This is something that the military law attorneys or veteran's benefit's attorneys here would know the most about. But you await a response for two weeks. There is a nonprofit organization that deals with veteran's rights... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Military Law for Florida on
Q: I am on probation and I'm trying to get off to join the military. I have early term and withhold of adjudication.

I've served 2 of 6 years and I'm 20 years old and I've met all of the conditions except the restitution. Is it possible to get off to join the military?

Leonard Louis Cagan
Leonard Louis Cagan
answered on Aug 7, 2020

Typically restitution is one of the most important conditions of probation. This of course depends on the type of charge and restitution amount involved. Some judges might be willing to convert restitution to a lien based on a Motion requesting the judge to do so. In my experience most judges will... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Military Law for Florida on
Q: What can my girlfriend do if her husband doesn’t want to get a divorce and he is blackmailing her to stay with him?

My girlfriend is being blacked mailed by her husband and threatening her that he will ruin her career and take everything away from her if she divorces him. He verbally and emotionally abused her. He uses religion to shame her and family as well. He has emails, text messages and pictures of us and... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jul 29, 2020

Get her an attorney.

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1 Answer | Asked in Federal Crimes and Military Law for Florida on
Q: Military BCD and felony joy riding, 40yrs ago, wanting my gun rights restored. Clean since then, Any Chance?

Volunteered for duty with the understanding I would get diesel school after Basic training, got then told after basic, when I was stationed I got told then I didn't have it in writing so I was out of luck. Young and dumb, I would show them I went AWOL, then didn't honor their end , I told... View More

R. Davis Younts
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R. Davis Younts
answered on May 15, 2020

Good Morning,

It is possible to address these issues. You can apply for a discharge upgrade as well as have certain information removed from your record. Their are a lot of variables that you should discuss with an attorney that is experienced in dealing with these issues. I have had...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Military Law for Florida on
Q: I’m trying to get into the military and 2 felonies are keeping me from it. I wanted to know even though my case is done

can I have them dropped to misdemeanors, if not what can I do?

Jonathan Blecher
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answered on Jan 22, 2020

Possibly. You’ll need a good lawyer to make it happen for you and the backing of a recruiter

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