The U.S. Army Trial Defense Service Hawaii Field Office provides fully confidential legal representation for Soldiers stationed in Hawaii facing actions initiated on the basis of violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.  The actions include, but are not limited to, consultation for criminal and some administrative investigations under AR 15-6, Article 15s, officer eliminations, and certain enlisted administrative separations.

Trial Defense Counsel are unaffiliated with any command structure in Hawaii. Their independence allows them to operate independently of any outside pressures. The exclusive goal of all Trial Defense Counsel is to provide premier, zealous representation to achieve the best interests of their clients.

Mission

The Trial Defense Service mission, as set forth in AR 27-10, paragraph 6-2, is “to provide specified defense counsel services for Army personnel, whenever required by law or regulation and authorized by The Judge Advocate General."

Vision

Trial Defense Service is a vibrant, values-based, AC-RC integrated organization of the best military justice practitioners zealously providing the highest quality independent representation to our clients and developing the next generation of JAGC leaders.

How to Receive Services

The following must be conducted prior to clients receiving consultations:

  1. Clients must receive a full copy of their action and be given sufficient time to fully review their action (including all evidence) BEFORE their TDS consultation;
  2. The servicing legal office will provide an electronic packet to TDS to tdshawaii@army.mil.
  3. If the packet exceeds the size authorized to send by email, send a notification of action to the TDS Organizational Email account and the packet via DoD SAFE.
  4. With the exception of suspect rights advisement, unit escorts are required for all Soldiers in the grade of E-5 and below. Escorts are encouraged for all other clients. Escorts are responsible for having the original packet signed by the commander and ensuring that the client has a copy of the packet.

  5. Telephonic and in-person appointments for priority ll actions will be scheduled for the client prior to the following walk-in day if an attorney is not available after the brief.  Commanders should refrain from scheduling any follow-up action prior to receiving confirmation from the client that they have spoken to an attorney if they have requested to have an attorney consultation. In accordance with Rule 1.6 of the Army Rules for the Professional Conduct of Lawyers, unless authorized by the client, TDS Hawaii will neither confirm nor deny whether a client has consulted with a TDS attorney.

 

Service-Specific Hours of Operation

Article 15s, Administrative Separations, and Investigations

  • Tuesdays: 1-4 p.m.
  • Thursdays: 1-4 p.m.

Courts Martial

  • Walk-in or call anytime

How to Contact in Case of Emergency

 

  • Sometimes, events arise where you need legal advice immediately due to the pressures of the chain of command or law enforcement that would otherwise prevent you from seeing us during our regular walk-in times on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If such an issue occurs, please call (808) 787-5819 so that we may assess the need for an appointment outside of our regular walk-in schedule.

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