Article 31 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) is a provision that provides certain rights to members of the U.S. military who are accused of a crime. It is similar in some respects to the Miranda rights provided to civilians, but it has some key differences. Article 31 rights include the right to remain silent and the right to consult with a defense attorney.

Whether or not you should exercise your Article 31 rights if accused of a crime in the military, or any similar rights in civilian contexts, is a complex and case-specific decision. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

1. Seek Legal Advice: It is generally advisable to consult with an attorney before making any decisions about whether to exercise your rights. An attorney can provide guidance based on the specific circumstances of your case.
2. Right to Remain Silent: Exercising your right to remain silent means that you do not have to answer questions from law enforcement or investigators. This can be beneficial if you are concerned about self-incrimination. However, it's important to understand that if you choose to remain silent, this may not prevent your arrest or charges from being filed.
3. Right to an Attorney: You have the right to consult with an attorney, and it's usually a good idea to do so before speaking to investigators. An attorney can help protect your rights and provide legal advice.
4. Cooperation and Communication: In some cases, cooperating with investigators and providing your side of the story may be in your best interest. HOWEVER!  Consider this the less likely option.  It is always safer to not give any statements at all until your military counsel can listen to the facts of your case and help you make that determination.  An attorney can help you navigate when and how to do this while protecting your rights.  It is generally best not to give a statement, but there are some military cases where giving a statement that your command can consider could potentially end any further investigation and result in dismissal of the case.  A well-experienced military lawyer should know what's best in your situation.
5. Impact on the Case: The decision to exercise or not exercise your Article 31 rights can have implications for the outcome of your case. Discuss with your attorney how your actions may affect the investigation and any potential trial.
6. Military Consequences: In the military context, exercising your Article 31 rights may also have consequences within the military justice system, such as administrative actions or non-judicial punishment. Discuss these potential consequences with your attorney.
7. Ultimately, the decision to exercise your Article 31 rights should be made in consultation with an attorney who can provide you with legal advice tailored to your situation. It's important to understand the potential consequences and weigh the benefits of protecting your rights against any potential drawbacks in your specific case.

If you are facing an investigation and you have been asked to give a statement, contact Gapasin Law Group, LLC first, and let us help you navigate the investigation against you.  It's best to fill out our Contact Us form and submit it.  We will get back to you as soon as possible.