Author: Becky Haugen
Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC Welcomes Annie W. Morgan, Esq. as Senior Military Defense Attorney
Press Release
Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC Welcomes
Annie W. Morgan, Esq. as Senior Military Defense Attorney
Washington, D.C., November 8, 2024 – The Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC, a premier military law firm specializing in defending service members’ rights across all branches of the U.S. military, is thrilled to announce the addition of Annie W. Morgan, Esq. to its distinguished team of legal experts. Ms. Morgan joins the firm as a Senior Military Defense Attorney, bringing over fourteen years of expertise in military and national security law, including five years’ experience litigating some of the most high profile national security cases in U.S. history. .
Ms. Morgan’s career includes notable positions in the United States Department of Defense, the Department of Treasury, and academia, where she has earned a reputation for her commitment to the U.S. Constitution, human rights, and the rule of law. In her most recent role as an Attorney Advisor at the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), Ms. Morgan safeguarded the financial system against illicit threats, providing legal counsel on matters related to anti-money laundering, national security, and financial regulations.
Previously, Ms. Morgan served as a Defense Attorney within the Military Commissions Defense Organization, where she represented the alleged mastermind of the USS Cole bombing. Mr. Abdul Al-Rahim Al-Nashiri, against capital charges. In defense of Mr. Al-Nashiri, Ms. Morgan has appeared before the War Courts convened in Guantanamo Bay, the Court of Military Commissions Review, the D.C. Circuit Court, and international tribunals. Ms. Morgan has been lauded for her commitment to representing clients in challenging cases, her command of complex international law issues, her expertise handling classified materials, and her novel trial strategy. Her work before the military commissions has been featured in the New York Times, the Nation, MSNBC, and in a host of legal blogs and podcasts. Most notably, Ms. Morgan’s historic examination of the architect of the CIA’s torture program and her successful argument in the first-ever motion to suppress evidence obtained or derived from the torture of Guantanamo detainees, has received national attention.
Ms. Morgan also served with distinction in the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps, where she served as atrial defense counsel, representing servicemembers across Europe and the Middle East, an appellate defense, where she appeared before the Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals, and the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, and a civil litigation attorneys, where she handled some of the most complex litigation involving military service members in federal court. During her time as a trial and defense counsel, Ms. Morgan is responsible for shaping military law, successfully exposing prosecutorial misconduct in United States v. Bowser, doggedly challenging unlawful command influence in United States v. Boyce, and arguing against unlawful and overbroad orders in United States v. Pugh. Ms. Morgan has a demonstrated commitment to advancing the rights of military personnel and veterans worldwide.
“We are honored to welcome Annie to our team,” said David P. Sheldon, founding attorney of the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC. “Her impressive track record, deep understanding of military and constitutional law, and fierce advocacy for justice will make her an invaluable asset to our firm and to our clients.”
Ms. Morgan holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in National Security Law from Georgetown University Law Center, where she graduated with distinction. Additionally, Ms. Morgan holds a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from the George Washington University School of Law. Ms. Morgan is a non-resident expert in national security at the Eisenhower Institute in Washington, D.C. and an adjunct professor of political science and public policy at Gettysburg College. As a recognized expert in the field, Ms. Morgan is a frequent guest lecturer at academic institutions including Georgetown University Law Center, American University School of Law, University of Illinois School of Law, and Stanford University. Ms. Morgan has been invited to lecture at the American Bar Association’s annual Women in White Collar Luncheon, which was attended by the Honorable Merrick Garland. Her legal scholarship includes publications on national security law and human rights, notably her work in Georgetown’s Journal of National Security Law & Policy.
Annie W. Morgan’s appointment underscores the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC’s commitment to providing top-tier legal representation to service members and their families. With her addition, the firm further strengthens its capacity to advocate for justice on behalf of those who serve our nation.
About the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC
Based in Washington, D.C., the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC is a nationally recognized military law firm dedicated to defending the rights of service members in all branches of the U.S. military. With a team of highly skilled attorneys, the firm handles court-martial cases, appeals, administrative separations, and other complex military law matters, championing justice for those who protect our country.
For more information, please contact:
Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC
(202) 546-9575
www.militarydefense.com
Records Correction for LGBTQI+ Military Service Members Convicted Under Former UCMJ Article 125
Historic Pardon for LGBTQI+ Military Service Members Convicted Under Former UCMJ Article 125
The pardon marks an essential step towards remedying the harm done to service members and
their families affected by these outdated laws. It underscores the nation’s commitment to
inclusivity and fairness in honoring the service of LGBTQI+ individuals who have sacrificed for
their country.
The Law Offices of David P. Sheldon can assist you in filling the necessary forms to obtain a
pardon, and then, to go before the Boards for Correction to get you the relief you deserve. Our
team would be honored to help you take this opportunity to accurately reflect your military
record and service, and will do everything in our power to get you the relief service members of
our LGBTQI+ community deserve.
Testimonial: I Would Not Have The Results Without The Law Firm of David P Sheldon
Mr. Sheldon and his team assisted me with my case for a few years. They were attentive, friendly, and timely from the start to end. Without their patience and knowledge, my family and I may not have had the results we have today. There were a few times where I almost lost faith and Mr. Sheldon and his team restored it. We are grateful and highly recommend him and his team for your case.
J.S., E3, USMC
The Naval Discharge Review Board Rules Former Marine’s Discharge was Not Equitable
Press Release
October 22, 2024
The Naval Discharge Review Board Rules Former
Marine’s Discharge was Not Equitable
The Law Offices of David P. Sheldon obtains relief before the Naval Discharge Review Board for a former
Marine wrongfully discharged. In 2019, a Marine was wrongfully discharged with a General (Under Honorable Conditions) characterization for minor act of youth misconduct. Despite her impressive tenure with the Marine Corps, the USMC wrongfully separate her.
In June of 2023, the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon applied on the Marine’s behalf to correct this error and injustice before the Naval Discharge Review Board (NDRB). The firm argued that relief should be granted under guidance provided under the Wilkie Memorandum.
In October 2024, the NDRB ruled that the Marine’s discharge warranted an upgrade. Based upon a
comprehensive application, memorandum with sworn affidavits, along with other extensive supporting
evidence, the NDRB concluded that it was in the interest of justice to upgrade the applicant’s characterization of service to Honorable and can now, if she wants, to reenlist to defend the Nation.
The Marine now joins the ranks of the many service members who have had their rights successfully upheld by the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon. Bravo Zulu to this Marine and Ashleen Williams who spearheaded the effort. Teamwork made it happen.
Article: IRR National Guard Know Your Rights: Delay and Exemption Boards
In the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) or National Guard marking your time? Activation and deployment orders — know your rights or go at your own peril
By David P. Sheldon
October 1, 2024
With the potential call up of tens of thousands of those of you who have been marking time in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR), the National Guard or the Army Reserves for almost a decade now, one needs to act carefully to ensure that you consider your options. You may have established a career, a family, and the responsibilities that come with those things when suddenly you are faced with activation and deployment orders. Your world just blew up. Now what?
Recent events in the Middle East portend activation and deployment orders for thousands, if not a 100,000 service members by the end game. Individuals who have served in the National Guard or Reserves may do so believing their commitment will likely remain restricted to weekends or a few weeks a year. While activation and deployment orders are always possible, these soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen may not be prepared, especially those who serve in the IRR, to activate and deploy.
Reservists and members of the National Guard should certainly take note and, of course, have a plan in place, especially if they are not in a position to deploy because of work and/or family obligations. But Congress has also allowed for service members to request delay and exemption from orders, through the delay and exemption board. But you must meet the statutory and regulatory bases. And, like everything, timing is critical.
It is important for Reserve and Guard members to understand the time frames in which they may request a delay or deferment in reporting, or an exemption from active duty, since untimely requests may not be processed, and even timely requests can be severely truncated by not understanding the rules and regulations that govern delay and exemption boards. It is also important to have an understanding of the differences between the types of requests and how they may affect a Reserve or Guard member.
The process varies depending on the military department involved, although if denied, generally appeals are available. Having an experienced attorney from the get-go can be critical since members may not be aware of exactly what information they need to provide before a request is considered. Although the process begins with a phone call or a form which may seem simple enough to complete, it is important to know what information a board is looking for in order to provide the strongest application possible. If past conflicts have taught us anything, it is that National Guard members and reservists need to be prepared. Timing is critical. The bottom line is that before you call the number on your orders to the delay and exemption board, let alone submit the form that governs, consult the rules and regulations that apply — or, better yet — call a qualified legal counsel that can assist you in making the very best case for a delay and exemption of your activation and deployment.
Testimonial: Army ROTC Cadet Wins Reinstatement after Disenrollment.
Right before my final year as an Army ROTC cadet, I was notified that I was being disenrolled from the program. Accepting the disenrollment would have required me to repay the scholarship or serve as an enlisted soldier for three years. As I felt the disenrollment was unjust, my family engaged Mr. Sheldon and his team.
A key step in fighting the disenrollment was to get a hearing scheduled. It took much longer than I expected for the Army to assemble a hearing panel. Mr. Sheldon wisely recommended that I hold out for a panel of officers rather than a single officer hearing. Once the hearing was scheduled, he worked intensely to prepare me and assemble the materials that I would use during my hearing.
The hearing was successful. The officers unanimously supported my reinstatement and recommended to the brigade that I be retained in the program. Further, Mr. Sheldon and his team helped me respond to the brigade commander’s rebuttal package, which occurred following the hearing. I have since been reinstated and am continuing on my Army path.
I am grateful to have had Mr. Sheldon and his team’s counsel, advice and preparation. I felt fully supported and hopeful through the process.
R.B., Cadet, US Army
ROTC Cadet Reinstated & Commissioned After Facing a Contested Disenrollment Hearing for Using THC
Press Release
June 30, 2024
ROTC Cadet Reinstated & Commissioned After Facing a Contested Disenrollment Hearing for Using THC
An Army ROTC Cadet and National Guard member who had completed her schooling and was awaiting commissioning mistakenly consumed gummies containing THC to treat a sports injury. The Cadet believed that the gummies only contained CBD. After testing positive on a urinalysis test, the Army initiated a disenrollment action from ROTC. The Cadet retained the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon for assistance. Our attorneys marshalled comprehensive evidence, including an analysis by a toxicologist and had the member take a polygraph to demonstrate her lack of intent.
The firm also learned that several cadets, including the Cadet who had retained the firm, from the program had filed complaints against the Professor of Military science, claiming toxic leadership and bad treatment. That complaint was substantiated by the Army, though the PMS was allowed to continue.
A lawyer from the firm accompanied the Cadet to the hearing, prepared the cadet for her disenrollment hearing, interviewed witnesses to include school faculty, coaches, and National Guard leadership, obtaining sworn affidavits, among other evidence, which vindicated the wrongfully accused Cadet. After hearing all the evidence, the Disenrollment Board unanimously recommended the cadet be reinstated. Army ROTC concurred, and the cadet received her commission as a Second Lieutenant.
The Law Offices of David P. Sheldon has successfully overturned wrongful disenrollment ROTC actions in various case challenges. Successful outcomes for cadets include receiving reenrollment and eligibility for commissioning. If you are a ROTC cadet facing disenrollment, the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC are available to provide comprehensive, competent, legal representation.
Naval Discharge Review Board Rules Former Marine’s Discharge Unjust
Press Release
June 30, 2024
The Naval Discharge Review Board Rules Former Marine’s Discharge Unjust
The Law Offices of David P. Sheldon obtains relief before the Naval Discharge Review Board for a former Marine wrongfully discharged. In 2020, a Marine was wrongfully discharged with a General (Under Honorable Conditions) characterization after being administratively separated on the grounds of a condition, not a disability. Despite his impressive tenure with the Marine Corps, and his quick and decisive action to assist fellow Marines, the USMC attempted to wrongfully separate him.
In July of 2023, the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon applied on the Marine’s behalf to correct this error and injustice before the Naval Discharge Review Board (NDRB). The firm argued that relief should be granted because the USMC’s failure to abide by its own rules and policies regarding administrative separation and under guidance provided under the Wilkie Memorandum.
In June 2024, the NDRB agreed, ruling that the Marine’s discharge warranted an upgrade. Based upon a comprehensive application, memorandum with sworn affidavits, along with other extensive supporting evidence, the NDRB ruled that it was in the interest of justice to upgrade the applicant’s characterization of service from General (Under Honorable Conditions) to Honorable.
The Marine now joins the ranks of the many service members who have had their rights successfully upheld by the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon.