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
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.
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
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.
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.
Press Release
June 30, 2024
Army ROTC Army Halts Disenrollment Action After Firm Intercedes
A fourth-year Army ROTC Cadet was being disenrolled after the Professor of Military Science found she was having an inappropriate relationship with a cadre member. After the Cadet contacted the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon for assistance, the firm immediately interceded. The firm challenged the disenrollment action under federal law, alerting the Army ROTC Commanding General, as well as the cadet’s Senators and Representative, arguing that the Army should immediately withdraw the attempted disenrollment.
The firm argued persuasively that the Cadet was, in fact, a victim of a predatory instructor and to punish her for the sexual assault by a cadre member violated Department of Defense and Army policy. Shortly thereafter, the Cadet’s Professor of Military Science withdrew the proposed disenrollment action. In early June, the Cadet took her commissioning oath and is now serving as a Second Lieutenant.
The Law Offices of David P. Sheldon has successfully won Cadets facing disenrollment ROTC actions through legal challenge with Cadets 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 legal representation.
David P. Sheldon Military Defense Law was extremely helpful in getting me through my ROTC Medical disenrollment without incurring a financial obligation. The firm helped me ensure that I did not owe the Army money for a medical diagnosis that was out of my control. They were extremely responsive and helped me navigate the medical disenrollment process, connected me with relevant experts, and helped me draft emails, letters, and memos. I would highly recommend them to anyone involved in an ROTC disenrollment.
Z. R. US Army ROTC
I found David and his staff at a very difficult time and needed help with a very challenging problem. Over the almost 10 months I worked with them, I found every member to be more than competent and very professional, but what was more important to me than even the excellent work that was produced was the genuine compassion I was shown from beginning to end. I have never had to engage legal representation before, but, I am inclined to believe that is a quality not often found in a law firm. I am truly grateful for having found them.
Cmdr., E.R., Army
The Law Firm of David P. Sheldon is a Platinum Sponsor of the Golf Classic, 2024. Join us in supporting The Robert A. Pickett Foundation Golf Classic, 2024 or Donate.
About Robert A. Pickett Foundation:
Our mission is focused on enhancing the way mental health is looked at and treated. We strive to achieve this by leveraging the power of three things Bobby loved, youth sports, art, and community engagement. The proceeds and resources generated through these initiatives will be directed towards supporting other non-profit organizations at the forefront of mental health research and treatment. In the realm of mental health, a new shift is needed. Our commitment is to act as a catalyst, inspiring a fresh perspective of understanding and support for those who suffer from mental illness. As a family that has had to endure the pain associated with severe mental illness, we feel a duty to share Bobby’s story, so that other tragedies can be avoided.
Future fund raising events and registration links.
Registration is now open for The Robert A. Pickett Foundation Golf Classic, the first annual golf scramble tournament. Looking for 4 person scramble teams. The Tournament will be held on July 26th at Bull Run Golf Course. Registration includes all you can drink beer and wine, a boxed lunch, and a bbq dinner with raffle prizes after the Tournament. Join us for an amazing time toward a great cause!
Registration: https://registration.teamsnap.com/form/4162
https://www.robertpickettfoundation.com/
The Robert A. Pickett Foundation
A non profit organized under the laws of Virginia
Mailing Address: 3607 Chain Bridge Rd, Unit D
Fairfax, VA 22030