Documentation is Key for Federal Employees Taking Prescription Opioids
Federal employees subject to mandatory drug testing – those who work in national security, public health or public safety occupations – or those subject to random testing –…
EQUALS Act Doubles Probationary Periods, but Doesn’t Eliminate Rights to Appeal Adverse Actions
A bill passed by the House of Representatives and advanced to the Senate could double the length of the probationary period most federal employees go through before they are…
Hatch Act Protects Freedom of Political Speech on Social Media… to a Point
Lately, federal employees have been using social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to air their views about the Trump administration, and their prevailing concern has…
Punishments for traditional drugs vs. synthetic
By, Mathew B. Tully Q. Does the military more harshly punish service members who use traditional illegal drugs as opposed to synthetic drugs, such as spice? A. The service…
Ask the Lawyer: Can a Retiree Face Charges For Actions Committed While on Active Duty?
Q. After I retire from the military, can I face court-martial charges for offenses committed while on active duty? A. Leaving the military does not make a retiree untouchable to…
Ask the Lawyer: Can They Force My Wife to Testify Against Me?
Q. I told my wife about something wrong I did. Can the government make her testify against me? A. Generally, in the military what a husband and wife confidentially tell each other…
Summertime Sick Leave Abuse Can Sink Federal Careers
For many federal employees stuck at work on sunny summer days, longing looks outside office windows grow longer and the temptation to play hooky grows stronger. However, employees…
Marital Status Discrimination: The Rules of Engagement
By Mathew B. Tully It seems as though not a day goes by without some new study showing why it is better to be either married, single or in a cohabitating relationship. Just last…
Ask The Lawyer: Should I Reject Captain’s Mast For Court-Martial?
When deciding whether to take a case to court-martial instead of Captain’s Mast, the big question is how hard do you want to fight for your innocence? The next question is do…
Ask the Lawyer: Even Legal Separation Can Lead to Adultery Conviction
Question: Can I be punished for adultery if I am legally separated? Could I be charged with anything else? Answer: Yes, you can be convicted of adultery even though you were…