U.S. Naval Academy Midshipman Fully Acquitted of Sexual Assault Charges
Apr 15, 2019, 14:11 ET
WASHINGTON, April 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Naval Academy Midshipman Michael Wallace was acquitted of all charges at a general court-martial held at the Washington Navy Yard. Wallace was charged with sexual assault and obstruction of justice stemming from an encounter that took place in March 2018 in Pensacola, Florida. Wallace was represented by Antoinette Quinn O'Neill with Patriots Law Group, and LT Robbin Lee, a Navy JAG.
"While it is important to take allegations of sexual assault seriously, it is equally important to ensure every accused is fully afforded the presumption of innocence," said O'Neill, "that happened this week. Justice was done, Midshipman Michael Wallace is innocent."
Midshipman Wallace was about to graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy when he visited Pensacola, Florida in March 2018 for spring break. The events at issue in the trial took place on that trip. Wallace always maintained his innocence and took the stand in his own defense. Opening statements in the court-martial took place Monday, April 8, 2019 and closing arguments took place Friday, April 12, 2019. The panel, composed of eleven Navy and Marine Corps officers, deliberated for approximately seven hours before returning its verdict of not guilty to all charges.
About Antoinette "Toni" Quinn O'Neill – Toni is a retired U.S. Air Force JAG with three consecutive tours as a top-rated Air Force military defense attorney. She has tried over 100 courts-martial and personally advised on and supervised the trial strategy and preparation for hundreds more. She joined Patriots Law Group in 2017.
About Patriots Law Group of Lyons & Hughes, P.C. – Patriots Law is a veteran-owned law firm. Formed by lawyers who served in the military, the attorneys at Patriots Law are seasoned attorneys in both military and civilian law. Visit https://www.patriotslawgroup.com/ to learn more.
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SOURCE Patriots Law Group