09/09/2026
Prosecution of s*x crimes is a major component of the military justice system. Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Article 120 covers adult offenses, where consent is the core issue. Article 120b addresses s*xual assault of children under 16; it’s also used in “predator” law enforcement stings. Indecent viewing, recording, broadcasting, and exposure fall under Article 120c. An intimate image obtained with permission but shared without permission are under Article 117a. CSAM, online enticement, and s*xual harassment are charged under Article 134. Article 127 is extortion, which appears in s*xtortion cases charged along with a s*x offense.
The Office of Special Trial Counsel decides which of these go forward. OSTC “defers” (declines to prosecute) most adult Article 120 allegations that lack corroboration, and those cases go to the command for a lower form of resolution. OSTC almost always goes forward on Article 134 child po*******hy and Article 120b cases.
A sentence for a military s*x offense conviction almost certainly will include confinement, a punitive discharge (mandatory dishonorable discharge for some offenses), reduction in rank (likely reduced down to E-1), and forfeiture of pay (typically total). S*x offender registration is also required as a consequence of the conviction. S*xual harassment is a covered offense, but a conviction for that offense doesn’t require registration.
The page linked below sets out the s*x offense Articles (child po*******hy is covered elsewhere on the site as its own category), what the government has to prove for each crime, and the maximum punishment for each offense. The former JAGs of Gagne, Scherer & Associates have defended these cases for more than twenty years across all branches of service.
Read more here: https://ucmjlawyers.com/military-s*x-offenses/
Experienced military s*x crimes defense lawyer for UCMJ Articles 120, 120b, 120c, 117a, and 134. Free consultation – call or text (224) 935-6172.
