Military Court Success

Steptoe obtained a dramatic victory at trial for its client Lamar Owens, a Midshipman First Class at the US Naval Academy.  Mr. Owens was charged with rape, conduct unbecoming an officer, and violating an order.  He was tried in a general court martial at the Washington Navy Yard. 

After an eight-day trial, a five-member jury of Naval Academy officers acquitted Owens of rape, but convicted him of the lesser conduct unbecoming and orders violation charges.  The following day, the same jury imposed a sentence of no punishment.