Jeffrey Glenn Meeks
Oceanside, CA
N/A
Law Degree
Awards
Primary Practice Area
Litigation
Language
English
About
I have practiced in the Military Justice System for over 30 years, with 25 years as an active duty judge advocate and 6 years in private practice focused solely on defending service members accused of crimes or subject to adverse administrative actions—boards, adverse counseling or evaluations. I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to your challenge, and the skills to get the best outcome possible in your case. Entering the Marine Corps I entered the Marine Corps while attending law school at Brigham Young University, in Provo, Utah, in 1983. I attended Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia, in June 1983 under the PLC (Law) program, and accepted my commission as a 2d Lieutenant upon graduation in August of that year. After graduation from law school in April, 1984 and admission to the Utah state bar, I entered The Basic School in November of that year, graduating in April, 1985. Upon completion of the Naval Justice School in August 1985, I was certified as a judge advocate and awarded the MOS of 4402 (Judge Advocate). Learning the Art and Practice of Military Law . . .My career as an attorney started in August, 1985, when I reported to Marine Corps Air Station, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, and was assigned to the Joint Law Center. After initially serving in the Legal Assistance Office, I began my first tour as a defense counsel, representing Marines and Sailors charged with offenses ranging from disrespect and drug use to serious rape and sexual molestation charges, as well as the theft and destruction of an Armored Assault Vehicle (AAV) on a highway on Oahu. I obtained acquittals in cases involving child molestation, rape, grand larceny, and serious allegations of officer misconduct involving a Navy Lieutenant Commander at Pearl Harbor. I was promoted to Captain in 1986. Seasoned by Experience In July, 1988, I reported to Headquarters and Service Battalion, 3d Force Service Support Group, in Okinawa, Japan, and was assigned to the Legal Service Support Section. I served as Officer in Charge of Legal Service Support Team, Camp Kinser, Trial Counsel, Defense Counsel, and Senior Defense Counsel. During this time, I prosecuted and defended serious offenses involving rape, child physical and sexual abuse, aggravated assaults, armed robbery and homicide. During this same time period I deployed in roles as legal advisor to the Team Spirit exercises in Korea, the Thalay Thai and Cobra Gold exercises in Thailand, and served as the deputy staff judge advocate for Naval Forces Central Command aboard the USS BLUE RIDGE in the Persian Gulf during Operations DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM. Teacher and Student . . . In July 1991, I reported to the Naval Justice School, Newport, Rhode Island, as an instructor in the Criminal Law Department. During this time I served as an instructor in the Evidence section teaching both the legal officer and new accession lawyer courses, as well as traveling around the world teaching senior officer courses. In 1992, I became the Trial Advocacy instructor and Coordinator, and participated in a major revision of the military justice and trial advocacy curriculum at the school. I was promoted to Major while at the school in 1993.In July 1994, I reported to The Army Judge Advocate General’s School in Charlottesville, Virginia, as a student in the year long career course leading to a Master in Laws in Military Law. I graduated on the Commandant’s List, with an emphasis in Criminal Law, in May, 1995. Leader and Experienced Litigator . . . In June 1995, I reported to Headquarters and Service Battalion, 2d Force Service Support Group, at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where I was assigned to the Legal Service Support Section. I served as the Senior Defense Counsel for over two years, supervising a section of 10 defense attorneys and representing clients in serious offenses including supply fraud, rape, child sexual abuse, hazing, aggravated assault, homicide and capital murder. I was involved in the “Blood Pinning” investigation involving Marines with jump wings in 1997, and obtained acquittals in cases involving rape, child molestation, aggravated assault, supply fraud, computer crimes, felony larceny and drug distribution. I did my first capital case, successfully removing death from the table and ensuring that my client would not spend his life behind bars. I was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 1998, and served as the Officer in Charge of the Legal Service Support Section. Regional Defense Counsel In July, 1999, I transferred to Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, as the Regional Defense Counsel for the Eastern Region of the United States. I supervised over 20 attorneys providing defense counsel services in all Marine Corps installations on the East Coast. During this time I was involved in the investigations surrounding the V-22 Osprey, and personally represented clients in the most complex cases involving allegations of senior officer misconduct and capital murder. In July, 2001, I reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, and was assigned as the Director of the Depot Law Center, providing legal services to the Depot and the Eastern Recruiting Region and supervising the prosecutorial function for all MCRD and Eastern Recruiting Region cases. Here, I came to know with an insider’s perspective the challenges and issues of recruiting and training new Marines, and the challenges faced by non-commissioned officers tasked with the most difficult and challenging job in the service. Senior Military Judge In July, 2004, I reported to the Sierra Judicial Circuit, Navy Marine Corps Trial Judiciary, after designation as a Military Judge. I became the deputy Circuit Judge in 2005, and then became the Senior Judge over the Sierra Judicial District when all Navy and Marine Corps judicial activities on the west coast were consolidated into the Western Judicial Circuit in 2006. I presided over a number of high profile trials. I worked to ensure that justice was done in each case—that the rights of the accused were protected, that only admissible evidence went before the trier of fact, and that a just result occurred in each case. In this role, I also came to know the personality of the players in the Western Judicial Circuit. Private Practice In April 2009, I retired from active duty and opened a practice, focusing solely on representing military members pending courts-martial, administrative separation, or fighting adverse personnel actions—adverse fitness reports, counselings, appeals to the Board of Correction of Naval Records. In the hundreds of cases I have represented since retirement, I have consistently improved the outcome for my clients—obtaining acquittals or findings on significantly less serious offenses, negotiating beneficial pretrial agreements, obtaining retention on active duty and favorable characterizations of service, and cleaning up the records of service members.
Practices Areas
Criminal Defense
Military Law
Language
English
Contact
Meeks Military Law3548 Seagate WaySuite 200Oceanside, CA, 92056-2690
Office: (760) 494-4257
Website: N/AReviews
I was in my 28th year in the Navy, just waiting to sign my DD 214 when I was told that I needed to be held back due to an accusation. Later my case was referred for GCM. To make the long story short, I found Mr. Meeks as my attorney out of many who claimed to be the best. I am glad that I selected him to represent me. I will spare you the details. I don't want to wish upon anybody what I have experienced. All I can tell you is that not only I have been cleared or found not guilty of all charges, I have been hired as GS employee a year after my case. I think believing in yourself, have the support of your family and be truthful to Mr. Meeks is the key. My apologies for not writing this review much earlier. I recently found the court paperwork and read them through again. I don't think I would have made this far if not for Mr. Meeks. Thank you Sir. (Roxas City)
I was accused of three separate charges by the United States Navy so to say the least the odds were stacked against us. Right away Mr. Meeks was confident he could get the charges dropped and that is exactly what he did. He was no doubt the difference maker in the board's final decision. My case lasted over a year and Mr. Meeks was always available and consistently working towards our end goal. He is an expert of Military Law and Military proceedings which was evident on the day of the Board of Inquiry. His diligent preparation and ability to perform at trial were impressive and no doubt the reason for all three charges being dropped.
Mr Meeks is an amazing lawyer. From start to finish he was always available no matter the time of day, which was greatly appreciated due to conflicting time zones. He was extremely knowledgeable and professional, replied honestly on how my case could go. During trial, he never backed down, was very tactful and ultimately helped me out a bad situation.
Mr. Meeks helped me through one of the darkest times of my life. I could not have asked for a better lawyer. I hired Mr. Meeks when I got into some serious legal troubles. Due to the nature of the charges, I was facing at least 15 years to life in prison. I spoke with Mr. Meeks over the phone briefly about my case. When I first met Mr. Meeks, I was shocked, confused, and scared to death. He was able to calm my fears from our first meeting, offering both a compassionate listener and some comprehensive knowledge of military law. In the courtroom, he demonstrated a high degree of professionalism and tact. After a three-day jury trial, including expert testimony offered by the prosecutor, the jury returned a not guilty verdict on all charges. Mr. Meeks was always straight forward and never rushed me, he took the time to explain in detail all aspects of my case. I, strongly recommend Mr. Meeks to anyone who needs reliable defense in any criminal case. Mr. Meeks, authentic care, urgent attention, and expert knowledge helped turn a very negative challenge and life changing experience into a positive. Thanks again.
Recently, our son (USMC) was accused of wrong doing under the Article 120 of the UCMJ. The cards were stacked against our son. The charges were serious and the outcome was grave. We decided to hire Mr. Meeks and have him as our lead counsel. All cases are different and so are the out comes. Mr. Meeks hired a great professional witness to strengthen his argument for the defense. Together they mounted our son's defense. He took this case to heart and put everything into defending our son. The preparation was excellent. Mr. Meeks commanded the floor and his delivery was outstanding. The jury listened to his every word. He gave the jury the convincing argument and they had determined there was reasonable doubt. The verdict came in as "Not Guilty". I highly recommend Mr. Meeks and our family is indebted to him. In my opinion, he made the difference in this case.
My experience with Mr. Meeks was vastly different than the 5 star reviews I have read. Needless to say, I was deeply disappointed with his services. I subtracted his first star when I tried reaching him several times on a Monday. I had already retained his services two weeks prior and paid his initial fee. After calling 5 times throughout the day, I had an urgent matter, I left a message around 2 pm requesting a call back and stressing I had a time sensitive issue. No call on Monday evening. No call from Mr. Meeks Tuesday morning either. That’s when I subtracted another star. Finally I call again Tuesday afternoon. Get a hold of someone who tells me Mr. Meeks is busy and he’ll call me back later. Thankfully he did. When I spoke to him to discuss how to proceed, he basically told me I was guilty and the best outcome was to avoid an “other than honorable discharge.” To give context, I hadn’t even been brought a charge sheet yet and the attorney who is supposed to be on my side has already decided I’m done and about to be separated. Minus a star. Not feeling quite right about Mr. Meeks’s approach and his indifference to my account of why the command was incorrect, I consulted with another attorney. Complete 180 from my experience with Meeks military law. My attorney now communicates with me quickly if not immediately, and didn’t need me to explain why the command allegations were not valid. Another star lost. Not sure if I just caught Mr. Meeks on a bad day or he is just selective about which cases he thinks are worth fighting for. Recommend to whoever hires Mr. Meeks to make sure he believes in you and your case before paying him.
Waste of money!! Never responded to any follow up questions after him lost the case.. His daughter is his paralegal. A hot mess. Lucky I had other factors that protected me... I succeed in retirement without the $ 6000 he cost me... He is a good man but at the end of the day find a Attorney that knows modern values!
I was in my 28th year in the Navy, just waiting to sign my DD 214 when I was told that I needed to be held back due to an accusation. Later my case was referred for GCM. To make the long story short, I found Mr. Meeks as my attorney out of many who claimed to be the best. I am glad that I selected him to represent me. I will spare you the details. I don't want to wish upon anybody what I have experienced. All I can tell you is that not only I have been cleared or found not guilty of all charges, I have been hired as GS employee a year after my case. I think believing in yourself, have the support of your family and be truthful to Mr. Meeks is the key. My apologies for not writing this review much earlier. I recently found the court paperwork and read them through again. I don't think I would have made this far if not for Mr. Meeks. Thank you Sir. (Roxas City)
I was accused of three separate charges by the United States Navy so to say the least the odds were stacked against us. Right away Mr. Meeks was confident he could get the charges dropped and that is exactly what he did. He was no doubt the difference maker in the board's final decision. My case lasted over a year and Mr. Meeks was always available and consistently working towards our end goal. He is an expert of Military Law and Military proceedings which was evident on the day of the Board of Inquiry. His diligent preparation and ability to perform at trial were impressive and no doubt the reason for all three charges being dropped.
Mr Meeks is an amazing lawyer. From start to finish he was always available no matter the time of day, which was greatly appreciated due to conflicting time zones. He was extremely knowledgeable and professional, replied honestly on how my case could go. During trial, he never backed down, was very tactful and ultimately helped me out a bad situation.
Mr. Meeks helped me through one of the darkest times of my life. I could not have asked for a better lawyer. I hired Mr. Meeks when I got into some serious legal troubles. Due to the nature of the charges, I was facing at least 15 years to life in prison. I spoke with Mr. Meeks over the phone briefly about my case. When I first met Mr. Meeks, I was shocked, confused, and scared to death. He was able to calm my fears from our first meeting, offering both a compassionate listener and some comprehensive knowledge of military law. In the courtroom, he demonstrated a high degree of professionalism and tact. After a three-day jury trial, including expert testimony offered by the prosecutor, the jury returned a not guilty verdict on all charges. Mr. Meeks was always straight forward and never rushed me, he took the time to explain in detail all aspects of my case. I, strongly recommend Mr. Meeks to anyone who needs reliable defense in any criminal case. Mr. Meeks, authentic care, urgent attention, and expert knowledge helped turn a very negative challenge and life changing experience into a positive. Thanks again.
Recently, our son (USMC) was accused of wrong doing under the Article 120 of the UCMJ. The cards were stacked against our son. The charges were serious and the outcome was grave. We decided to hire Mr. Meeks and have him as our lead counsel. All cases are different and so are the out comes. Mr. Meeks hired a great professional witness to strengthen his argument for the defense. Together they mounted our son's defense. He took this case to heart and put everything into defending our son. The preparation was excellent. Mr. Meeks commanded the floor and his delivery was outstanding. The jury listened to his every word. He gave the jury the convincing argument and they had determined there was reasonable doubt. The verdict came in as "Not Guilty". I highly recommend Mr. Meeks and our family is indebted to him. In my opinion, he made the difference in this case.
My experience with Mr. Meeks was vastly different than the 5 star reviews I have read. Needless to say, I was deeply disappointed with his services. I subtracted his first star when I tried reaching him several times on a Monday. I had already retained his services two weeks prior and paid his initial fee. After calling 5 times throughout the day, I had an urgent matter, I left a message around 2 pm requesting a call back and stressing I had a time sensitive issue. No call on Monday evening. No call from Mr. Meeks Tuesday morning either. That’s when I subtracted another star. Finally I call again Tuesday afternoon. Get a hold of someone who tells me Mr. Meeks is busy and he’ll call me back later. Thankfully he did. When I spoke to him to discuss how to proceed, he basically told me I was guilty and the best outcome was to avoid an “other than honorable discharge.” To give context, I hadn’t even been brought a charge sheet yet and the attorney who is supposed to be on my side has already decided I’m done and about to be separated. Minus a star. Not feeling quite right about Mr. Meeks’s approach and his indifference to my account of why the command was incorrect, I consulted with another attorney. Complete 180 from my experience with Meeks military law. My attorney now communicates with me quickly if not immediately, and didn’t need me to explain why the command allegations were not valid. Another star lost. Not sure if I just caught Mr. Meeks on a bad day or he is just selective about which cases he thinks are worth fighting for. Recommend to whoever hires Mr. Meeks to make sure he believes in you and your case before paying him.
Waste of money!! Never responded to any follow up questions after him lost the case.. His daughter is his paralegal. A hot mess. Lucky I had other factors that protected me... I succeed in retirement without the $ 6000 he cost me... He is a good man but at the end of the day find a Attorney that knows modern values!