Lt. Col. Lakin sentenced
FORT MEAD, Md. – After being convicted on three counts of disobeying orders and one count of missing a movement by a general court martial, Lt. Col. Terrence “Terry” Lakin was sentenced this afternoon to dismissal, six months confinement, and forfeiture of all pay and allowances.
Dismissal from the military as an officer is equivalent to a dishonorable discharge and essentially eliminates Lakin’s right to all benefits incident to his military service.
Unless granted a deferment, Lakin will begin his sentence of confinement today.
If his sentence is approved by the convening authority, Lakin’s case, because it includes dismissal, will be sent for automatic review by the Army Court of Criminal Appeals (ACCA), which has the authority to overturn his convictions.
Maj. Gen. Karl Horst, Lakin's commanding general, could also grant Lakin clemency.
If the ACCA upholds Lakin’s convictions, he can appeal to the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (CAAF).
If the CAAF agrees to hear Lakin’s appeal but denies it, Lakin can appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, which rarely grants review for appeals of military justice system decisions.