United States v. Standifer

DECISION

LEONARD, Senior Judge:

In a trial before a military judge alone, appellant was convicted of one wrongful use of cocaine. The sentence adjudged and approved was a bad conduct discharge, confinement for seven months, and reduction to airman basic. Appellant asserts that his sentence should be set aside because trial counsel made an improper sentencing argument. In the alternative, he asserts his sentence is inappropriately severe. We disagree with both assertions.

The alleged improper argument came after the appellant had pleaded not guilty and contested the question of his guilt. He…