United States v. Silva

DECISION

HODGSON, Chief Judge:

Pursuant to his pleas the accused was convicted of two allegations of committing indecent acts with a child under 16 years of age. He was sentenced to a dishonorable discharge, seven years confinement at hard labor, and reduction to airman basic.

Initially, appellate defense counsel contend that the trial judge incorrectly instructed the members concerning forfeitures and punitive discharges. With respect to the latter he stated:

A dishonorable or bad conduct discharge deprives one of substantially all benefits administered by the Veterans Administration and the Air…