074 United States v. Gonzalez

I remember the first time I went out to socialize after learning I passed the Bar exam. I'd graduated in May, studied for months, took the test, and waited until late November for results. The wait was brutal – I lost about a third of my hair volume from the stress that comes with spending tens of thousands of dollars on an education that I really, really hoped would result in a Bar license on the first try. When the results came back and I learned that I'd passed, it was as though I could finally breathe again and it felt so much lighter to go out and see friends, to have the time to socialize without guilt. The buoyancy was palpable.

Having never retired from the armed services, I don't know if the feeling is comparable in those giddy final months when you remember that your life is about to become your own again. But, it's the nearst experience I can think of. Unlike Lieutenant Colonel Gonzalez, none of my friends were out there cheating on their partners in observance of that giddiness.


I relied on the CAAF opinion and briefing, as well as one quick review on sofrep.com.

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Disclaimer: Conduct Unbecoming is a podcast where I get to talk about interesting crimes and cases that involve US military service members. I research, write, and produce the podcast myself… the opinions expressed are my own and, perhaps it's obvious, Conduct Unbecoming is not approved, endorsed, or authorized by the Department of Defense. I am not a military JAG and have never been a military JAG. While I'm a practicing attorney, I don't do direct criminal defense. This podcast is a passion project, not legal advice or expert opinion.