Yes, a military attorney can and should be consulted before accepting or rebutting nonjudicial punishment under Article 15. They will explain the nature of the allegations, available rights, and potential consequences of accepting punishment or demanding trial by court-martial instead. The attorney will review the evidence, advise on whether to submit written matters or request an open hearing, and help craft a defense or mitigation strategy. While they do not represent the service member during the actual Article 15 hearing, their advice before that proceeding can significantly affect the outcome. Choosing to accept or challenge NJP is a legal decision with long-term career implications, and military attorneys play a vital advisory role in this process.