Patrick Joseph Hughes

I met Pat Hughes a couple of years ago while a senior commander and under investigation for an inappropriate relationship. He came highly recommended as defense counsel and I selected him from 3 military attorneys that were offered. To say I was lucky in my selection is a vast understatement. I co...ntacted Pat only for advice on how to answer questions during the investigative interviews. Pat went above and beyond from day one. He listened to my story, gave me advice, but asked that I hold overnight while he thought through my defense. The next day, I not only got the great advice I was seeking, but a prepared statement for me to tweak and take with me to provide to the investigator. Without dragging out the story, nor going into more detail, Pat defended me and saved my career. Unfortunately, my investigation was found substantiated, but Pat's defense and Memorandums for Record prevented it from ever drifting into the criminal realm. Not only did Pat prepare my defense in the form of several Memos for Record, he also rebutted the findings of my case after it was substantiated. My administrative punishment was a GOMOR (General Officer Letter of Reprimand) and an Unfavorable Information File. Pat's relentless efforts and memos had my GOMOR and UIF rescinded in less than 6 months. I've never heard of that happening so quickly, as a UIF is usually open for two years. Again, his drive, passion, and art as an attorney had my UIF removed quicker than I've ever heard. Just helping me through the trying investigation and findings would have been enough, but Pat further engaged when my record was meeting a board and typed a 10-page attorney memo to explain to the board how I was wronged and my case was legally insufficient. The time he spends on his clients and his cases, can't be matched. Finally, Pat is one of the few people I know, not just attorneys, but people, who will drop whatever they are doing to help you out. As his client, I could call him at anytime, day or night, and know he was there for me. Further, after calling, Pat always responded with whatever was needed. Whether it was simply listening, immediate phone calls, or a typed memo, Pat was and is always available to provide his outstanding services. I can't say enough good things about Pat Hughes, as an attorney and caring person. I can't imagine a better attorney in any aspect of defense or civil law and I will go to no other for legal advice. You can't put a price on the legal services that Pat Hughes provides. He is, quite simply, the best!

I was fortunate to achieve the rank of Chief Master Sergeant (E-9) in the United States Air Force and served for over 28 years. However, I was a Chief with a secret and led a double life. While serving on active duty, I became addicted to crack cocaine and became an alcoholic while trying to use liq...uor to disguise my cocaine addiction. In September of 2013, my Commander informed me he was removing me from my primary duties and relocating me to an office about 12 feet from his until we await the results of my court-martial. My first move was to visit an off-base lawyer. During my visit, he quoted me what came close to a $15K fee. I said thank you Sir, departed his office, visited my drug spot and got high. I visited my ADC that next morning and was assigned Captain Patrick Hughes. We did not get off to a collaborative start because I consistently kept lying to him to downplay my usage and cover up my double life. Prior to my court-martial, Captain Hughes and I had numerous legal discussions, but after multiple drug test failures from Sept 2013 through Jan 2014, our discussions turned more towards my life, my poor decisions, my family and trying to get to the bottom of my consistent usage. He turned into a gifted listener, great friend and someone I slowly started opening up to about the destructive life I created as a result of drinking and drugging. Our conversations led to me finally admitting that I had a problem and needed help. As a result of 7 drug test failures, I was facing 1 year in jail, reduction from E-9 to E-1, forfeiture of pay and allowances, hard labor and a dishonorable discharge. During the trial, it took about 30 minutes for me to realize that my lawyer is exceptionally organized, an exceptional communicator and has a way of telling the truth but explaining the “Whys” and connecting with people. I honestly do not remember what he said during his closing argument, I only remember how it made me feel and how the jurors and the entire courtroom received his powerful message. I was only reduced to E-6, served 3 months in a military Brig and 4 months hard labor, and more importantly, I separated with an Honorable Discharge and kept my retirement. Additionally, I was re-promoted to the rank of E-8, which would have never happened without Captain Hughes' commitment to turning my life around and his incredible courtroom savvy. I honestly feel I did not deserve my positive outcome, but I feel God brought Captain Hughes in my life to change me, so I can help change others through my story. I am currently working on the same base that prosecuted me, been sober since 13 Jan 2014, and I tell my story to current alcoholics and addicts every Wednesday at my former outpatient program. My first impression of Captain Hughes is the exact same impression I have of him right now. He is a person who never meets a stranger, passionate about people, an awesome sense of humor which is needed during a life changing experience, and someone that figured out how to get 64 hours of work completed in a 24 hour day. He was a tireless worker and gifted communicator, who could engage in conversation and connect with a destitute person on the street, or a five-star General. More importantly, his caring conversations were aligned with his actions. He forgave me, provided me legal counsel and guided me through the worst time of my life, to include when my mother died while I was in jail. He simply inspired me to clean my life up and is an incredible lawyer. I ran into a juror who sat on my trial at a military function for my niece. He told me “Chief, you got a favorable outcome because you were truthful and YOUR LAWYER ABSOLUTELY CRUSHED THE PROSECUTION!” I am willing to talk to potential clients of Patrick’s, about his character and skill, he has my number.

Mr. Hughes was a professional, highly intelligent and motivated Area Defense Counsel. He acted as my attorney during an evaluation board. He took a difficult case in an area that was not his expertise and made it his expertise, creating a potent defense. His efforts and guidance helped me get thr...ough a difficult and confusing process and saved my career. When I was unable to carry on, his enthusiasm, drive and skills gave hope and direction. He truly cared about his client and put in long hours to deliver a stunning victory. The moment you walk into his office and meet him, you will know why he is so successful. I would recommend Mr. Hughes for any challenge or case.