Legal Assistance

Mission Statement: To provide timely, competent and comprehensive legal support to commanders and personnel of MCAS Iwakuni in order to facilitate mission accomplishment, unit readiness, maintenance of good order and discipline, to protect the rights of the accused and the rights of victims of crime.

The Legal Support Services Team is located in building 608 adjacent to PMO. LSST - Iwakuni provides the following services to commands and individuals aboard MCAS Iwakuni:

Legal Assistance: This section of the LSST provides a wide range of services to eligible personnel concerning civil legal matters, to include estate planning, family law, consumer law and powers of attorney preparation. Eligibility for services is determined in accordance with the Status of Forces Agreement and supplemental implementing regulations of the Navy and Marine Corps. Appointments should be made in person at the Legal Assistance Office located in building 608 from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For additional questions, contact DSN 253-5591/0827-79-5591.

Notary Services: Notaries are provided on a walk-in basis only during legal assistance hours. No appointment needed for Powers of Attorney or documents of 5 or less pages. For documents containing more than 5 pages or for additional questions, contact DSN 253-5591/0827-79-5591.

Passport and Immigration: The LSST provides services concerning official and tourist passports, consular report of birth abroad, marriage, immigration and naturalization matters, social security matters and case-specific translations to eligible personnel in accordance with the Status of Forces Agreement and supplemental implementing regulations of the Navy and Marine Corps. Appointments should be made in person at building 608 from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For additional questions, contact DSN 253-5591/0827-79-5591.

Tax Services: The LSST stands up the Tax Center seasonally and provides free, accurate federal and state income tax preparation; timely electronic and paper income tax filing; and income tax related information for active duty, mobilized reservists, retired U.S. military personnel, government employees and their dependents aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. The tax center is opens on 1 February and varies year-to-year, from April to June, on closure. The tax center is closed on holidays. Note, you (1) must have CLIENT INTAKE completed prior to being seen by a tax representative, (2) taxes for the prior three years may be filed, and (3) if you are deployed, you and your spouse have 180 days from the time you leave the deployment area to prepare your tax return. Please visit the Legal Assistance Office or call DSN 253-3540/0827-79-3540 for operational hours and dates.

Victim Legal Counsel: Victims' Legal Counsel provides legal advice, counseling, representation to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and other crimes and to protect victims' rights at all stages of the military justice process.

Defense Services Organization: If you are a service member and need to consult with a criminal defense attorney about any matter, including; a pending investigation, NJP, charges, notification of separation, or any other matter involving misconduct, please visit the office during walk-in hours Tuesday and Thursday 1 to 4 p.m. The DSO Iwakuni Branch Office entrance is located behind the legal side of building 608.

Civilian Misconduct: The Civilian Misconduct Office assists the Station Magistrate in conducting fair and impartial administrative hearings of alleged misconduct committed by dependents and members of the civilian component authorized to enter MCAS Iwakuni facilities. Administrative sanctions are awarded as appropriate. Please call DSN 253-5591/0827-79-5591 for assistance.