Trial date set for former legal officer Published April 15, 2008 WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- A trial judge approved the former commander of the Air Force Legal Operations Agency's defense counsel's requests for deferments of plea and court forum choice during an arraignment April 14 in a courtroom at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C. Col. Michael Murphy's general court-martial was tentatively set to begin July 21 by Army Col. Stephen Henley with a motions hearing scheduled for June 23. Colonel Henley is detailed to the trial from his post as chief trial judge of the Army Legal Services Agency's Army Trial Judiciary in Arlington, Va. Prior to the judge's rulings, trial counsel covered the charges against Colonel Murphy, which include violations of three articles of the Uniform Code of Military Justice: Conduct unbecoming an officer and gentleman, larceny, and failure to obey a regulation. The specifications of the charges include wrongfully and dishonorably competing for promotion and performing duties when he did not possess the required qualifications of a judge advocate, failing to notify leaders of the termination of his license to practice law, larceny of more than $500, and failing to maintain compliance with licensing requirements of a court. Air Force District of Washington's commander, Maj. Gen. Frank Gorenc, referred the charges against Colonel Murphy to trial by general court-martial Oct. 4. Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page