HAGERSTOWN, Md. - A Marine private who slit his wrists in a suicide attempt is fighting his conviction for deliberately hurting himself.
A lawyer for Pvt. Lazzaric Caldwell of Camp Pendleton, Calif., argues the punishment is inconsistent with the armed forces' efforts to battle a rise in suicides during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Caldwell pleaded guilty in 2010 in Okinawa, Japan. His initial appeal was denied, and his lawyer said this week he will ask the military's highest court to hear the case.
Caldwell was never deployed but has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. His lawyer says it's wrong to prosecute such service members for genuine suicide attempts.
Prosecutors say Caldwell was properly convicted of a charge that helps maintain good order and discipline in the armed forces.
Associated Press