In January 1983, Murphy applied to be admitted to the Louisiana bar, stating under oath that he had never been sued nor been the subject of a disciplinary action.

The charges were absence without leave; failure to obey order/dereliction of duty, false official statement, larceny and conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman in violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) Articles 86, 92, 107, 121, and 133, respectively.

The charges were forwarded to Major General Robert L. Smolen, Commander, Air Force District of Washington, for disposition.

[4] Military members facing punishment may raise a "good soldier defense" that draws in specifics of their duty performance as mitigation against the charges against them.

The charges for conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman and failure to obey a regulation relate to Murphy's alleged failure to inform the Air Force of his disbarment in Texas and Louisiana while continuing to serve in positions that require a valid law license.