Are Gonzalez & Waddington, LLC Attorneys Former JAG Officers?

Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law, is a globally recognized military defense firm that represents service members facing some of the toughest battles of their careers under the UCMJ. When the question arises, “Are Gonzalez & Waddington attorneys former JAG officers?” the answer is yes and no. Attorney Michael Waddington is a former U.S. Army JAG lawyer who gained trial experience inside the military justice system before devoting his career to defending service members worldwide. That insider experience gives the firm an unmatched edge in anticipating the tactics, procedures, and strategies that military prosecutors use against soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, Guardians, and Coast Guardsmen. Alexandra is a former public defender with over 20 years defending UCMJ cases.

Service members confronted with courts-martial, administrative separation boards, or criminal investigations have very little time to prepare. In these moments, choosing a lawyer who understands the military justice system from the inside is critical. Many defense lawyers may advertise military experience, but very few can combine former JAG insights with decades of full-time private defense work in high-stakes court-martial trials.

With decades of UCMJ experience, the attorneys at Gonzalez & Waddington know the structure of military prosecutions: the role of command influence, the investigative process by CID/OSI/NCIS/CGIS, and the evidentiary pitfalls that can make or break a defense. This perspective enables our firm to immediately assess weak points in the government’s case while aggressively protecting the rights of the accused.

Military justice is not the same as civilian criminal law. Evidence obtained during command-directed investigations, improper Article 31 rights advisement, and unlawful command influence are issues that skilled former JAG officers are uniquely qualified to identify. At Gonzalez & Waddington, we use that background to fight for acquittals, reduced charges, or to stop wrongful separations.

Our attorneys have tried cases across the globe—Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and throughout the United States. We bring a tested battle plan to every case, whether the client faces sexual assault allegations, war crimes, drug charges, or administrative separation. Choosing a former UCMJ lawyer who is a relentless private defender ensures that the playing field is level.

Why Choose Michael Waddington & Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington

• Books authored on cross-examination and military justice used by other defense lawyers.
• Proven track record with hundreds of contested court-martial trials and favorable results.
• Representation in high-profile and complex cases worldwide, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Europe, Asia, and the U.S.
• Decades of combined experience in military law and trial strategy.
• Training other lawyers and teaching advanced defense trial tactics.
• Renowned for defending sex crimes, serious felonies, and war crimes allegations.
• Comprehensive representation in Article 32 hearings, NJP/Article 15 matters, and administrative separation boards and BOIs.

Common Issues / Case Types We Handle

• Contested courts-martial for serious felony-level charges.
• Sex crime and sexual assault allegations under Articles 120, 125, and 134 UCMJ.
• Administrative separations and officer boards of inquiry.
• Article 32 preliminary hearings and pretrial investigations.
• War crimes, combat-related charges, and operational misconduct investigations.
• Drug cases, fraternization, assault, theft, and other UCMJ offenses.
• False allegations, unreliable forensic evidence, and witness credibility challenges.

Pro Tips & Mistakes

• Do not assume that a military defense counsel alone has the experience to take your case to trial—consider retaining experienced civilian former JAG defense lawyers for added protection.
• Do request legal counsel immediately before making any statements to investigators or command authorities.
• Do not discuss your case with friends, colleagues, or on social media; such statements can be used against you.
• Preserve potential evidence—texts, emails, photographs, or witness information may be critical to your defense.
• Engage counsel as early as possible, ideally at the investigation stage, to build a strong strategy before charges are filed.

FAQs

Are the attorneys at Gonzalez & Waddington former JAG officers?
Yes & No. Attorney Michael Waddington served as a U.S. Army JAG officer and now uses that experience to defend service members worldwide. Alexandra has over 20 years of UCMJ experience as a civilian defense lawyer.

What advantage does being a former JAG provide?
Former JAG officers understand the military justice process from the inside, including investigative tactics and prosecutorial strategies, which allows more effective defense planning.

Does Gonzalez & Waddington represent clients worldwide?
Yes. The firm travels globally to defend service members, including in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and throughout the United States.

Do I need a civilian attorney if I already have a military defense lawyer?
Yes. Military defense counsel often carry heavy caseloads. A seasoned civilian defense lawyer provides dedicated attention and advanced trial experience to strengthen your defense.

What types of cases do former JAG officers at Gonzalez & Waddington handle?
The firm represents clients in court-martials, Article 32 hearings, sexual assault defense, war crimes, administrative separations, and appeals.

Can Gonzalez & Waddington help with Boards of Inquiry and separation boards?
Yes. The firm frequently represents both officers and enlisted members facing involuntary separation or BOI proceedings.

How quickly should I contact the firm if I am under investigation?
Immediately. Early representation helps prevent missteps during investigations and secures vital evidence for your defense.

Contact Gonzalez & Waddington

If you are under investigation or facing UCMJ action, do not wait. Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law, provides confidential consultations and worldwide representation for officers and enlisted service members across all branches, including the Space Force. Call 1-800-921-8607 or visit ucmjdefense.com to schedule an urgent case evaluation with our former JAG and elite military defense team.