Gonzalez & Waddington – Elite Court-Martial & Military Defense Attorneys

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Army Criminal Defense Lawyers for Court-Martial Cases & Administrative Separations

Top-Tier Defense for Soldiers Facing UCMJ Action or Separation

When you’re under investigation, facing a court-martial, or being processed for administrative separation, your entire military career is at risk. As a Soldier in the United States Army, you’re subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), which carries some of the harshest penalties in the federal system. Whether it’s an Article 120 sexual assault charge, Article 92 violation, or a separation board for misconduct, the outcome could cost you your rank, retirement, freedom, and reputation.

Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law is a premier military defense firm that defends Soldiers worldwide. Led by former Army JAG Michael Waddington and experienced litigator Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington, our team provides aggressive, personalized, and trial-proven representation in Army court-martial cases and separation proceedings.

Army Court-Martial Defense

Army court-martials are federal criminal trials — the stakes are high and the process is fast. If you’re facing a court-martial, the government is already building its case. You need to fight back immediately with experienced civilian military defense lawyers on your side.

  • General Court-Martial: Felony-level trial with potential for life imprisonment, dishonorable discharge, and loss of all benefits
  • Special Court-Martial: Punishable by up to 12 months in confinement, forfeitures, and a bad-conduct discharge
  • Summary Court-Martial: Limited rights and punishment, but still damaging to your career if not handled properly

Common UCMJ Charges We Defend

  • Article 120 – Sexual assault and rape
  • Article 128b – Domestic violence
  • Article 92 – Failure to obey orders or regulations
  • Article 112a – Drug use and distribution
  • Article 118 – Murder and manslaughter
  • Article 86 – AWOL and desertion
  • Article 134 – General misconduct, indecent language, fraternization, obstruction

Administrative Separation Boards & Boards of Inquiry (BOIs)

Administrative separations are non-criminal but can be career-ending. Even without a court-martial, you can be separated with a less-than-honorable discharge that follows you for life. You need to mount a defense as if your future depends on it — because it does.

  • Chapter 14-12b or 14-12c (Misconduct): Filed for pattern of misconduct or commission of a serious offense
  • Board of Inquiry (BOI): For Army officers being processed for elimination due to misconduct or substandard performance
  • Consequences: Loss of retirement, VA benefits, GI Bill, security clearance, and civilian job prospects
  • Defense Strategy: Detailed rebuttals, witness preparation, cross-examination, and command-level mitigation

Why Choose Gonzalez & Waddington

  • Led by a former Army JAG with decades of military trial experience
  • Handled thousands of UCMJ cases, separation boards, and BOIs worldwide
  • Nationally recognized authors and speakers on military trial strategy
  • Aggressive, personalized representation — we don’t back down
  • We only take serious cases to provide each client with maximum focus

Global Representation – Fort Liberty, Fort Bliss, Germany, Korea & More

We defend Soldiers stationed across the U.S. and overseas, including at Fort Liberty, Fort Bliss, Fort Cavazos, Fort Carson, Germany, Korea, Italy, Japan, and deployed locations. Wherever you’re stationed — we’re ready to defend you.

Take Action Now — Before It’s Too Late

The government is already building its case against you. Don’t wait for the Article 32 or separation board notification to start your defense. Contact us today for a confidential case review and take the first step toward protecting your career and future.

➤ Request a Confidential Consultation Now

Army Court-Martial & Separation Defense – Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a court-martial and administrative separation?

A court-martial is a criminal trial that can result in confinement and a federal conviction. An administrative separation is non-criminal but can still end your career with an OTH discharge. Both should be taken seriously and require strong legal defense.

Can I have a civilian attorney in a court-martial or separation board?

Yes. You are entitled to hire a civilian military defense attorney at your own expense. Most Soldiers facing serious accusations choose civilian counsel like Gonzalez & Waddington for more focused, aggressive representation.

How soon should I contact a lawyer after being accused or investigated?

Immediately. Don’t talk to CID, your chain of command, or anyone else without first consulting an attorney. The earlier we get involved, the better chance we have to influence the outcome and protect your rights.

Do you handle cases outside the United States?

Yes. We represent Soldiers stationed in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and anywhere the U.S. Army operates. We travel globally and have defended cases in over a dozen countries.

Who are Michael and Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington?

Michael Waddington is a former Army JAG and globally recognized court-martial defense lawyer. Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington is a seasoned litigator and strategist. Together, they lead a top-tier military defense firm with a reputation for winning tough cases.

Army Criminal Defense Lawyers for Court Martial Cases & Administrative Separations

Are you in the U.S. Army? Facing a court-martial, UCMJ action, Administrative Separation Board, or other Adverse Administrative Action? Call our experienced Army military defense lawyers at 1-800-921-8607 for a free consultation.

“Your career, reputation, and even your freedom hang in the balance. A single misstep could derail everything you’ve worked for. This isn’t just a legal matter; it’s a fight for your future.” (Michael Waddington, Military Defense Lawyer, 11 July 2024).

Military Justice: The Role of Army Criminal Defense Lawyers in Your Military Case

The stakes are incredibly high when an Army soldier faces court-martial for a UCMJ violation. Their career, reputation, and freedom could be on the line. An experienced civilian military defense lawyer offers distinct advantages in such a critical situation.

Hiring Civilian Court Martial Attorneys

Firstly, these lawyers specialize in military law. They understand the intricacies of the UCMJ, military court procedures, and the nuances that can make or break a case. This expertise is invaluable when navigating the complex military justice system.

Benefits of Civilian Court Martial Lawyers

Secondly, civilian military defense lawyers bring an independent perspective. Unlike military defense counsel, they are not part of the military chain of command and are not subject to potential internal pressures. This allows them to provide unbiased and aggressive representation, solely focused on the soldier’s best interests.

Experience of Civilian Military Defense Attorneys

Thirdly, experienced civilian lawyers often have a proven track record of success in military courts. They have honed their skills in defending service members and are familiar with the strategies used by military prosecutors. This experience can be crucial in building a strong defense and achieving a favorable outcome.

Call 1-800-921-8607 to Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Military Defense Lawyers

Our military defense lawyers aggressively defend the following UCMJ sexual crimes:

Click for al list of UCMJ Sexual Related Offenses
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Why Hire Civilian Court Martial Lawyers

Finally, civilian lawyers can dedicate their full attention to the soldier’s case. They typically have smaller caseloads than military defense counsel, allowing them to invest more time and resources in thoroughly investigating the allegations, gathering evidence, and crafting a comprehensive defense strategy.

An experienced civilian military defense lawyer brings specialized knowledge, independence, a proven track record, and dedicated attention to the table. These qualities can be instrumental in protecting a soldier’s rights, safeguarding their future, and ensuring a fair trial in the face of serious UCMJ charges.

There are three types of court-martial: summary, special, and general.

Generally, the more serious your charges, the more resources the military devotes to the trial. In a summary court-martial, one commissioned officer serves as judge and jury. In a general court-martial, you will face a panel of eight jurors or a military judge sitting alone. This is relevant because the accused has no right to a free military lawyer during the least severe court-martial, the summary courts-martial. Manual for Courts-Martial, United States (2024 ed.)
However, you can still hire an experienced civilian military defense lawyer if you so wish.
A seasoned and well-respected court-martial defense attorney is important for building an adequate defense, like a traditional criminal defense lawyer in civilian court. Unless you face very mild charges, you should always try to ensure you have one. Sentencing will begin immediately if you are found guilty in a military court. While many works of fiction get this wrong, this is different than in a civilian court, where sentencing after a guilty verdict can come weeks later.

What to Do If Accused of a Crime in the Army

If accused or charged with a crime in the Army, even if you believe the charges are meritless, contact the best military defense lawyers possible. Do not make any statements to Army CID investigators. In addition, do not consent to any searches or seizures. Finally, do not agree to take a CID polygraph. At that point, the best legal strategy is similar to that in the civilian criminal justice system. You should hire an experienced civilian military defense lawyer or demand a free Army TDS lawyer immediately and exercise your right to remain silent.
To a naive outsider, this approach may seem suspicious. However, silence is not an admittance of guilt, whereas military JAG prosecutors can and will use anything you say against you. It is often easy to get someone accused of a crime to misspeak or take their words out of context to get a conviction.
Military defense lawyers, meanwhile, are experts in military law. They will help guide you through the legal process and build a defense for the charges levied against you. Note that it isn’t “wrong” to exercise the legal rights you are owed. The legal system is, in theory, designed so that you can have a fair trial. So use all the rights available to you to improve the chances of a good case outcome.

Your Rights at an Army  Court-Martial

The UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice) outlines the bulk of your legal rights. Because military law is complex, you should discuss your rights and defense strategy with the best court-martial lawyer possible, before you are charged. While those in the military are, in theory, protected by the United States Constitution, it is notable that the Constitutional rights of US service members are sometimes limited.

Collateral Consequences of a Military Conviction

  • Loss of all veteran and government benefits
  • Loss of disability and unemployment benefits
  • Loss of voting rights.
  • Loss of the ability to legally own or possess firearms.
  • Inability to qualify for bank loans or college financial aid.
  • Difficulty in obtaining meaningful employment.
  • Criminal records will remain in law enforcement databases.

Military Sexual Crimes Article 120 UCMJ in the Army

Collateral Consequences of Sex Offender Registration:

  • Denied housing
  • Loss of family
  • Isolation
  • No educational opportunities
  • Unemployable
  • Physical assault
  • Increased homelessness
  • Harassment
  • Financial hardship
  • Stigmatization
  • The decline in mental health
  • No internet access
  • Deterioration of social bonds
  • Loss of residency

Problems With the Modern System

Like any justice system, the military justice system has evolved greatly over the decades. Many of these changes are welcome. For example, in the modern military justice system, accusations, even those against superior officers, are taken much more seriously than they once were. However, a problem arose as the pendulum swung in the other direction. At times, the court can take an almost “guilty until proven innocent” approach to very serious charges, such as sexual assault.
Undeniably, military sexual assault is a genuine problem, and we should charge those who commit such acts, regardless of rank. Unfortunately, false accusations are somewhat common and can harm those accused. It is important for those accused of sexual assault to look at specifically military sexual assault lawyers. These cases are legally complex and require skill to maneuver through what has become a political minefield. While we can and should call for change to become more just, wanting that change won’t fix the present reality. If accused of a felony, especially one sexual, prepare for a serious legal battle.

Seeking Army Criminal Defense Lawyers?

In some ways, Army criminal defense lawyers are the last line of defense between you and a criminal conviction in a military court-martial. Their job is to ensure you receive the full protection of the law. If you are facing military charges or expect to, the Army military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington can help. We are well-reviewed and able to help you combat all manner of both minor and serious military charges.

Punishments if convicted at various levels of military courts-martials.

Summary court-martial maximum sentence:

  • One month confinement
  • Hard labor without confinement for 45 days,
    Restriction for two months
  • Forfeiture of two-thirds of 1 month’s pay.
  • Enlisted members above E-4 may not be sentenced to confinement, hard labor without confinement, or reduced pay grade beyond one pay grade.

Special court-martial maximum sentence:

  • Bad Conduct Discharge (enlisted only)
  • Forfeiture of two-thirds pay
  • Confinement for twelve months
  • Reduction to the grade of E-1
  • A fine
  • A reprimand
  • Hard about without confinement
  • Restriction
  • If convicted of certain sexual offenses, the service member has to register as a sex offender.

General court-martial maximum sentence:

  • Dishonorable discharge (enlisted)
  • Dismissal (officers)
  • A Dishonorable Discharge or Dismissal is mandatory for certain sexual offenses.
  • Total Forfeiture of all pay and allowances
  • Confinement for life without eligibility for parole
  • Death
  • Reduction to the grade of E-1
  • A fine
  • A reprimand
  • Hard about without confinement
  • Restriction
  • If convicted of certain sexual offenses, the service member has to register as a sex offender.

Administrative Separations in the Army

Distinct from being court-martialed, military defense lawyers can also help with administrative separations. These administrative proceedings determine if you will remain in the Army. Administrative separations can be complex, and their outcomes have long-reaching consequences. For example, they determine if you will remain in the service and what the characterization of that service will be.

Selecting the best Army military defense lawyers

Selecting the best military defense lawyers possible is critical during this process. A skilled court-martial defense attorney can help you to determine the best course of action. For instance, it is sometimes better to waive the board but knowing when is something you should discuss with an Army criminal defense lawyer.

Our Army court-martial defense attorneys defend Soldiers at the following Army installations worldwide:

Alabama Army Installations

Alaska Army Installations

Arizona Army Installations

California Army Installations

Colorado Army Installations

District of Columbia Army Installations

Georgia Army Installations

Hawaii Army Installations

Kansas Army Installations

Kentucky Army Installations

Louisiana Army Installations

Maryland Army Installations

Mississippi  Army Installations

Missouri Army Installations

New Jersey Army Installations

New Mexico Army Installations

New York Army Installations

North Carolina Army Installations

Oklahoma Army Installations

Pennsylvania Army Installations

Puerto Rico Army Installations

South Carolina Army Installations

Texas Army Installations

Virginia Army Installations

Washington Army Installations

Overseas US Army Installations where our Army criminal defense lawyers defend Soldiers:

Our Military Defense Lawyers Defend UCMJ Cases at the Following Military Bases in the United States, Europe, & Asia

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