Court‑Martial Defense Lawyer vs. Military Defense Lawyer: Is There a Difference?
What Is the Difference Between a Court‑Martial Defense Lawyer and a Military Defense Lawyer? The terms “court‑martial defense lawyer” and “military defense lawyer” are often used interchangeably. Both describe attorneys who represent service members under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. A court‑martial defense lawyer focuses on representing clients in criminal trials before military courts, […]
Article 32 Preliminary Hearings: Role of Military Defense Lawyers
Do Military Defense Lawyers Handle Article 32 Preliminary Hearings? Yes. Article 32 preliminary hearings are a critical step in the military justice process, and experienced military defense lawyers play an essential role in them. Under Article 32 of the UCMJ, a hearing is required before a case proceeds to a General Court‑Martial. The accused and their attorney can […]
Pre‑Charge Representation: How Military Lawyers Help Before Charges
Can a Military Defense Lawyer Help Before Charges Are Filed? Yes. A military defense lawyer can provide critical assistance even before charges are officially filed. Early intervention allows your attorney to advise you during investigations, protect your Article 31 rights against self‑incrimination and guide your interactions with law enforcement and command. This proactive approach often leads […]
Timing Your Retainer: How Fast to Hire a Military Defense Lawyer
How Fast Should I Hire a Military Defense Lawyer After Charges? When charges are preferred or you learn that you’re under investigation, time becomes your most valuable resource. Hiring a military defense lawyer as quickly as possible enables you to protect your rights and build a robust defense from the outset. Delaying legal representation can […]
Essential UCMJ Experience for Civilian Defense Counsel | Gonzalez & Waddington
What Experience Should a Civilian Defense Counsel Have in UCMJ Cases? A civilian defense counsel handling UCMJ cases must possess specialized experience beyond that of a typical criminal defense attorney. Military law is distinct from civilian law and involves unique procedures and evidentiary rules. An effective civilian attorney should have extensive knowledge of the Uniform […]
Checking a Military Defense Lawyer’s Track Record: Steps and Tips | Gonzalez & Waddington
How Do I Check a Military Defense Lawyer’s Track Record? Evaluating a military defense lawyer’s track record is essential to ensuring you receive competent representation. There are no government‑maintained rankings, so you must conduct your own research. Begin by reviewing the attorney’s history of court‑martial and administrative cases. Ask how many trials they have handled, […]
Best Military Defense Lawyer Near You: How to Identify Local Experts
Who Is the Best Military Defense Lawyer Near Me? When searching for the best military defense lawyer near you, remember that there is no official ranking or certification that crowns one attorney as the “best” in any region. Instead, you must evaluate local attorneys based on their experience, reputation and dedication to military law. A […]
Are Incompetent Civilian Lawyers Flooding the Military Justice System?
Are Incompetent Civilian Lawyers Flooding the Military Justice System? Military Law News Network – Dec 8, 2014 – In this episode, criminal defense attorneys Michael Waddington and Noel Tipon discuss whether incompetent civilian lawyers are flooding the military justice system and debate how to properly vet and select the best military defense lawyer for your […]
Video: Europe Military Defense Attorneys – Hiring the Best Article 120 UCMJ Defense Lawyers NATO
Video: Europe Military Defense Attorneys – Hiring the Best Article 120 UCMJ Defense Lawyers NATO In this video, military court martial defense lawyer Michael Waddington discusses how to vet and retain the best military defense lawyers and how to mount the best court martial defense in Article 120 UCMJ cases. Mr. Waddington also discusses