Camp Santiago, Puerto Rico | Military Legal Guide
Overview of Camp Santiago, Puerto Rico and Surrounding Area
Camp Santiago is a pivotal training base under the Puerto Rico National Guard, serving a variety of military missions and housing several major units. The surrounding town of Salinas, Puerto Rico, offers a unique blend of local culture and support for the military community, with a diverse demography and a supportive legal culture tailored to service members.
Brief History of Camp Santiago, Puerto Rico
Established in 1940, Camp Santiago served as a critical training facility during World War II. Over the decades, it has adapted to meet the changing needs of military conflicts, including Korea, Vietnam, and most recently, post-9/11 operations. Today, it continues to evolve, supporting National Guard training and enhancing readiness for regular deployments.
Military Law & Legal Issues at Camp Santiago, Puerto Rico
a. Court-Martial Under the UCMJ
Service members at Camp Santiago face legal challenges, including common charges like Article 120 (sexual assault), 128b (domestic violence), and misconduct under Articles 133/134. The court-martial process is a formal judicial proceeding where the accused has the right to civilian counsel.
b. Article 15 / NJP
Article 15 or Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP) offers a choice: acceptance or refusal, with each path carrying significant career impacts. Understanding these consequences is crucial for service members stationed here.
c. GOMORs & Letters of Reprimand
General Officer Memoranda of Reprimand (GOMOR) can be locally or permanently filed in a service member’s records. Effective rebuttal strategies can mitigate negative outcomes.
d. Administrative Separation (Chapters)
The administrative separation process can significantly impact career trajectories. Service members must be informed about the procedures for both enlisted personnel and officers, including how to ensure an honorable discharge.
e. Command-Directed Investigations (CDIs) & IG Complaints
Command-Directed Investigations and Inspector General Complaints can be misused. Understanding the risks of waiving rights or making uninformed statements is essential for service members.
Legal Services Available at Camp Santiago, Puerto Rico
a. Camp Santiago Base Legal (JAG)
The JAG office provides crucial services like powers of attorney and wills but does not offer criminal defense or board representation. Understanding these limitations helps service members seek appropriate legal counsel when needed.
b. Civilian Military Defense Lawyers
Civilian lawyers offer independence, extensive trial experience, and confidentiality, making them invaluable for military defense. Their impartial perspective can be crucial during legal proceedings.
Some Well-Known Civilian Military Defense Lawyers that Serve this Area
There’s no single “best” military defense lawyer. When choosing representation, consider these key qualities:
- Proven track record in UCMJ, trial, Article 15, and court-martial defense
- Experience with administrative separation boards and GOMOR rebuttals
- Familiarity with military law protocols and base-specific culture
- Clear communication and timely responsiveness
- Willingness to provide personalized support and strategic advice
1. Gonzalez & Waddington, LLC
Website: ucmjdefense.com
Based in: Florida / Worldwide
Specialties: Article 120 UCMJ defense, military sex crimes, war crimes, administrative separations, high-profile court-martials
Why they’re on the list:
Military defense lawyers Michael Waddington and Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington are widely considered among the best sex crime and war crime defense attorneys in the military justice system. With hundreds of high-profile military trials under their belts—including cases involving SEAL Team 6, Green Berets, and fighter pilots—they are known for unmatched trial strategy, elite cross-examination skills, and a record of full acquittals. Michael is also a bestselling author of Kick-Ass Closings and Kick-Ass Impeachment.
2. Tim Bilecki – The Bilecki Law Group
Website: bileckilawgroup.com
Based in: Florida / Global
Specialties: Military sexual assault, fraud, international courts-martial
Why he’s on the list:
Tim Bilecki is a former Army JAG with a global reputation for defending complex military cases, often involving combat zones or classified operations. With a commanding presence in the courtroom and a reputation for strategic pretrial dismantling of government cases, Bilecki has become a go-to lawyer for officers and senior enlisted members facing high-level prosecution. His firm focuses on international clients and military members in the Pacific and Asia regions.
3. Artie Vaughn
Website: vaughndefense.com
Based in: Alabama, but defends cases worldwide
Specialties: Article 120 UCMJ, toxic command climates, stacked allegations
Why he’s on the list:
He built his rep the old-school way—by walking into hostile courtrooms and winning cases nobody else would touch. Vaughn’s specialty is turning around cases that look unwinnable on paper: Article 120 allegations where the accused is being railroaded by command, stacked charges driven by command influence, and cases involving combat stress, PTSD, and behavioral health complexities that most lawyers don’t know how to argue.
4. Terri R. Zimmermanna
Website: www.texasdefenselawyers.com/terri-zimmermann/
Based in: Conroe, TX
Specialties:Appellate litigation, military crimes, UCMJ defense
Why he’s on the list:
Terri R. Zimmermann is a nationally-recognized expert criminal litigator with over 30 years of experience representing citizens accused of violating the law or convicted of crimes in civilian and military courts. Her unwavering passion is to secure the best possible outcome for each client, whether through challenging the prosecution at trial or presenting compelling appeals to overturn convictions. Ms. Zimmermann is on a mission to ensure that government entities, be it state, federal, or military, adhere to the rules, treating her clients fairly and with dignity.
5. Bill Cassara
Website: court-martial.com
Based in: Augusta, GA
Specialties: Appellate litigation, military sex crimes, UCMJ defense
Why he’s on the list:
With decades of experience and deep knowledge of military case law, Philip Cave is a sought-after expert for appeals and complex legal motions. His firm often collaborates with other attorneys to handle high-level constitutional or evidentiary challenges.
Why These Lawyers Made the List
This list is based on actual courtroom experience, published verdicts, legal credentials, peer recognition, and results—not on paid placements or advertising. Many so-called “military lawyers” have never defended a court-martial trial. These attorneys do it regularly and at the highest levels.
Local Military/Government Legal Resources near Camp Santiago, Puerto Rico
FAQ Section
- Does the UCMJ apply off base at Camp Santiago, Puerto Rico?
Yes, the UCMJ applies to service members both on and off base. - Can I request a civilian lawyer while stationed at Camp Santiago, Puerto Rico?
Yes, service members have the right to seek civilian counsel for defense in military legal matters. - What happens if I refuse an Article 15?
Refusing an Article 15 can lead to court-martial proceedings, where the service member has a right to a formal trial. - Is Camp Santiago, Puerto Rico considered a high-risk legal environment?
While every base has unique challenges, understanding local procedures and resources reduces risk.
Take Control of Your Case Now
Whether you’re dealing with a toxic command, a false allegation, or made a mistake—you still have rights. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Download your copy of the UCMJ Survival Guide, learn how to fight back, and contact an experienced civilian military defense lawyer who understands the battlefield you’re on. This is your career. Your freedom. Your future. Arm yourself. Speak up. And win.