Coast Guard Military Defense Lawyers – UCMJ & Court-Martial Attorneys

Elite Court-Martial Defense for U.S. Coast Guard Members

Members of the United States Coast Guard face unique legal challenges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Whether you’re stationed stateside or overseas, the Coast Guard enforces strict discipline and accountability — often under the public eye. If you are being investigated, facing non-judicial punishment (NJP), or facing court-martial, you need battle-tested legal defense from attorneys who specialize in military justice and understand the Coast Guard’s culture, procedures, and command structures.

Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law are nationally recognized for defending Coast Guard members at every level — from E-3s to senior officers — in complex UCMJ cases. Our clients rely on us to protect their careers, their reputations, and their freedom. We bring decades of experience, worldwide reach, and a fierce commitment to winning.

Why Coast Guard Legal Proceedings Are High-Risk

Even a minor allegation in the Coast Guard can snowball into a career-ending event. Coast Guard commands are often quick to impose NJP, initiate separation proceedings, or refer cases to court-martial — especially in high-visibility situations involving drugs, sexual misconduct, or fraternization. You need to take control before your command takes it from you.

• Allegations of misconduct can lead to command-directed investigations and immediate adverse action
• NJP (Captain’s Mast) can result in reduction in rank, restriction, and loss of pay
• Administrative separation boards can discharge you without a conviction
• Court-martial convictions may lead to prison, discharge, federal conviction, and loss of benefits
• Sexual assault and domestic violence allegations are often prosecuted aggressively regardless of the evidence

Common UCMJ Charges Faced by Coast Guard Members

• Article 120: Sexual assault, rape, and abusive sexual contact
• Article 92: Disobeying orders, fraternization, or regulatory violations
• Article 112a: Drug use, possession, or distribution (on or off duty)
• Article 128b: Domestic violence, strangulation, and threats
• Article 86: AWOL or unauthorized absence
• Article 133/134: Conduct unbecoming or general misconduct harmful to good order

What’s at Stake in a Coast Guard Court-Martial or Administrative Action

• Confinement (up to life, depending on the charge)
• Federal criminal conviction
• Bad-conduct or dishonorable discharge
• Loss of security clearance and federal employment eligibility
• Loss of retirement benefits, healthcare, and education benefits
• Mandatory sex offender registration for certain convictions

Our Proven Defense Strategy

We don’t wait and hope. From the moment we’re retained, we begin shaping your defense. We identify weaknesses in the government’s case, expose bad investigations, and apply relentless pressure in every legal forum — from pretrial negotiations to courtroom litigation.

• Rapid response to investigations to preserve critical evidence and witnesses
• Thorough review of command investigations and investigative reports
• Use of expert witnesses in digital forensics, toxicology, and psychology
• Pre-trial motions to suppress unlawful searches, statements, and biased evidence
• Aggressive cross-examination of accusers and investigators
• Clear, compelling defense narrative built for trial and appeal

Why Coast Guard Members Choose Gonzalez & Waddington

• Led by former JAG and civilian military defense attorneys with global experience
• Decades of UCMJ defense across every branch, including high-profile Coast Guard cases
• Respected by peers, feared by prosecutors
• We take fewer cases so we can fight harder for each client
• Worldwide representation — from Alaska to Bahrain, and every Coast Guard base in between

Take Action Now to Protect Your Future

If you’re a Coast Guard service member under investigation or facing legal action, your career and freedom are at stake. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact Gonzalez & Waddington today to schedule a confidential consultation and start building your defense.

➤ Schedule Your Consultation Now at ucmjmilitarylaw.com

Coast Guard Military Defense Lawyers – Frequently Asked Questions

Do Coast Guard members fall under the UCMJ?

Yes. Coast Guard members are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), just like members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force.

Can I refuse NJP and demand a court-martial?

Yes. You have the right to refuse non-judicial punishment and request trial by court-martial. This may be advisable in some cases — especially if you’re innocent or the evidence is weak. We can help you weigh your options.

Do you represent both officers and enlisted Coast Guard members?

Yes. We represent both enlisted service members and officers facing UCMJ action, administrative boards, or adverse personnel actions, including security clearance revocation.

Who are Michael and Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington?

Michael Waddington is a former JAG and internationally known UCMJ defense lawyer. Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington is a respected civilian trial attorney. Together, they have defended service members in some of the most serious military cases across the globe.

How do I hire your firm to defend me?

Visit ucmjmilitarylaw.com/contact and submit a confidential consultation request. We will evaluate your case and develop a defense strategy tailored to your situation.

Coast Guard Military Defense Lawyers

Are you in the Coast Guard? Facing a court-martial, UCMJ action, Administrative Separation Board, or other Adverse Administrative Action? Call our experienced Coast Guard 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 Interview).

Criminal Defense Lawyers for the Coast Guard

The UCMJ forms the backbone of the military’s legal system and applies to all active duty, national guard and reserves, and retired armed forces personnel across all branches. If you or someone close to you has been charged with a crime under the UCMJ, you must immediately turn to military defense lawyers for help. Our civilian defense lawyers have a history of representing members of the Coast Guard in UCMJ and non-judicial administrative matters. 

Coast Guard Criminal Defense Lawyers

Members of the Coast Guard need to know their rights. Members of the Coast Guard have the Constitutional right to be represented by a skilled military criminal defense attorney. Don’t wait to hire a court-martial defense counsel. Act now and contact the hard-hitting court-martial attorneys at Gonzalez & Waddington. Our military criminal defense lawyers can handle your charges and defend your reputation. Whether you are facing charges of Sexual assault, Article 120b, Article 120c, Assault – Article 128, UCMJ, Deposit of Obscene Matters – Article 120a, UCMJ, the court-martial lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington can help.

Coast Guard UCMJ Overview

The Coast Guard is an exclusive military branch responsible for a wide range of marine tasks. These tasks include guaranteeing safe and legal trade to rescue people in dangerous situations. Recent high-profile military sexual assault cases have increased public interest in military regulations. As a result, the presiding authority’s ability to offer compassion to a military member guilty of a crime is being called into question.

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

Collateral Consequences of a Coast Guard 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.

Coast Guard Court-Martial Lawyers

If you, as a member of the Coast Guard or any sector of the armed forces, are a suspect in a crime under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), you will face a court-martial. Some military criminal charges, such as sexual crimes or drug usage, are comparable to civilian offenses. However, others, such as desertion or leaving your post without permission, are specific to the military way of life. A military defendant should understand the court-martial procedure.

General Court-Martial

If you have committed a serious crime, such as military sexual assault, rape, or murder, you will face a general court-martial. 

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.

The Court-Martial Process

The typical court-martial procedure begins with a report to a commanding officer (CO). The CO may then decide whether or not to press charges against the accused. Depending on the circumstances, the CO may merely threaten a court-martial but rather replace it with military punishment. After facing a charge, a military member may enter pleas in court, just like a civilian. A military criminal defense lawyer will help you negotiate a favorable plea deal in exchange for lower punishment. If the matter goes to trial, it will likely include jury selection (voir dire), opening statements, direct examination, cross-examinations, presentation of witnesses and evidence, and closing arguments. Finally, if there is a conviction, then there will be a sentencing proceeding.

Know Your Rights

While under investigation, your actions will directly affect your chances of winning at trial. Here are three basic rights that you should use:

You Have the Right to Remain Silent

Service members have the full right to stay silent if confronted about a possible UCMJ breach. Making statements to CGIS or other law enforcement seldom helps and may result in further penalties. For example, if your testimony differs from the alleged victim’s, you may be punished for giving a false official statement or perverting the course of justice. Cooperating with the police will not stop the military from acting against you. On the contrary, it will only strengthen the government’s case.

The Right to Refuse Consent

You are also not obliged to agree to any search warrant of yourself or your property. Before performing a search, investigators must seek permission from their commander. The only way police may search or take your property without probable cause is with your permission.

The Right to Seek Legal Advice

Before relinquishing their rights, military people accused of a crime have the full right to consult with an attorney, military, or civilian. Therefore, if you are accused of a crime, you must contact an experienced sexual assault criminal defense attorney. 

Protect Yourself and Your Military Career

Our civilian military defense lawyers can help protect your job, life, and future. If you are facing sexual assault charges, Coast Guard military sexual assault lawyers will aggressively fight for you. Why not call us to ensure that your interests are protected? We are experienced Coast Guard, criminal defense lawyers. We have helped defend Coast Guard personnel subjected to an investigation, a court-martial, or sentencing for serious military sexual assault offenses and other UCMJ violations.  Contact us today.

Rape & Sexual Assault – Article 120 in the Coast Guard

• Rape
• Aggravated  Sexual Assault
• Aggravated Sexual Contact
• Sexual Assault
• Wrongful Sexual Contact
• Abusive Sexual contact
• Forcible Pandering
• Indecent Act
• Indecent Liberty with a Child
• Carnal Knowledge
• Deposit of Obscene Matters – Article 120a, UCMJ
• Rape of a Child under Article 120b
• Sexual Abuse of a Child under Article 120b UCMJ
• Sexual Assault of a Child
• Indecent Viewing, Indecent Recording, or Broadcasting/Distribution of an Indecent Recording
• Indecent exposure under Article 120c, UCMJ
• Child Pornography 

Coast Guard Criminal Defense Lawyers

As well as being criminal, sexual assault violates the service’s core values of “Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty.” As a result, improving its efforts to eliminate sexual assault from the Coast Guard’s unit has been a higher priority in recent years. The Coast Guard legal service is a “full-service” legal support agency. It provides legal guidance and counsel to the service’s decision-makers for any needs. Coast Guard members may face disciplinary and personnel procedures. As a service member, you are entitled to a military defense lawyer. Your military court-martial lawyer will help you negotiate the intricacies of the judicial and administrative procedures.

Punishments if convicted at a Coast Guard court-martial

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)
• 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.

Administrative Separations in the Coast Guard

A military administrative separation occurs when a military career ends. It happens when your commander starts a non-judicial procedure to remove you from service. There are two administrative separations based on the severity of the crime. These are listed below.

Misdemeanor Crimes

There must be proof of two or more minor disciplinary measures to be administratively separated for a minor infraction. Your commander will decide what minor disciplinary infractions are. You require a pattern of discreditable behavior with military officials. Misconducts are breaches of the UCMJ, state criminal laws, and military conventions and traditions.

Sexual Assault in the Coast Guard

In 2019, the Coast Guard (CGIS) investigated 156 unrestricted reports of military sexual assault that alleged military sexual assault victims made to authorities. The Coast Guard leadership and their JAGs took many of these accusations to court-martial trials and administrative separation boards.

Administrative Separation from the Coast Guard: What Happens?

Your command will inform you in writing if you’re administratively separated. Describe the reasons for leaving and the suggested categorization of service. The suggested definition of service is critical since it may affect future eligibility for veterans benefits.

There are three types of administrative separation or discharge.

Honorable Discharge

A service member is given an Honorable discharge when they fulfill their military behavior and job performance. In addition, you must have had a good to outstanding performance rating. 

Under Honorable Conditions

A service member is given a general discharge when their bad actions outnumber their good actions. With this type of discharge, you cannot reenlist or transfer to another military branch. However, you will most likely retain all your VA benefits.

Other Than Honorable Conditions

An Other than Honorable (OTH) discharge may be given when the Coastie’s behavior differs greatly from the expected military behavior. If a service member receives an Other than Honorable (OTH) discharge, an OTH may jeopardize their veteran affairs benefits.

Our Coast Guard court-martial defense attorneys defend Coasties at the following Coast Guard Bases:

Coast Guard Bases

Alaska Coast Guard Bases

Base Support Unit Kodiak

Coast Guard Station Juneau

Station Ketchikan

California

Training Center Petaluma

Florida

Integrated Support Command Miami

Hawaii

Integrated Support Command Honolulu

North Carolina

 Air Station Elizabeth City

Virginia

Sector Hampton Roads

Training Center Yorktown

Alaska Coast Guard Bases

Anchorage Dutch Harbor Juneau Ketchikan Kodiak Sitka St. Paul Valdez

Alabama Coast Guard Bases

Mobile

American Samoa Coast Guard Bases

Pago Pago

Arizona Coast Guard Bases

Scottsdale

California Coast Guard Bases

Alameda Concord Long Beach Los Angeles McKinleyville Novato Oakland Oxnard Petaluma Point Reyes Station Sacramento San Diego San Francisco South San Francisco

Connecticut Coast Guard Bases

Groton New Haven New London

District of Columbia Coast Guard Bases

Washington

Florida Coast Guard Bases

Coast Guard Air Station Miami Military Defense Lawyers Coast Guard Sector Key West Military Defense Lawyer Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg Military Defense Lawyers Miami Military Defense Lawyers St. Petersburg Military Defense Lawyers CGAS Clearwater Military Defense Lawyers Jacksonville Mayport Miami Beach Opa-Locka Sarasota Tampa

Georgia Coast Guard Bases

Glynco Savannah

Guam Coast Guard Bases

Santa Rita

Hawaii Coast Guard Bases

Honolulu

Illinois Coast Guard Bases

Chicago

Kansas Coast Guard Bases

Topeka

Kentucky Coast Guard Bases

Louisville Paducah

Louisiana Coast Guard Bases

Avondale Baton Rouge Houma Lockport Morgan City New Orleans

Massachusetts Coast Guard Bases

Barnstable Boston Natick New Bedford Otis AFB Weymouth Woods Hole JB Cape Cod Military Lawyer | Court Martial Attorney

Maryland Coast Guard Bases

Baltimore Columbia Glen Burnie Suitland

Maine Coast Guard Bases

Bucksport Portland South Portland Southwest Harbor

Michigan Coast Guard Bases

Cheboygan Detroit Detroit Beach Sault Ste Marie Selfridge AFB Traverse City

Minnesota Coast Guard Bases

Duluth Ray Warroad

Missouri Coast Guard Bases

St. Louis

Mississippi Coast Guard Bases

Pascagoula

North Carolina Coast Guard Bases

Atlantic Beach Buxton Camp Lejeune Elizabeth City Wilmington

New Jersey Coast Guard Bases

Atlantic City Cape May Fort Dix Moorestown Wildwood Woodbine

New York Coast Guard Bases

Buffalo Coram New York New York -Richmond New York-Kings Staten Island

Ohio Coast Guard Bases

Cleveland Toledo

Oklahoma Coast Guard Bases

Oklahoma City

Oregon Coast Guard Bases

Astoria Medford North Bend Portland

Pennsylvania Coast Guard Bases

Philadelphia Pittsburgh

Puerto Rico Coast Guard Bases

Aguadilla San Juan

Rhode Island Coast Guard Bases

East Providence Providence Warwick

South Carolina Coast Guard Bases

Charleston

Tennessee Coast Guard Bases

Memphis Millington

Texas Coast Guard Bases

Corpus Christi El Paso Galveston Houston Port Arthur South Padre Island

Virginia Coast Guard Bases

Alexandria Arlington Chesapeake Chincoteague Hampton Herndon Norfolk Portsmouth Rosslyn Virginia Beach Yorktown

Virgin Islands Coast Guard Bases

St. Thomas

Washington Coast Guard Bases

Ilwaco Port Angeles Seattle

Wisconsin Coast Guard Bases

Marinette Milwaukee

West Virginia Coast Guard Bases

Barboursville Falling Waters Huntington Kearneysville Martinsburg