How to Find Top-Rated Military Defense Attorneys
At Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law, we have represented military service members worldwide in some of the toughest legal battles under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). For a service member—officer or enlisted—nothing is more critical than finding a top-rated military defense attorney as soon as possible when faced with investigations, administrative actions, or court-martial charges. The stakes are massive: your freedom, career, retirement, security clearance, and reputation are all on the line. Speed, experience, and proven results matter.
Military justice is a distinct legal system. Courts-martial, Boards of Inquiry (BOIs), and administrative separation boards are driven by unique procedures, and only a select group of attorneys understand how to successfully defend complex military cases. Choosing the right lawyer means focusing on proven trial experience, case results, knowledge of forensic evidence, and the willingness to fight globally.
A common mistake service members make is settling for assigned military counsel without exploring civilian defense options. While military defense counsel work hard, they are overburdened and often inexperienced in high-stakes litigation. A seasoned civilian defense attorney can dedicate the necessary time and focus on your case, especially when facing enhanced evidence such as digital forensics, scientific testimony, or high-profile allegations.
When researching attorneys, look for published works, lectures, and cases that demonstrate national and international recognition. Attorneys Michael Waddington and Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington have written books used worldwide to train defense lawyers, and they have fought cases in over 30 countries. Their firm has built a reputation for aggressively defending service members against felony-level criminal charges and career-ending administrative actions.
Evidence mismanagement and procedural mistakes can ruin a case. An experienced advocate knows how to challenge faulty eyewitness accounts, improper investigations, or forensic errors that the government relies upon to convict. A strong defense begins with early involvement—invoking your rights, refusing to speak to investigators without counsel, and safeguarding evidence that supports your side of the story.
If you or a loved one is under investigation or facing UCMJ action, the time to act is now. Contact Gonzalez & Waddington for a confidential consultation. We represent clients in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force, and Coast Guard, worldwide.
Why Choose Michael Waddington & Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington
- Authors of leading books on military justice and trial advocacy used to train lawyers worldwide
- Decades of combined experience defending high-stakes military cases
- Represented clients in over 30 countries and across all U.S. military branches
- Extensive trial record in complex felony charges, sex crimes, and war crimes
- Regularly train and mentor other defense attorneys
- Experienced in Article 32 hearings, NJP, administrative separation boards, and war crime allegations
- Proven record of winning difficult cases and preserving service members’ careers and freedom
Common Issues / Case Types We Handle
- Court-martial defense (general, special, and summary)
- Article 32 preliminary hearings
- Sexual assault and harassment allegations
- War crimes, desertion, and misconduct charges
- Administrative Separation Boards and Boards of Inquiry (BOIs)
- Officer misconduct investigations
- Nonjudicial Punishment (NJP / Captain’s Mast / Article 15)
- Security clearance-related issues arising from allegations
- Forensic evidence and expert witness cross-examination
Pro Tips & Mistakes
- Do request legal representation immediately if contacted by investigators.
- Do preserve physical, digital, and documentary evidence as soon as possible.
- Do seek a civilian defense lawyer with trial experience, not just administrative knowledge.
- Don’t agree to an interview or interrogation without your attorney present.
- Don’t rely solely on assigned counsel if your career and freedom are at risk.
- Do act quickly—delays can weaken memory, evidence preservation, and trial preparation.
FAQs
Q: How can I find the best military defense attorney for my case?
A: Look for attorneys with a proven track record in courts-martial, published work on military law, and global experience defending service members.
Q: Can Gonzalez & Waddington defend me if I am stationed overseas?
A: Yes. Our attorneys frequently travel worldwide to represent service members at bases in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.
Q: What makes Gonzalez & Waddington different from assigned military counsel?
A: We dedicate extensive time and resources to each case, bring decades of trial experience, and handle cases across all branches, from minor NJP actions to war crimes trials.
Q: Should I hire a civilian attorney if I already have military counsel?
A: Yes. Many service members choose a civilian attorney to level the playing field. A dedicated civilian lawyer can provide strategic advantages and focus entirely on your case.
Q: What if I am only under investigation and not formally charged yet?
A: Early representation is essential. Many cases are won by stopping charges before they become formal. Contacting a defense lawyer immediately improves your odds.
Q: Do Gonzalez & Waddington handle administrative separation boards?
A: Yes. We regularly defend service members at Boards of Inquiry and Separation Boards to protect careers and benefits.
Contact Gonzalez & Waddington
If you or a loved one is under investigation, facing a court-martial, or preparing for an administrative separation, contact Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law. We represent officers and enlisted members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. Our attorneys travel worldwide, respond urgently, and fight relentlessly for your rights. Call us today at 1-800-921-8607 or visit https://ucmjdefense.com for a confidential consultation.