Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri | Military Legal Guide
Introduction
If you’re stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, you are part of a vital community serving the nation with dedication and honor. However, along with service comes the reality of unique military legal challenges. Understanding these can protect your career and future. Here, we introduce the UCMJ Survival Guide, a comprehensive resource designed to empower you with knowledge and strategies to navigate military law effectively.
Overview of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and Surrounding Area
Fort Leonard Wood is a U.S. Army training facility providing instruction for engineering, chemical, and military police forces. Located in the Ozarks, it supports a diverse population in Pulaski County with a legal culture shaped by its military significance and interaction with surrounding towns.
Brief History of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri
Established in 1940 as a training center, Fort Leonard Wood has played a pivotal role in training soldiers for World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and beyond. Evolving over decades, it now serves as a center of excellence for specialized military training, adapting to modern warfare needs.
Military Law & Legal Issues at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri
Court-Martial Under the UCMJ
- Common charges: Frequently involve Article 120 (sexual assault), 128b (domestic violence), and 133/134 (misconduct).
- Process overview: The court-martial process involves investigation, Article 32 hearings, and trial which can affect career and freedoms.
- Right to civilian counsel: Exercising your right to civilian defense can provide strategic advantages.
Article 15 / NJP
- Decide whether to accept or refuse an Article 15, considering potential long-term career impacts.
GOMORs & Letters of Reprimand
- Understand local vs. permanent filing implications and develop rebuttal strategies to mitigate outcomes.
Administrative Separation (Chapters)
- Know the process for enlisted and officers, including Board of Inquiry and separation boards, to maintain an Honorable discharge.
Command-Directed Investigations (CDIs) & IG Complaints
- Beware of common misuse; avoid waiving rights or inadvertently providing statements that could be detrimental.
Legal Services Available at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri
Base Legal (JAG)
- Provides services such as powers of attorney and wills, but not criminal defense or board representation.
Civilian Military Defense Lawyers
- Civilian lawyers offer independence, trial experience, and confidentiality crucial to defending your rights effectively.
Download your free copy of the UCMJ Survival Guide to learn how to protect your career, your rights, and your military future.
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 Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the UCMJ apply off base at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri?
- Yes, the UCMJ applies to service members both on and off base, depending on the circumstances of the case.
- Can I request a civilian lawyer while stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri?
- Yes, you have the right to hire civilian counsel at any point to aid your defense and provide comprehensive support.
- What happens if I refuse an Article 15?
- Refusing can lead to a court-martial, where the benefits and risks must be balanced with legal counsel’s advice.
- Is Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri considered a high-risk legal environment?
- Not inherently, but understanding your legal rights and support resources is vital to navigating any legal challenges that arise.
Take Control of Your Case Now
Whether you’re dealing with a toxic command, a false allegation, or just 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.