Key West Military Defense Lawyers – Court-Martial & Administrative Separation Attorneys

Elite Criminal Defense for Service Members in Key West, Florida

Key West is one of the most unique, high-risk, and legally complex duty stations in the United States military. Home to Naval Air Station Key West (NAS Key West) and USCG Sector Key West, the area supports advanced fighter training, maritime interdiction, search-and-rescue, and joint operations across the Caribbean. With service members surrounded by tourism, nightlife, international visitors, and fast-moving operational units, allegations escalate quickly — often resulting in aggressive command response, immediate investigations, and threats to military careers.

Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law provides elite criminal defense for service members stationed in Key West and throughout the Florida Keys. Led by former JAG officer Michael Waddington and courtroom strategist Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington, our firm defends UCMJ violations, administrative separations, BOIs, NJPs, and military investigations with intensity and precision.

Why Key West Service Members Face Higher Legal Exposure

Key West has a unique blend of military operations and tourism-driven environments — a combination that increases legal risks dramatically. Service members often find themselves under investigation due to misunderstandings, false allegations, or situations fueled by alcohol, nightlife, or off-duty interactions.

NCIS and CGIS investigations begin immediately, often before the accused is informed
Alcohol and nightlife incidents on Duval Street escalate quickly
Domestic disputes frequently involve Key West Police Department and trigger military consequences
Sexual assault allegations are aggressively prosecuted regardless of corroboration
Administrative separations are common due to “loss of confidence”
Tourist-heavy areas increase false accusations and misidentifications
Small-base culture means gossip spreads quickly and affects command decisions

Major Commands & Units in the Key West Area

Key West supports a highly active military presence, including:

NAS Key West – Tactical fighter training, air-to-air combat ranges
USCG Sector Key West – Maritime law enforcement & SAR
Joint Interagency Task Force operations
Marine Corps, Army, Air Force & Guard/Reserve detachments

For official Navy information on local operations, visit:
United States Navy (.mil)

Common UCMJ Allegations in Key West

Service members in Key West face a wide range of UCMJ actions. Our firm defends all misconduct allegations, including:

Article 120 – Sexual assault, abusive sexual contact
Article 128b – Domestic violence
Article 112a – Drug offenses (common in nightlife zones)
Article 92 – Failure to obey orders, liberty policy violations
Article 107 – False official statements
Article 86 – AWOL or failure to report
Article 134 – Adultery, fraternization, disorderly conduct
Aviation and operational misconduct at NAS Key West

Administrative Separations & BOIs in Key West

Administrative separations are extremely common at both NAS Key West and USCG Sector Key West. Due to the high visibility of operations and the tight-knit military community, commands often pursue separation even in cases lacking strong evidence.

Administrative Separation Boards
Boards of Inquiry (BOI)
Show Cause Boards
NJP / Captain’s Mast defense
Page 13 rebuttals
Security Clearance Defense

Because Key West commands work closely with federal agencies, investigations are often fast, aggressive, and unforgiving.

How Gonzalez & Waddington Builds Your Defense

We develop a strategic, aggressive defense tailored to the operational climate of Key West:

Full breakdown of NCIS/CGIS investigative files
Expose flaws, contradictions, and coached statements
Digital forensics: texts, photos, metadata, GPS logs, phone records
Independent witness interviews to uncover suppressed facts
Expert testimony in forensics, psychology, alcohol science, digital evidence
Powerful mitigation & retention packages
Preparation for testimony, interrogation & cross-examination

Why Key West Service Members Choose Gonzalez & Waddington

Michael Waddington – Global reputation in military trial defense
Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington – Known for elite cross-examinations
Decades of experience defending NAS Key West & USCG personnel
Nationally recognized authors on trial warfare & military justice
We limit our caseload for maximum focus & firepower
Our reputation alone often shifts command behavior

Living in Key West Creates Additional Legal Risk

The nature of Key West’s culture — nightlife, bars, clubs, tourism, drinking, and international visitors — leads to heightened legal exposure for military members.

Nightlife-heavy areas create opportunities for false allegations
Tourist conflicts escalate quickly with alcohol and crowd density
Civilian arrests (even minor) trigger immediate military investigation
Domestic incidents frequently involve Key West Police

For local resources, visit the City of Key West official website:
https://www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov

Pro Tips for Service Members Under Investigation in Key West

Never speak to NCIS or CGIS without a lawyer present.
Save all relevant evidence—texts, screenshots, timestamps, photos.
Avoid discussing your case with anyone except your attorney.
Do NOT confront your accuser. Ever.
Document your version of events immediately while memory is fresh.
Hire a civilian military defense attorney early—timing determines outcomes.

Cities in Florida Our Military Defense Lawyers Serve

Your Military Career in Key West Is on the Line — Act Now

If you’re stationed or living in Key West and facing a military investigation, NJP, administrative separation, BOI, or court-martial, you must move fast. Command, federal agencies, and military investigators are already gathering evidence. An elite defense team needs to begin protecting you immediately.

Florida Military Bases We Serve

How We Defend Florida Service Members