Marine Corps Military Defense Lawyers – Court-Martial Attorneys

Elite Civilian Military Lawyers Defending U.S. Marines Worldwide

When a Marine is accused of misconduct, the Marine Corps moves quickly to protect its image and enforce discipline. If you’re under investigation, facing an Article 32 hearing, or charged under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), you need an experienced, aggressive civilian military defense lawyer on your side. Your career, rank, retirement, and freedom are at stake — and the government is already building its case against you.

Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law defends Marines worldwide in court-martials, NJPs, administrative separation boards, and investigations. Led by former JAG Michael Waddington and trial attorney Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington, our team has successfully defended Marines in some of the most serious and high-profile military cases in the U.S. and overseas.

Marine Corps Court-Martial Defense

Courts-martial are federal criminal trials. The prosecution has the full weight of the U.S. government behind it, including NCIS, legal officers, and command pressure. We defend Marines at every level of court-martial:

General Court-Martial: Felony-level trial with maximum penalties including life imprisonment, dishonorable discharge, and total forfeiture of pay and benefits
Special Court-Martial: Mid-level trial with up to 12 months confinement, bad-conduct discharge, and forfeitures
Summary Court-Martial: Limited rights and lesser punishments, but still damaging to your record if not challenged

Common UCMJ Charges We Defend

Article 120 – Sexual assault, rape, abusive sexual contact
Article 128b – Domestic violence
Article 92 – Failure to obey lawful orders, dereliction of duty
Article 112a – Drug use, possession, or distribution
Article 134 – Fraternization, indecent conduct, general misconduct
Article 85/86 – Desertion, AWOL
Article 133 – Conduct unbecoming an officer and gentleman

Administrative Separation Boards & Investigations

Not all career-ending actions go through court-martial. Many Marines are separated administratively through command-directed investigations, NJPs, or Separation Boards — sometimes without ever being criminally charged. We aggressively defend Marines in all administrative matters, including:

Separation Boards (for enlisted Marines)
Boards of Inquiry (for officers)
GOMOR and Page 11 rebuttals
Command-Directed Investigations and AR 15-6 responses
Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP) representation and appeal

Why Hire Gonzalez & Waddington?

Led by former JAG with over 20 years of military defense experience
We’ve defended Marines at Camp Lejeune, Camp Pendleton, Okinawa, Quantico, and worldwide
Authors of best-selling books on military cross-examination and trial tactics
We don’t back down — we fight every case like it’s going to trial
We limit our caseload so every Marine gets personalized, hands-on representation

Global Defense for U.S. Marines

We represent Marines stationed across the globe, including:

Camp Lejeune, NC
Camp Pendleton, CA
MCAS Miramar, CA
MCAS Cherry Point, NC
Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA
Okinawa, Japan
Hawaii, Korea, Bahrain, and deployed environments

Take Action Before It’s Too Late

If you’re a Marine under investigation or facing charges, do not wait. The command, NCIS, and prosecutors are already building their case. Every conversation you have — every delay — can hurt your defense. We are battle-tested military defense lawyers, and we’re ready to fight for you.

➤ Schedule Your Confidential Case Review Now

Marine Corps Military Defense – Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hire a civilian lawyer to defend me in a court-martial?

Yes. You have the right to hire a civilian attorney at your own expense. Many Marines choose Gonzalez & Waddington for our courtroom experience and ability to aggressively challenge the government’s case from the start.

What should I do if NCIS or my command wants to question me?

Do not speak to anyone without legal counsel. Many Marines mistakenly believe that cooperating will help them. In reality, it often gives investigators more ammunition. Contact us immediately before saying anything.

Do you represent Marines overseas or deployed?

Yes. We defend Marines stationed across the U.S., in Japan, Korea, Europe, the Middle East, and deployed environments. We travel worldwide and offer remote strategy sessions when needed.

What makes your firm different from other military lawyers?

We take fewer cases and focus on serious felony-level UCMJ matters. Our firm is built for trial — not plea deals. We’ve won high-profile cases involving sexual assault, homicide, war crimes, and classified operations, and we fight every case as if your life depends on it.

How do I schedule a consultation?

Visit ucmjmilitarylaw.com/contact and complete the secure form. We’ll contact you quickly to review your situation and discuss your options in confidence.

Marine Corps Military Defense Lawyers – UCMJ, Court‑Martial & Global Legal Defense

Serving in the Marine Corps? Facing a court-martial, UCMJ action, Administrative Separation Board, or other Adverse Administrative Action? Call our experienced 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).

Marine Corps Criminal Defense Lawyers – Aggressive Court-Martial Defense

Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law defends Marines around the world in high-stakes criminal and administrative military cases. We are a battle-tested military defense firm representing active-duty and reserve Marines at every major Marine Corps installation and forward-deployed location—from Camp Lejeune and Camp Pendleton to Okinawa, Iwakuni, Bahrain, Camp Hansen, and combat zones. We deliver elite representation in courts-martial, NJP/Article 15s, administrative separations, BOIs, security clearance actions, and adverse command investigations.
Led by former military defense lawyer Michael Waddington and trial expert Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington, our team has successfully defended Marines charged with serious UCMJ offenses including sexual assault, drug use, hazing, unauthorized use of force, war crimes, and command discipline failures. We protect your rank, your clearance, and your future with proven results.

We defend Marines worldwide, including at Camp Lejeune, Camp Pendleton, 29 Palms, MCRD Parris Island, MCRD San Diego, Camp Foster, Camp Hansen, MCAS Miramar, MCAS Cherry Point, and overseas MEUs.
We handle courts-martial (general and special), NJP/Article 15s, administrative separation boards, and Boards of Inquiry (BOIs).
We defend UCMJ charges including Articles 120, 128b, 112a, 92, 107, 133, and 134.
We represent both enlisted Marines and officers in MOSs including infantry, aviation, logistics, intelligence, and special operations.
Michael and Alexandra Waddington are known for their high-level Marine Corps defense work in combat arms, overseas commands, and politically sensitive cases.

If you’re a Marine under investigation or facing charges, contact Gonzalez & Waddington. We defend the warfighters others won’t—and we fight to win.

Civilian UCMJ Criminal Defense Lawyers for Marine Corps Court-martial Cases & Administrative Separations

As a Marine, you’ve trained hard and volunteered to defend your country against all enemies, foreign and domestic. But, when you face disciplinary action or a court-martial, it can be a completely different type of battleground you may not be prepared for.

The Marine Corps Military Justice System

Your hard work as a Marine defending our nation could be tarnished by a permanent mark on your record or even worse when you can’t defend yourself against the charges and accusations made against you. Consulting experienced military defense lawyers can help you escape your predicament without any hurdles.
Keep your freedom, career, and future safe by becoming aware of how the military justice system works and how you can adequately protect yourself in adverse legal situations

Marine Corps Military Defense – Frequently Asked Questions

Do you represent Marines facing court‑martial or NJP?

Yes. We defend general and special courts-martial, Article 15/NJP proceedings, and administrative separation boards. We fight for Marines charged with UCMJ violations or targeted by command investigations.

Where do you represent Marines?

Worldwide. We represent Marines stationed at Camp Lejeune, Pendleton, Kaneohe Bay, Miramar, Iwakuni, Okinawa, 29 Palms, Cherry Point, Parris Island, San Diego, MEUs, and deployed locations across CENTCOM, PACOM, and EUCOM.

Do you represent junior Marines and officers?

Yes. We defend everyone from junior enlisted Marines (E-1 to E-4) to Staff NCOs and field-grade officers. We also defend warrant officers and special operations Marines in high-visibility cases.

Do you defend Marines accused of war crimes or misconduct on deployment?

Absolutely. We’ve defended Marines accused of serious misconduct—including battlefield actions, excessive force, hazing, and ethics violations. We specialize in complex and politically sensitive trials both stateside and downrange.

Will you travel to my base to represent me?

Yes. We travel to any Marine Corps installation in the U.S. or overseas. We also offer confidential remote consultations to start building your defense strategy before charges are filed.

Facing Disciplinary Action in the Marine Corps? Know Your Rights and Get Experienced Help

Navigating the Complexities of Military Justice

You’re not alone if you’re a Marine facing a court-martial, NCIS investigation, Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP), or administrative separation. These stressful situations can have serious repercussions for your career and future. Understanding your rights under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) is crucial, and having the right legal representation can significantly affect the outcome of your case.

The Benefits of Civilian Military Defense Attorneys

While the military will provide you with a lawyer, it’s important to consider the advantages of hiring a civilian military defense attorney. These attorneys specialize in military law and offer a unique perspective on your case. They’re not part of the military chain of command and can focus solely on protecting your interests.

Unmatched Expertise and Experience

Civilian defense attorneys often possess extensive experience with UCMJ cases. They’ve dedicated their careers to understanding the nuances of military law and have a track record of successfully defending Marines facing various charges. Their expertise can be invaluable as they investigate your case, negotiate with prosecutors, and advocate for you in court.

Your Strongest Advocate

A civilian military defense attorney is your strongest advocate. They will protect your rights, build a robust defense, and work tirelessly to mitigate the consequences of any charges. Whether seeking a dismissal, negotiating a plea deal, or representing you in a court-martial, their primary goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

Seek Help From a Civilian Court Martial Lawyer Early

Don’t hesitate to seek legal help if you’re facing disciplinary action. The sooner you have an experienced attorney, the better equipped you’ll be to navigate the complexities of military justice and protect your future. Remember, your career and reputation are on the line, and having a knowledgeable advocate in your corner can make all the difference.

Collateral Consequences of a 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.

Military Sexual Crimes in the Army

Authority website on Marine Corps and Military Defense Lawyers

U.S. Marine Corps Official Website: https://www.marines.mil/
Judge Advocate General of the Navy (JAG): https://www.jag.navy.mil/
Military Justice Resources on Military.com: https://www.military.com/benefits/military-legal-matters
National Institute of Military Justice: https://nimj.org/
Congressional Research Service Reports on Military Justice: https://crsreports.congress.gov/ (Search for “military justice”)

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

Difference Between Civil and Military Justice Procedures

While the foundation of civil and military law finds their origins in the same place, they differ in many ways. The quest for justice is the same for both types of law, but the procedures differ.

The Marine Corps can take action against Marines accused of UCMJ offenses through the following ways:

Administrative Action initiated by the commanding officer that can be aimed toward correcting and rehabilitating the Marines’ behavior
Non-judicial Punishment for minor offenses through an open or closed hearing. An appeal is possible.
Court-martial for serious offenses. Different types of court-martial are available depending on the severity of the offenses. Hiring civilian legal representation like experienced court-martial lawyers is possible.

Marine Corps Court-Martial Attorneys

Depending on how serious the accusation and offense are, the commanding officer can recommend the court-martial procedure to be followed. The types of a court-martial are:

Summary Court-Martial: For enlisted Marines only, it consists of the disposal of minor offenses.
Special Court-Martial: Intermediate level with a military judge alone, a panel of officers, or a mixture of officers and enlisted members.
General Court-Martial: The highest tier court for the military that deals with serious offenses. An Article 32 investigation is conducted for charges that require a general court-martial.

The verdict given at the court-martial or nonjudicial punishment may not be acceptable to you, in which case you can always appeal the decision. For court-martials, it is recommended that you get the help of the best military defense lawyers you can afford to mount an aggressive and unrelenting defense.

Aggressive Marine Corps Military Defense Lawyers

When You Require Marine Corps Civilian Defense Attorneys

Our Marine Corps criminal defense lawyers have successfully represented and cleared American Marines stationed in the United States and worldwide. Compare our court-martial case results with other civilian criminal defense attorneys.

The experienced military criminal defense attorneys at Gonzalez & Waddington have gained a reputation for protecting Marines worldwide. If you are a Marine charged with a military crime, hiring the most aggressive military lawyers can be the difference between having your rights trampled versus winning your case or saving your career.

Our defense attorneys aggressively fight for Marines in both court-martial and administrative matters to include: Sexual assault, Aggravated Assault – Article 128, UCMJ, Murder, Drug Trafficking, Child Porn, Indecent Acts, Abusive Sexual Contact, Fraternization, Adultery, Forcible Pandering, Soliciting Commission of Offenses, General Article 134, UCMJ offense, and others. For many years our court-martial defense lawyers vigorously fought for US Marines charged with sexual offenses, rape, and various Article 120 UCMJ crimes.

Call Our Aggressive Marine Corps Criminal Defense Law Firm

Unlike many court-martial defense lawyers or your assigned military defense counsel, accepting a plea is not something we often do. When our court-martial defense law firms take an accused service member, our court-martial counsel compels the military to present the evidence and prove their case. We take almost every charge to a jury trial and fight the allegations before a military jury.

Our military defense lawyers keep lighter caseloads than the average appointed defense counsel so that we can concentrate on every client separately. Our Marine Corps criminal defense lawyers will not outsource your case to a random lawyer, and we will not intimidate you into pleading guilty at the eleventh hour. Our criminal defense lawyers have successfully contested trials and administrative separation boards in the United States and worldwide.

Marine Corps Civilian Military Defense Lawyers

Partner Alexandra Gonzбlez-Waddington, has defended hundreds of US Military service members charged with Article 120 crimes and has aggressively worked on some of the most famous war crime cases from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Alexandra co-authored three of the top legal guides on cross-examination, Pattern Cross-Examination for Sexual Assault Cases: A Trial Strategy & Resource Guide, Pattern Cross-Examination for DNA and Biological Evidence, and Pattern Cross-Examination of Expert Witnesses, published by NACDL. These books are used by criminal defense practitioners in the United States and worldwide. In addition, Mrs. Waddington was one of the first defense lawyers to serve as a Public Defender for the Augusta Judicial Circuit.

Our firm’s other founding attorney, Michael Waddington, graduated from Temple Law in Philadelphia, PA, and is a current member of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers, one of the most prestigious legal organizations made up of some of the most accomplished defense attorneys in the United States.

Also, a few of Michael Waddington’s cases were made into documentary films, such as “Killings at the Canal,” a CNN documentary special that unveils what caused the murders of Iraqi terrorists by Army soldiers. He also commonly instructs criminal counsel on trial strategy. Marines need hard-hitting civilian defense lawyers to represent them at their court-martial or ADSEP hearing. If you are accused of a military offense, contact our military criminal defense counsel immediately.

Your Rights Under Article 31 of UCMJ

Like civilians, Marines also have Constitutional rights available to protect them if they are suspected or accused of a military crime. You should know and exercise your Article 31 and Constitutional rights to the maximum. Do not assume the military command or NCIS investigators are going the right thing. Often, they cut corners and assume the accused is guilty without thoroughly investigating the crime and the alleged victim. They believe all victims, even fake victims, and rush to judgment. In the end, the accused suffers. Sometimes, Marine prosecutors push false accusations to a court-martial when there is little to no evidence to support the charges.

You have the right to remain silent. While it may be difficult not to make any statements or respond to questions being asked, it is in your best interests not to say anything unless you have a qualified Marine Corps criminal defense attorney by your side. You also have the right to hire the best civilian military defense attorney possible.

You may feel confused about your next steps, and having an experienced court-martial attorney can make you feel at ease. Find guidance and professional counseling by hiring the best court-martial defense attorneys available.

Military Justice When You Are Accused or Suspected of Committing an Offense

When you face a court-martial, you can use a skilled military defense lawyer to help you fight the charges. A civilian-military lawyer can appeal the results if you have already been convicted at a court-martial. In this case, the appeal would go to the Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals. In other cases, the Marine Corps could decide to end your career early and separate you at an Administrative Separation Board.

Common Military Offenses

Marines can be charged with civil and military offenses, but the proceedings are usually only done through court-martials. The most common offenses under UCMJ that Marines can be accused of are:

Desertion and AWOL: Under Articles 85 and 86, Marines can be accused of leaving active duty without intention of returning to their post.
Disobeying an Order: Under Articles 90 to 94, Marines can be punished for not fulfilling their superior’s orders or acting cruelly towards their subordinates or colleagues.
Sexual Harassment: Under Article 93, individuals could also be accused of sexual harassment or assault. It is best to hire experienced military sexual assault lawyers to help you fight this offense.
Drug Offenses: You could be dealing with a Drug Offense if a routine drug test or urinary sample shows drug use. It can leave a lasting impression on your record if not properly dealt with in time.
Domestic Abuse: You could be issued a Military Protective Order if you have been accused of domestic abuse. It bans you from contacting the alleged victim in any way.

Let Our Marine Corps Criminal Defense Lawyers Protect You

Whether you stand accused of military sexual assault or theft, or any other offense, a court-martial conviction can permanently tarnish your record and have lasting consequences for you and your family’s future. You can learn more about Military Justice through the Gonzalez & Waddington YouTube channel.

Many offenses may result in administrative separations, confinement, fines, dishonorable discharge, or even worse. However, when you take action in time and hire a team of lawyers to help you through the process, it can take away the stress and uncertainty that comes along with such situations.

Trust the military attorneys at Gonzalez & Waddington to provide you with the best defense possible. We have years of experience winning court-martial cases. So you don’t have to worry about being in the dark when you choose to be represented by our team of experienced Marine Corps Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Call 1-800-921-8607 for a consultation.

Punishments if convicted at various levels of military courts-martials.

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.

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.

Our Marine Corps court-martial defense attorneys defend Marines at the following Marine Corps bases worldwide:

Arizona

Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, AZ

California

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, CA
Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center 29 Palms, CA
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, CA
Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, CA
Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, CA

Georgia

Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, GA

Hawaii

Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay

North Carolina

Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, NC
Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, NC
Marine Corps Air Station New River, NC

South Carolina

Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, SC
MCRD Parris Island, SC

Virginia

Henderson Hall, VA
Quantico, VA

Other Marine Corps Installations where we defend Marines:

Blount Island Command, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany
Butler Marine Base
Camp Foster
Camp Fuji
Camp Kinser
Camp Lemonnier
Camp Lester
Camp Marine Corps McTureous
Camp Schwab
Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling
Joint Base Balad
Joint Base Charleston
Joint Base Langley–Eustis
Joint Base Lewis-McChord Marine Corps
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall
Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam
Joint Base San Antonio
Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story
Joint Region Marianas
Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twenty Nine Palms
Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort
Marine Corps Detachment Fort Knox
Marine Corps Detachment Fort Benning
Marine Corps Detachment Goodfellow AFB

Our military defense lawyers aggressively defend the following UCMJ sexual crimes:

Click for al list of UCMJ Sexual Related Offenses
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Our Military Defense Lawyers Defend UCMJ Cases at the Following Military Bases in the United States, Europe, & Asia

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