McGuire AFB, New Jersey | Military Legal Guide
Overview of McGuire AFB, New Jersey and Surrounding Area
McGuire AFB, part of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, provides full-spectrum support to both Air and Land missions. Its strategic position ensures military readiness. Located in Burlington County, New Jersey, near the cities of Trenton and Philadelphia, the surrounding area offers a diverse legal culture, impacting the lived experiences of service members.
Brief History of McGuire AFB, New Jersey
Established in 1941, McGuire AFB played pivotal roles during WWII and later conflicts like Korea and Vietnam by providing essential air support and logistics. Post-9/11, it has ascended to a critical role in homeland defense operations. Its mission now focuses on maintaining global air mobility operations.
Military Law & Legal Issues at McGuire AFB, New Jersey
Court-Martial Under the UCMJ
Common offenses include Article 120 (sexual assault), Article 128b (domestic violence), and Articles 133/134 (misconduct). The court-martial process involves rigorous procedural steps where understanding your right to civilian counsel is critical.
Article 15 / NJP
When facing an Article 15, you must decide whether to accept or refuse. Realize the long-term impact it may have on your career trajectory and seek legal advice promptly.
GOMORs & Letters of Reprimand
Understand the difference between local and permanent filing. Employ strategies to rebut or mitigate the impact of a reprimand effectively.
Administrative Separation (Chapters)
Both enlisted personnel and officers face different processes, such as Board of Inquiry or separation boards, to preserve dignified discharge credentials.
Command-Directed Investigations (CDIs) & IG Complaints
Beware of the common misuse of CDIs. Guard against risks by knowing your rights, particularly around waiving rights or providing statements.
Legal Services Available at McGuire AFB, New Jersey
Base Legal (JAG)
JAG provides critical legal assistance like powers of attorney and wills, yet they do not offer criminal defense or support for boards.
Civilian Military Defense Lawyers
Civilian lawyers bring independence, practical trial experience, and confidentiality that can make a significant difference in defense scenarios.
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 McGuire AFB, New Jersey
FAQ Section
- Does the UCMJ apply off base at McGuire AFB, New Jersey?
Yes, the UCMJ applies both on and off base, affecting behavior at all times. - Can I request a civilian lawyer while stationed at McGuire AFB, New Jersey?
Yes, service members have the right to seek civilian representation. - What happens if I refuse an Article 15?
Refusing can lead to a court-martial, requiring legal consultation to assess risks. - Is McGuire AFB, New Jersey considered a high-risk legal environment?
While the area isn’t designated high-risk, the stakes of military legal processes are inherently significant.
Take Control of Your Case Now
Whether you’re dealing with a toxic command, a false allegation, or a mistake—you still have rights. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Download your UCMJ Survival Guide, learn how to fight back, and contact an experienced civilian military defense lawyer. This is your career. Your freedom. Your future. Arm yourself. Speak up. And win.