Edwards Air Force Base, California | Military Defense Lawyers & Court-Martial Attorneys
Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law are nationally recognized military defense lawyers and UCMJ law experts representing Airmen stationed at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Edwards AFB is home to the Air Force Test Center, the 412th Test Wing, and major flight test operations, making it one of the Air Force’s most visible and high-pressure installations. When careers, security clearances, and reputations are at stake, you need battle-tested defense counsel. We represent Airmen facing court-martial, Article 15/NJP, separation boards, BOIs, and command investigations.
Michael Waddington and Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington have defended service members in high-profile cases across the globe, including California bases such as Edwards AFB, Travis AFB, and Naval Base San Diego. Their record includes dismantling weak prosecutions, exposing investigative flaws, and protecting service members from career-ending outcomes. As independent civilian counsel, they fight for you—not the chain of command.
Why choose Gonzalez & Waddington as your Edwards AFB court-martial defense attorneys?
- ✅ Two decades of global UCMJ experience across all branches of the armed forces.
- ✅ Thousands of enlisted and officer clients defended in courts-martial and administrative boards.
- ✅ Authors and trainers on cross-examination and trial strategy in military law.
- ✅ Expertise in handling sensitive cases involving classified programs, test flights, and high-clearance roles.
- ✅ Proven record at bases throughout California, the U.S., and overseas.
We defend Edwards AFB Airmen in:
- General & Special Courts-Martial
- Article 15/NJP, Letters of Reprimand, and UIFs
- Administrative Separation Boards & Officer Show Cause Boards
- OSI investigations, IG complaints, and command-directed inquiries
- Security clearance suspension/revocation
- UCMJ charges including Articles 120 (sexual assault), 112a (drug use), 128b (domestic violence), 92 (orders violations), 107 (false statements), 133 (conduct unbecoming), and 134 (general misconduct)
If you are under investigation or facing legal action at Edwards AFB, contact Gonzalez & Waddington. We provide discreet, aggressive defense for Airmen when everything is on the line.
Edwards AFB Military Defense – Frequently Asked Questions
Do you represent Airmen at Edwards AFB?
Yes. We represent enlisted Airmen and officers stationed at Edwards AFB who are facing UCMJ charges, administrative actions, or command investigations. We defend clients from junior enlisted to senior officers involved in test, evaluation, and leadership billets.
What kinds of charges do you handle?
We defend against UCMJ charges including sexual assault (Art. 120), drug use or distribution (Art. 112a), domestic violence (Art. 128b), fraternization, orders violations (Art. 92), false official statements (Art. 107), and conduct unbecoming (Art. 133). We also fight adverse actions tied to evaluations or security clearances.
Will you travel to Edwards AFB for my case?
Yes. We regularly travel to military installations across California, including Edwards AFB, to defend clients at courts-martial, Article 32 hearings, administrative boards, and investigations. We also provide secure remote consultations for early defense planning.
Why hire a civilian defense lawyer instead of relying only on ADC/JAG counsel?
Air Force ADCs are often capable but carry heavy caseloads and face limitations within the military system. As independent civilian counsel, Gonzalez & Waddington can dedicate the time and aggressive strategy necessary to build a winning defense. Our only loyalty is to you, not the chain of command.
When should I call a lawyer if I’m under investigation at Edwards AFB?
Immediately. If OSI or command investigators contact you, or if you’ve received paperwork for Article 15, administrative separation, or court-martial, do not make statements without legal advice. Early representation can mean the difference between acquittal and discharge.
Edwards Air Force Base, California | Military Legal Guide
If you’re stationed at Edwards Air Force Base, California, you’re part of a community vital to our nation’s defense. While service members courageously fulfill their duties, they may face unique legal challenges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). This guide distills essential information you need to navigate these challenges, empowering you to protect your career and rights. Don’t forget to download the UCMJ Survival Guide for a comprehensive resource. Download it for free now.
Overview of Edwards Air Force Base, California and Surrounding Area
Edwards Air Force Base, located in the heart of California’s Mojave Desert, is home to some of the most significant aeronautical testing facilities in the world. The base supports major units, including the 412th Test Wing, which plays a crucial role in flight testing and evaluation.
The base is surrounded by the city of Lancaster, known for a diverse community that supports military personnel with a robust array of services. The legal culture around Edwards AFB is both supportive of its military residents and reflective of broader Californian state laws. Familiarizing yourself with local regulations is essential for safeguarding one’s career and personal life.
Brief History of Edwards Air Force Base, California
Established in the early 1940s, Edwards Air Force Base quickly became a pivotal location for testing and evaluating new flight technologies during World War II. Its historical significance only grew through the Korean and Vietnam Wars, contributing critical advancements in aviation.
Following the September 11 attacks, the base continued to evolve, focusing on integrating new technologies and supporting global warfare readiness. Today, Edwards AFB remains a critical component of the Air Force’s test and evaluation operations.
Military Law & Legal Issues at Edwards Air Force Base, California
Court-Martial Under the UCMJ
Common charges at Edwards AFB under the UCMJ include Article 120 (sexual assault), Article 128b (domestic violence), and Articles 133/134 (misconduct-related offenses). The court-martial process involves a series of proceedings that determine guilt and appropriate sentencing.
Service members have the right to be represented by civilian counsel, which can offer crucial insight and defense strategies difficult to achieve through military-appointed defense.
Article 15 / Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP)
Receiving an Article 15 poses a choice: accept the NJP or demand a court-martial trial. Consequences can affect career advancement and future opportunities. Choosing the right path requires careful consideration and possibly legal guidance.
GOMORs & Letters of Reprimand
Generally, a General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand (GOMOR) can be filed locally or permanently. Whether rebutting or accepting depends on the specifics of the incident, as well as its potential impact on one’s career.
Administrative Separation (Chapters)
Both enlisted personnel and officers can face administrative separation for various reasons detailed in Air Force regulations. Understanding the process—Board of Inquiry or separation boards—is crucial for maintaining an honorable discharge record.
Command-Directed Investigations (CDIs) & IG Complaints
CDIs and Inspector General complaints are avenues rightfully available, yet they are sometimes misused or misunderstood. Service members should be wary of waiving rights or issuing statements without legal consultation.
Legal Services Available at Edwards Air Force Base, California
Base Legal (JAG)
The Judge Advocate General (JAG) office at Edwards AFB provides essential services, including the drafting of wills, powers of attorney, and legal advice on a range of topics. However, they do not handle criminal defense and cannot represent service members in court-martial trials or administrative boards.
Civilian Military Defense Lawyers
Engaging a civilian military defense lawyer can be beneficial due to their independence, extensive trial experience, and strict confidentiality policies. Their specialized knowledge of military law can be pivotal in complex cases beyond the scope of JAG services.
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
FAQ Section
- Does the UCMJ apply off base at Edwards Air Force Base, California?
Yes, UCMJ authority extends off base and during off-duty time.
- Can I request a civilian lawyer while stationed at Edwards Air Force Base, California?
Yes, service members have the right to hire a civilian lawyer for defense in UCMJ-related matters.
- What happens if I refuse an Article 15?
By refusing an Article 15, you’re opting for the case to be dealt with at a court-martial, which could have different legal repercussions.
- Is Edwards Air Force Base, California considered a high-risk legal environment?
No, however, understanding the legal landscape and the UCMJ is important for staying prepared and informed.
Closing: 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.