Fort Bragg, North Carolina | Military Legal Guide
Overview of Fort Bragg, North Carolina and Surrounding Area
Fort Bragg is one of the largest military installations in the world, serving as a major hub for U.S. Army air assault operations. It is home to key military units including the XVIII Airborne Corps and the Special Forces. Situated near Fayetteville, North Carolina, the surrounding area has a diverse legal culture supporting military personnel and their families.
Brief History of Fort Bragg, North Carolina
Established in 1918, Fort Bragg was initially created to serve as an artillery training ground. During World War II, it evolved into a significant airborne and special operations hub. Post-9/11, Fort Bragg has played a pivotal role in ongoing military operations across Iraq and Afghanistan, cementing its status as a critical component of U.S. national defense strategy.
Military Law & Legal Issues at Fort Bragg, North Carolina
Court-Martial Under the UCMJ
- Common charges: Article 120 (sexual assault), 128b (domestic violence), 133/134 (misconduct)
- Process overview: Understand the stages of a court-martial from investigation to verdict.
- Right to civilian counsel: Ensure your representation is robust and independent.
Article 15 / NJP
- Accept or refuse: Weigh the consequences carefully before deciding.
- Long-term career impact: Consider how NJP can affect your military trajectory.
GOMORs & Letters of Reprimand
- Local vs. permanent filing: Understanding immediate and lasting implications.
- Rebuttal strategies: Effective ways to contest and mitigate reprimands.
Administrative Separation (Chapters)
- Process for enlisted and officers: Navigate separations processes like Board of Inquiry, separation boards.
- How to preserve an Honorable discharge: Important steps to protect your service record.
Command-Directed Investigations (CDIs) & IG Complaints
- Common misuse: Identifying and defending against improper investigations.
- Risks of waiving rights or giving statements: Safeguard your rights during inquiries.
Legal Services Available at Fort Bragg, North Carolina
Base Legal (JAG)
- What they provide: Legal assistance in drafting powers of attorney, wills, etc.
- What they do not provide: JAG cannot help with criminal defense or representation in major boards.
Civilian Military Defense Lawyers
Why civilian lawyers matter: They bring independence, extensive trial experience, and confidentiality to your defense strategy. Opting for a civilian attorney can be crucial in complex legal situations.
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
FAQs
- Does the UCMJ apply off base at Fort Bragg?
Yes, the UCMJ applies to service members off base, covering conduct both on and off duty. - Can I request a civilian lawyer while stationed at Fort Bragg?
Service members have the right to choose a civilian lawyer to represent them in military legal matters, apart from the JAG-appointed attorney. - What happens if I refuse an Article 15?
Refusing an Article 15 could lead to a court-martial, where the charges and potential consequences could increase. It’s a decision best made with legal counsel.