NS Great Lakes, Illinois | Military Legal Guide
Introduction
If you’re stationed at NS Great Lakes, Illinois, understanding the military legal landscape is crucial. Service members and their families often face unique legal challenges. Our guide aims to equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate these hurdles successfully. Explore our UCMJ Survival Guide for an in-depth resource to protect your career and rights.
Download the UCMJ Survival Guide for free or buy from Amazon.
Overview of NS Great Lakes, Illinois and Surrounding Area
NS Great Lakes is a central hub for naval training operations in the Great Lakes region. It hosts several major units dedicated to preparing new recruits for active duty. The surrounding area, including the city of Chicago, offers a diverse community with a mix of cultural and legal environments.
Brief History of NS Great Lakes, Illinois
Established in 1911, NS Great Lakes has a rich history of evolution through each major conflict, including World War II, the Korean War, and the post-9/11 era. Originally focused on basic naval training, the mission has broadened to include advanced technical training and leadership development programs.
Military Law & Legal Issues at NS Great Lakes, Illinois
Court-Martial Under the UCMJ
- Common charges include Article 120 (sexual assault), 128b (domestic violence), and Articles 133/134 (misconduct).
- The court-martial process involves multiple stages where service members can defend against charges with the aid of civilian counsel.
Article 15 / NJP
- Deciding to accept or refuse an Article 15 can impact your military career.
- Refusing could lead to a court-martial; accepting can lead to immediate discipline.
GOMORs & Letters of Reprimand
- Understand the difference between local and permanent filing impacts.
- Deploy effective rebuttal strategies to protect your record.
Administrative Separation (Chapters)
- Familiarize yourself with the process for enlisted and officer separations, including Boards of Inquiry.
- Learn strategies to fight for an Honorable discharge.
Command-Directed Investigations (CDIs) & IG Complaints
- Awareness of common misuse of CDIs is crucial.
- Consider risks prior to waiving rights or giving statements.
Legal Services Available at NS Great Lakes, Illinois
Base Legal (JAG)
The Judge Advocate General (JAG) office assists with non-criminal tasks such as powers of attorney and wills. However, JAG does not provide services for criminal defense or board representation.
Civilian Military Defense Lawyers
Civilian lawyers offer distinct advantages due to their independence, trial experience, and client confidentiality. Their expertise is critical, especially for court-martial cases and complex legal issues.
Download Your Free Legal Resource
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 NS Great Lakes, Illinois
FAQ Section
- Does the UCMJ apply off base at NS Great Lakes, Illinois?
Yes, UCMJ jurisdiction extends beyond the physical base boundaries. - Can I request a civilian lawyer while stationed at NS Great Lakes?
Yes, service members have the right to seek civilian legal counsel. - What happens if I refuse an Article 15?
Refusing may escalate the case to a court-martial, which requires careful legal consideration.