NSWC Dahlgren Division, Virginia | Military Legal Guide
Overview of NSWC Dahlgren Division, Virginia and Surrounding Area
NSWC Dahlgren Division serves as a primary research and development center within the U.S. Navy. It focuses on engineering, warfare systems integration, and advanced naval weaponry, supporting the logistics and combat needs of the United States Navy and Marine Corps. Located in King George County, Virginia, the facility combines a rich naval tradition with a cutting-edge, scientific community.
The surrounding area, including the small town of Dahlgren, offers a quiet lifestyle but with close proximity to larger cities like Fredericksburg, which presents a more diverse cultural and legal environment. The legal culture here balances military and civilian law, ensuring a comprehensive approach to service member rights.
Brief History of NSWC Dahlgren Division, Virginia
Founded in 1918, NSWC Dahlgren Division began as a testing facility for naval ordnance. Throughout its history, the division has been crucial in supporting naval capability in conflicts including WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam, Iraq, and the post-9/11 era. Today, it stands as a leader in research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E), and fleet support activities, underscoring its paramount role in national defense.
Military Law & Legal Issues at NSWC Dahlgren Division, Virginia
a. Court-Martial Under the UCMJ
The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) governs court-martial proceedings, where common charges can include Article 120 (sexual assault), 128b (domestic violence), and 133/134 (misconduct). The process involves pre-trial investigations, the court-martial itself, and possible appeals. Service members have the right to retain civilian counsel to ensure fair representation.
b. Article 15 / NJP
Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP), or Article 15, offers service members the choice to accept or refuse the punishment. Accepting can lead to a quicker resolution but may impact long-term career prospects, while refusal could lead to formal court-martial proceedings.
c. GOMORs & Letters of Reprimand
General Officer Memorandums of Reprimand (GOMORs) can either be locally or permanently filed, affecting a service member’s career. Effective rebuttal strategies are critical for addressing any perceived discrepancies in these disciplinary actions.
d. Administrative Separation (Chapters)
The administrative separation process involves Boards of Inquiry for officers and separation boards for enlisted personnel. To ensure an Honorable discharge, it’s essential to address any allegations comprehensively and participate actively in defense proceedings.
e. Command-Directed Investigations (CDIs) & IG Complaints
CDIs and Inspector General (IG) complaints may sometimes be misused, risking service members’ reputations and careers. Understanding the risks of waiving rights or making statements without legal counsel is crucial.
Legal Services Available at NSWC Dahlgren Division, Virginia
a. NSWC Dahlgren Division Base Legal (JAG)
The Judge Advocate General (JAG) office provides legal assistance with powers of attorney, wills, and advice on personal legal affairs. They do not offer representation for criminal defense or board hearings, highlighting the value of civilian legal counsel in such situations.
b. Civilian Military Defense Lawyers
Civilian attorneys offer a separate layer of independence, confidentiality, and, crucially, trial expertise. Engaging experienced civilian military defense lawyers helps ensure that your rights are fully safeguarded and that you receive a fair trial.
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.
NSWC Dahlgren Division, Virginia Local Military/Government Legal Resources
FAQ Section
Common questions for service members stationed at NSWC Dahlgren Division, Virginia:
- Does the UCMJ apply off base?
- Can I request a civilian lawyer while stationed at NSWC Dahlgren Division, Virginia?
- What happens if I refuse an Article 15?
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.