Randolph AFB, Texas | Military Legal Guide
Introduction
If you’re stationed at Randolph AFB, Texas, it’s crucial to understand the unique military legal challenges you may face. From court-martial to administrative separations, navigating military law requires awareness and expertise. This guide is designed to equip you and your family with essential knowledge about your rights, procedures, and resources available both on the base and within the civilian sector. Additionally, download the UCMJ Survival Guide for a comprehensive overview of military justice and your rights.
Overview of Randolph AFB, Texas and Surrounding Area
Randolph Air Force Base, located in Texas, acts as a significant training and operational support hub for the United States Air Force. The base supports various missions and is home to major units like the 12th Flying Training Wing. Situated near San Antonio, Randolph AFB benefits from the rich military culture and infrastructure of the area. San Antonio, known as “Military City, USA,” provides a vibrant legal and demographic environment with ample support services for military families.
Brief History of Randolph AFB, Texas
Randolph AFB was established in 1931 as a training base under the auspices of Gen. Frank P. Lahm. Throughout history, it has played pivotal roles during significant conflicts such as WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam, and the post-9/11 era as a leading Air Force training facility. Today, it continues its legacy by supporting training operations and offering advanced technological missions to suit modern warfare demands.
Military Law & Legal Issues at Randolph AFB, Texas
Court-Martial Under the UCMJ
Court-martials are serious judicial proceedings. Common charges include Article 120 (sexual assault), 128b (domestic violence), 133/134 (misconduct), with a comprehensive process involving pretrial, trial, and post-trial stages. Service members have the right to civilian counsel, which may add a layer of advocacy and specialized defense strategy.
Article 15 / NJP
Non-Judicial Punishment, commonly referred to as Article 15, offers a potentially less severe disciplinary measure than court-martial. Service members must decide whether to accept or refuse it, as it can impact long-term career prospects.
GOMORs & Letters of Reprimand
General Officer Memorandums of Reprimand (GOMORs) can be damaging if filed permanently in a service record. Understanding local vs. permanent filing and crafting effective rebuttal strategies is essential for mitigating negative career impacts.
Administrative Separation (Chapters)
For both enlisted and officers, administrative separation may arise from various factors. Conducting a thorough Board of Inquiry can help preserve an honorable discharge and avert negative service characterization.
Command-Directed Investigations (CDIs) & IG Complaints
These investigations often involve considerable risk. Misuse and common pitfalls include tendencies to waive rights or make self-incriminating statements. Understanding your rights and seeking legal counsel promptly is advised.
Legal Services Available at Randolph AFB, Texas
Base Legal (JAG)
The Base Legal Office provides essential services including powers of attorney, will drafting, but does not offer criminal defense or representation in administrative boards. For such needs, considering a civilian military defense lawyer might be beneficial.
Civilian Military Defense Lawyers
Civilian lawyers bring independence, a wealth of trial experience, and confidentiality, offering an invaluable perspective to your defense strategy. Their expertise can significantly influence outcomes in complicated military legal matters.
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.
Randolph AFB, Texas Local Military/Government Legal Resources
FAQ Section
- Does the UCMJ apply off base at Randolph AFB, Texas?
Yes, the UCMJ applies to service members both on and off base as it governs all military personnel behavior. - Can I request a civilian lawyer while stationed at Randolph AFB, Texas?
Yes, service members have the right to retain civilian legal representation in addition to military-provided legal assistance. - What happens if I refuse an Article 15?
Refusing an Article 15 may lead to trial by court-martial, which carries more formal procedures and potentially severe penalties. - Is Randolph AFB, Texas considered a high-risk legal environment?
Like any other military installment, legal risks depend on individual circumstances, adherence to regulations, and the nature of accusations.
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.