Travis Air Force Base, California | Military Legal Guide
Introduction
If you’re stationed at Travis Air Force Base, California, understanding the legal challenges associated with military life is crucial. Service members and their families face unique legal issues that require knowledge of military law, especially under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). This guide aims to enlighten you about court-martials, non-judicial punishments (NJP), and other administrative risks you might encounter. Access critical insights by downloading the UCMJ Survival Guide for free to safeguard your career and rights.
Overview of Travis Air Force Base, California and Surrounding Area
Travis Air Force Base is located just northeast of San Francisco, California, and serves as a pivotal location for strategic airlift missions. Known as the “Gateway to the Pacific,” it hosts several major units, including the 60th Air Mobility Wing. The base is situated in Fairfield, a thriving city with a robust legal environment and rich demographics.
Brief History of Travis Air Force Base, California
Established in 1943 during World War II, Travis Air Force Base has experienced numerous evolutions in its mission capabilities. It played a significant role throughout various conflicts, including the Korean War, Vietnam War, and the Iraq War. Post-9/11, the base has expanded to support modern air mobility and humanitarian missions worldwide.
Military Law & Legal Issues at Travis Air Force Base, California
Court-Martial Under the UCMJ
Common court-martial charges at Travis include Article 120 (sexual assault), Article 128b (domestic violence), and Article 133 or 134 (misconduct). The court-martial process offers several stages, including trial and sentencing, wherein you have the right to civilian counsel to nurture your defense strategy efficiently.
Article 15 / NJP
Faced with the option to accept or refuse Article 15? Refusing this non-judicial punishment may lead to a more formal court-martial. The decision is pivotal, impacting your military career significantly.
GOMORs & Letters of Reprimand
General Officer Memorandums of Reprimand (GOMORs) can be locally placed or permanently filed. Rebuttal strategies are crucial to mitigating the long-term career impacts these letters might impose.
Administrative Separation (Chapters)
The separation process, via a Board of Inquiry or separation boards, is well-defined for enlisted and officer personnel. Preserving an Honorable discharge amidst the process requires articulate defense measures.
Command-Directed Investigations (CDIs) & IG Complaints
Investigations led by command directives can often be misused, risking your legal position without substantial evidence. The hesitation to waive rights or provide statements without legal counsel is significant to your defense.
Legal Services Available at Travis Air Force Base
Base Legal (JAG)
The Legal Assistance Office at Travis AFB provides services such as drafting powers of attorney and wills. However, they do not represent service members facing criminal charges or administrative boards.
Civilian Military Defense Lawyers
Civilian lawyers bring trial experience, confidentiality, and independence to your case, essential for complex military legal issues that require an adept defense strategy.
Download a 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 Travis Air Force Base, California
FAQ Section
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- Does the UCMJ apply off base at Travis Air Force Base?
Yes, the UCMJ applies to service members even when they are off base and may impact their career depending on the violations. - Can I request a civilian lawyer while stationed at Travis Air Force Base?
Absolutely. Service members have the right to seek assistance from civilian attorneys for legal defenses. - What happens if I refuse an Article 15?
Upon refusal, the case may move to a court-martial, but provides you a chance to have your defense heard formally.
- Does the UCMJ apply off base at Travis Air Force Base?
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 a 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.