USAG Kaiserslautern, Germany | Military Defense Lawyers & Court-Martial Attorneys
Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law are internationally recognized military defense lawyers and UCMJ law experts defending Soldiers, Airmen, and family members stationed at U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Kaiserslautern, Germany. The Kaiserslautern Military Community (KMC) is one of the largest overseas U.S. military hubs, supporting Ramstein Air Base, Landstuhl, Sembach, Kleber, Panzer, and Pulaski Barracks. If you are under investigation or facing court-martial, Article 15/NJP, administrative separation, or a Board of Inquiry (BOI), your career, retirement, and security clearance are at stake. We provide aggressive, battle-tested defense in Germany and worldwide.
Michael Waddington and Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington have represented service members across Europe in some of the most complex UCMJ cases—including sexual assault, fraternization, fraud, drug offenses, domestic violence, and leadership failures. They are known for dismantling weak prosecutions, exposing investigative flaws, and preserving careers in high-pressure, politically sensitive environments. As independent civilian counsel, they work for you—not your command.
Why choose Gonzalez & Waddington at USAG Kaiserslautern?
- ✅ Over two decades of UCMJ trial and administrative defense experience at U.S. bases worldwide.
- ✅ Defended thousands of enlisted Soldiers, NCOs, and officers in courts-martial, separations, and BOIs.
- ✅ Experienced with Europe-based CID, OSI, and NCIS investigations in NATO and host-nation environments.
- ✅ Authors of military trial guides and trainers of lawyers across the U.S. armed forces.
- ✅ Expertise in clearance defense for SCI, SAP, and NATO access tied to KMC assignments.
We defend clients in Kaiserslautern and the KMC against:
- General & Special Courts-Martial
- Article 15/NJP, GOMORs, adverse evaluations, and counseling statements
- Administrative Separation Boards & Officer Boards of Inquiry (BOI)
- AR 15-6, IG, and command investigations
- Security clearance suspension/revocation and NATO access issues
- UCMJ offenses including Articles 120 (sexual assault), 120b (child sexual offenses), 128b (domestic violence), 112a (drug use), 92 (orders violations), 107 (false official statements), 133 (conduct unbecoming), and 134 (general misconduct)
If you’re stationed at USAG Kaiserslautern or anywhere in the KMC and facing legal action, contact Gonzalez & Waddington. Early intervention is critical to protect your career, clearance, and future.
USAG Kaiserslautern Military Defense – Frequently Asked Questions
Which bases and commands are part of the Kaiserslautern Military Community?
The KMC includes USAG Kaiserslautern, Ramstein Air Base, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Sembach, Kleber, Pulaski, Panzer, and surrounding posts. We represent clients stationed at all these installations in Germany.
Do you represent Soldiers and Airmen in Kaiserslautern UCMJ cases?
Yes. We represent enlisted personnel and officers facing courts-martial, NJP, administrative separations, and Boards of Inquiry. We also defend against CID, OSI, and command-directed investigations common within the KMC.
Do you handle clearance cases tied to NATO or SCI/SAP access?
Yes. Many KMC service members hold NATO, SCI, or SAP clearances. We defend against clearance revocations, access suspensions, and related adverse administrative actions that can result from UCMJ or command allegations.
Will you travel to Germany for my case?
Yes. We regularly travel to Germany to represent clients in person at USAG Kaiserslautern, Ramstein, and other installations. We appear at courts-martial, Article 32 hearings, BOIs, separation boards, and investigations.
Why hire a civilian defense lawyer in Kaiserslautern instead of only using JAG?
While JAG attorneys are often capable, they are overworked and answer to the command. Civilian counsel like Gonzalez & Waddington are independent and focus 100% on your defense. We bring global trial experience and are loyal only to our clients, not the military system.
USAG Kaiserslautern, Germany | Military Legal Guide
Overview of USAG Kaiserslautern, Germany and Surrounding Area
USAG Kaiserslautern is a pivotal installation with key missions supporting NATO and U.S. operations in Europe. It is home to several major units and supports a large military community. The city of Kaiserslautern, close to the base, offers a mix of German culture and an international community. Understanding local and military legal cultures here is important for service members.
Brief History of USAG Kaiserslautern, Germany
USAG Kaiserslautern was established during the Cold War to serve as a strategic point for the U.S. in Europe. Over the decades, it has supported operations across various conflicts from WWII to post-9/11 missions. Its evolving mission continues to support European and international stability today.
Military Law & Legal Issues at USAG Kaiserslautern, Germany
a. Court-Martial Under the UCMJ
- Common charges include Article 120 (sexual assault), 128b (domestic violence), and 133/134 (misconduct).
- The court-martial process is comprehensive, requiring understanding of rights and procedures.
- The right to civilian counsel can significantly impact the trial’s outcome.
b. Article 15 / NJP
- Service members can accept or refuse Article 15, weighing immediate versus long-term implications.
- Affected careers may face significant setbacks from NJP decisions.
c. GOMORs & Letters of Reprimand
- Understand consequences between local and permanent filing of reprimands.
- Explore effective rebuttal strategies to protect your military record.
d. Administrative Separation (Chapters)
- Learn about Board of Inquiry and separation boards for officers and enlisted personnel.
- Details on preserving an honorable discharge from service.
e. Command-Directed Investigations (CDIs) & IG Complaints
- Understand the common misuse of command-directed investigations and associated risks.
- Recognize the importance of not waiving rights or submitting statements prematurely.
Legal Services Available at USAG Kaiserslautern, Germany
a. Base Legal (JAG)
- JAG provides essential services such as powers of attorney and wills.
- However, they do not cover criminal defenses or administrative boards.
b. Civilian Military Defense Lawyers
Retaining civilian military defense lawyers offers advantages such as independence, trial experience, and confidentiality, vital for cases with potentially severe consequences.
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 USAG Kaiserslautern, Germany
FAQ
Does the UCMJ apply off base at USAG Kaiserslautern, Germany?
Yes, the UCMJ applies to all service members on and off base.
Can I request a civilian lawyer while stationed at USAG Kaiserslautern, Germany?
Absolutely, service members have the right to civilian counsel at any stage.
What happens if I refuse an Article 15?
Refusing Article 15 may lead to court-martial, a process requiring comprehensive defense strategy.
Is USAG Kaiserslautern, Germany considered a high-risk legal environment?
While service situations vary, legal preparedness is crucial regardless of perceived risks.