USAG Yongsan, Korea | Military Legal Guide
Overview of USAG Yongsan, Korea and Surrounding Area
USAG Yongsan, Korea, serves as a critical installation for U.S. Forces Korea, supporting various missions and major units. Located in Seoul, this base plays a pivotal role in military readiness and alliance support. The surrounding city is vibrant and densely populated with a diverse legal culture influenced by both U.S. military law and host nation law.
Brief History of USAG Yongsan, Korea
Established during the early 1900s, USAG Yongsan has witnessed pivotal historical events, providing support during World War II, the Korean War, and post-9/11 operations. Its mission has evolved over the decades, adapting to current defense strategies while maintaining its key role in U.S.-South Korea security cooperation.
Military Law & Legal Issues at USAG Yongsan, Korea
Court-Martial Under the UCMJ
- Common charges include Article 120 (sexual assault), 128b (domestic violence), and 133/134 (misconduct).
- The court-martial process involves pretrial hearings, selection of the court members, and legal representation. Service members have the right to hire civilian counsel for enhanced defense strategies.
Article 15 / NJP
Service members can choose to accept or refuse an Article 15, each choice carrying long-term career implications. It’s essential to weigh the potential impacts and consult legal counsel before deciding.
GOMORs & Letters of Reprimand
Understanding the differences between local and permanent filing is crucial. Developing effective rebuttal strategies can mitigate the career impacts of these reprimands.
Administrative Separation (Chapters)
Enlisted personnel and officers face distinct procedures for separation, including Boards of Inquiry. Preserving an Honorable discharge requires understanding these processes and mounting a robust defense.
Command-Directed Investigations (CDIs) & IG Complaints
These investigations can be misused. Missteps like waiving rights or making statements can jeopardize your case, highlighting the importance of legal guidance.
Legal Services Available at USAG Yongsan, Korea
Base Legal (JAG)
The JAG office at USAG Yongsan provides essential legal assistance, including powers of attorney and wills. However, they do not offer criminal defense or representation at boards.
Civilian Military Defense Lawyers
Civilian lawyers offer independence, substantial trial experience, and confidentiality, which can be crucial in complex legal situations. Their expertise often complements the support provided by military legal resources.
Download the UCMJ Survival Guide
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 USAG Yongsan, Korea
FAQ
- Does the UCMJ apply off base at USAG Yongsan, Korea?
– Yes, the UCMJ applies to all U.S. military personnel regardless of location, including off-base circumstances. - Can I request a civilian lawyer while stationed at USAG Yongsan, Korea?
– Yes, service members have the right to seek civilian legal representation to ensure a fair trial and defense. - What happens if I refuse an Article 15?
– Refusing an Article 15 can lead to a court-martial, which is a more formal judicial proceeding. It’s advisable to consult legal counsel before making this decision.
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.