How Does Gonzalez & Waddington, LLC Handle Military Investigations Before Charges Are Filed?
At Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law, we focus exclusively on defending service members facing investigations, administrative boards, and court-martial actions under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). When the military launches an investigation, whether conducted by CID, NCIS, OSI, or CGIS, a service member’s career, freedom, and reputation immediately come under threat. Responding quickly and strategically during this pre-charge phase can mean the difference between charges never being filed—or facing a career-ending court-martial.
When a military investigation begins, investigators often use aggressive tactics, including interviews, searches, and forensic analysis. Many service members mistakenly assume that cooperating fully without counsel will clear things up. In reality, statements or digital evidence provided early can be used to build the government’s case. Our defense team steps in immediately to shield clients from rights violations, protect evidence, and challenge improper investigative methods before matters escalate.
Our attorneys conduct independent fact-gathering, interview witnesses who may never be contacted by investigators, and analyze forensic reports. By exposing flaws early—such as chain of custody issues, improper questioning, or unreliable accusers—we aim to derail weak cases before charges are even filed. In many situations, we have persuaded commands or prosecutors that proceeding with charges was unwarranted, saving careers and lives from devastation.
Every branch—the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force, and Coast Guard—has unique investigative protocols, but the strategy remains constant: act early, assert rights, and control the narrative before the government becomes entrenched. Waiting until after formal charges are preferred reduces available defenses and gives the prosecution the upper hand. Hiring a defense team during the investigation sends a clear signal that the accused is informed, prepared, and not an easy target.
Our firm also provides clients with direct, practical guidance. We explain exactly what to say—and not to say—when approached by investigators. We assist in preserving favorable evidence, including text messages, emails, and device data, that may later be deleted or lost. Importantly, we insulate clients from command pressure and ensure they are not coerced into harmful statements during interrogations.
By retaining Gonzalez & Waddington early, service members secure more than experienced trial counsel; they gain advocates who understand the investigative process from the inside out. Our attorneys are trial-tested, global defenders with a proven record of protecting soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen, guardians, and coastguardsmen long before charges reach the courtroom.
Why Choose Michael Waddington & Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington
- Authors of leading books on military justice and court-martial defense
- Decades of combined experience in global military defense
- Successfully defended high-ranking officers and enlisted worldwide
- Trained other lawyers on advanced court-martial litigation strategies
- Extensive experience in sex crime defense, violent felonies, and war crimes
- Proven results in Article 32 hearings, NJP/Article 15, and administrative separation boards
- Recognized for handling complex forensic, digital evidence, and cross-examination cases
Common Issues / Case Types We Handle
- Military criminal investigations (CID, NCIS, OSI, CGIS)
- Pre-charge representation and strategy
- Defense against sexual assault allegations
- Drug-related investigations and urinalysis defenses
- Larceny, fraud, and financial crimes in the military
- Administrative separation boards and Boards of Inquiry
- Preservation and analysis of digital and forensic evidence
- Article 32 preliminary hearings and responses to charges
Pro Tips & Mistakes
- Do not speak to investigators without a lawyer present. Anything you say can be twisted or misunderstood.
- Preserve all evidence immediately. Save text messages, call records, financial records, and emails that may support your case.
- Avoid discussing your situation with coworkers or command. Gossip and rumors often end up in investigative reports.
- Assert your Article 31(b) rights. Declining to answer questions is a legal right, not an admission of guilt.
- Act quickly. Early intervention often stops weak or baseless accusations from turning into formal charges.
FAQs
What should I do if investigators contact me?
Politely decline to answer questions and immediately contact Gonzalez & Waddington for representation.
Can an attorney stop charges from being filed?
Yes. Skilled defense lawyers can present evidence and arguments to convince commanders or prosecutors not to prefer charges.
Is it too early to hire a lawyer before charges are filed?
No. The investigation phase is the most critical. Waiting reduces opportunities to shape outcomes.
What evidence can be challenged during an investigation?
Our attorneys frequently challenge forensic tests, witness credibility, interrogation methods, and chain-of-custody in investigations.
Will hiring a civilian lawyer upset my command?
Your command may take notice, but having strong legal counsel signals that you take your defense seriously and prevents abuse of the process.
Do you represent clients outside the United States?
Yes. Gonzalez & Waddington represent service members globally, wherever the U.S. military has a presence.
Contact Gonzalez & Waddington
Service members facing a military investigation cannot afford to wait. The earlier you involve experienced defense counsel, the stronger your chances of protecting your freedoms, career, and family. Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law, represent officers and enlisted worldwide across all branches, including the Space Force. We travel globally, defend the most complex cases, and provide aggressive representation from investigation through trial.
Call now for a confidential consultation: 1-800-921-8607 or visit https://ucmjdefense.com.