Navy Military Defense Lawyers – Court Martial Attorneys

Elite Civilian Military Lawyers Defending Sailors Worldwide

If you’re a U.S. Navy Sailor facing a court-martial, Article 15 (NJP), administrative separation, or command-directed investigation, your career and freedom are in jeopardy. From the moment you’re accused, the Navy begins building a case against you — often before you know the full scope of the allegations. Whether you’re stationed at Naval Base San Diego, Norfolk, Pearl Harbor, or deployed aboard ship, you need a civilian military defense lawyer who understands the Navy legal system and knows how to win.

Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law defends Sailors worldwide against UCMJ charges, separation boards, and military investigations. Led by former JAG Michael Waddington and seasoned litigator Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington, our firm has represented Navy personnel in some of the most complex and high-profile cases across the fleet.

Our Navy Court-Martial Defense Practice

Navy court-martials are serious federal criminal trials. You are not just defending your rank — you’re fighting for your reputation, benefits, and future. We defend all levels of courts-martial:

General Court-Martial: Felony-level trial with penalties including life in prison, dishonorable discharge, total forfeiture of pay and allowances
Special Court-Martial: Misdemeanor-level trial with potential confinement of up to 12 months and a bad-conduct discharge
Summary Court-Martial: Minor offenses, but still damaging to your military record and civilian future

Common Charges We Defend in the Navy

Article 120 – Sexual assault, rape, abusive sexual contact
Article 92 – Failure to obey orders or regulations
Article 128b – Domestic violence
Article 112a – Drug offenses (use, possession, distribution)
Article 133 – Conduct unbecoming an officer and gentleman
Article 134 – Adultery, indecent conduct, obstruction, fraternization
Article 85/86 – AWOL or desertion

NJP, Admin Separation & Boards of Inquiry (BOI)

We also defend Sailors at every stage of administrative action, including:

Non-Judicial Punishment (Captain’s Mast/Admiral’s Mast)
Administrative Separation Boards for enlisted personnel (ADSEP)
Boards of Inquiry (BOI) for Navy officers facing elimination
GOMOR rebuttals, show cause boards, and fitness report rebuttals

Why Hire Gonzalez & Waddington for Your Navy Case

Former JAG officer with global military trial experience
Defended Sailors and officers at every major Navy base worldwide
Recognized leaders in military law and courtroom cross-examination
We take on fewer cases to give each client maximum attention
We don’t back down — we prepare to win from day one

Global Navy Representation

Our civilian military defense lawyers represent Sailors in the U.S. and abroad, including:

Naval Base San Diego, CA
Naval Station Norfolk, VA
Naval Station Great Lakes, IL
Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI
Naval Station Rota, Spain
Yokosuka & Sasebo, Japan
Guam, Bahrain, Italy, and deployed ships worldwide

Act Fast – The Navy Is Already Building Its Case

Whether you’ve been notified of an investigation, are pending NJP, or received charges under the UCMJ, time is critical. Every day that passes gives your command and prosecutors more power. You need a fierce legal defense team with Navy courtroom experience to protect your rights, reputation, and future.

➤ Schedule a Confidential Case Review Today

Navy Military Defense Lawyers – Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hire a civilian lawyer for my Navy court-martial?

Yes. You have the right to retain a civilian defense lawyer at your own expense, in addition to your appointed Navy JAG attorney. Many Sailors choose Gonzalez & Waddington for our trial experience and strategic advantage.

What’s the difference between NJP and a court-martial?

NJP (non-judicial punishment) is administrative and does not result in a federal conviction. A court-martial is a criminal trial that can result in prison, a federal record, and punitive discharge. Both can end your Navy career.

What if I’m being investigated but haven’t been charged?

Contact a lawyer immediately. Early legal intervention can stop charges before they’re filed or shape the outcome of the case. Never talk to NCIS or command without legal advice.

Do you defend officers facing a BOI?

Yes. We represent Navy officers facing Boards of Inquiry (BOIs), show cause boards, and officer elimination actions. We prepare rebuttals and fight to protect your commission and reputation.

How do I contact your firm?

Visit ucmjmilitarylaw.com/contact and complete the secure form. We’ll respond quickly to review your case and build a strategy to defend your Navy career.

Navy Military Defense Lawyers – Court Martial Attorneys

Serving in the Navy? Facing a court-martial, UCMJ action, Administrative Separation Board, or other Adverse Administrative Action? Call our experienced Navy military defense lawyers at 1-800-921-8607 for a free consultation.

“Your career, reputation, and even your freedom hang in the balance. A single misstep could derail everything you’ve worked for. This isn’t just a legal matter; it’s a fight for your future.” (Michael Waddington, Military Defense Lawyer, 11 July 2024 Interview).

An Overview of the Military Justice System

Joining the military grants you certain privileges in life, but it also holds you more accountable in turn. So it’s essential to know all of your legal rights, whether you’re serving overseas or in the United States. The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) contains all the laws governing the military justice system. It provides punishments for various crimes as well as procedural protections.

Civilian UCMJ Criminal Defense Lawyers for Navy Court-martial Cases & Administrative Separations

Navy criminal defense lawyers focus on defending service members accused of military crimes. Some Navy court-martial attorney focus on protecting US Navy sailors from false accusations of military sexual assault and defending Article 120, UCMJ allegations in military courts. Due to the high standards and expectations, military members can face much longer sentences than civilians. Manual for Courts-Martial, United States (2024 ed.)
If found guilty, they would also lose access to any pay and allowances. Here’s everything you need to know about the military justice system and the value of Navy military defense lawyers.

Court-Martial Overview

When a member of the military has been accused of a serious crime, they’re court-martialed. Less serious offenses are dealt with at a Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP). There are three different types of courts-martial, summary court-martial, special court-martial, and general court-martial.
A summary court-martial has one officer as judge and jury. A summary court-martial is usually utilized for less severe offenses above an NJP. Like any other court session, the accused can call for witnesses, testify, and hire an attorney to represent them. There is no free military attorney, however. The most common sentences are up to one month confinement, hard labor, or a loss of rank.
A special court-martial has three or more members in a panel and a military judge. Punishments can range from a Bad Conduct Discharge up to confinement of over a year. General courts-martial sessions have more than five members in a panel and a judge. This type acts as a felony court, with the worst sentence being death.

Collateral Consequences of a Military Conviction

Loss of all veteran and government benefits
Loss of disability and unemployment benefits
Loss of voting rights.
Loss of the ability to legally own or possess firearms.
Inability to qualify for bank loans or college financial aid.
Difficulty in obtaining meaningful employment.
Criminal records will remain in law enforcement databases.

Military Justice System vs. Civilian Court

The biggest difference between the military justice system and your ordinary civilian court is the expectations and punishments. In the military, there’s a big focus on discipline. A Navy sailor may go to court for repeatedly showing up to work late or disrespect. They can also end up imprisoned for desertion, missing movement, fraternization, AWOL, and various General Article 134 UCMJ offenses.

Navy Criminal Defense Lawyers

The overall goal of the Navy’s military justice system is to maintain good order and discipline within the Navy. In civilian court, legal proceedings are meant to resolve disputes and hold people accountable. While a unanimous vote is required to be found guilty in civilian court, it’s not necessary for military courts. A three-fourths vote is required for a sentence of life imprisonment, and all else requires a two-thirds vote. The death penalty is the only thing that requires unanimity.

What Happens if You’re Suspected of a Crime in the Navy?

Navy criminal defense lawyers and other military defense lawyers focus on dealing with the intricacies of the military justice court-martial system. Not only can someone get accused of civilian crimes, but they also have to face military offenses. Combine the two, and you have a serious accusation that can derail your entire life. for example, military sexual assault can mean imprisonment and losing any privileges earned in your time in the Navy. Here’s what can happen if you’re suspected of a serious crime while in the Navy.

Sexual Assault in the Navy

Military sexual assault is taken very seriously. Punishment for such can range from dishonorable discharge to prison time. It may even result in a lifetime prison term. In a military sexual assault case, the prosecution must prove that you’ve committed the accused crime beyond a reasonable doubt. As such, an accusation doesn’t mean the end of everything.

Military Sexual Crimes in the Navy

One of the most important defenses in a military sexual assault or rape case is a mistake of fact as to consent. In other words, you believed that the alleged victim had consented and that you had no intent to commit a crime. Our experienced military sexual assault lawyers can walk you through the process and advise you on your defenses.

Why Hire a Civilian Court-Martial Lawyers for a Navy UCMJ Case?

Facing a court-martial for a UCMJ violation is daunting for any Navy sailor. The military justice system operates differently than civilian courts, with unique rules and procedures that can be difficult to navigate without expert guidance. This is where an experienced civilian military defense lawyer can make a critical difference.

1. In-Depth Understanding of the UCMJ:

Civilian defense lawyers specialize in military law and deeply understand the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). They are well-versed in the nuances of military offenses, potential defenses, and the intricate procedures involved in court-martial proceedings. This expertise allows them to analyze the charges, assess the evidence, and build a strong defense strategy tailored to the case’s specifics.

2. Unbiased Representation:

While a military defense attorney is provided to every servicemember, they are also part of the military system and may face inherent conflicts of interest. A civilian military defense lawyer operates independently and is solely dedicated to protecting the rights and interests of their client. They provide unbiased representation, free from internal pressures or loyalties within the military.

3. Extensive Courtroom Experience:

Experienced civilian military defense lawyers have extensive experience in military courtrooms, representing numerous service members facing court-martial. They are familiar with the judges, prosecutors, and courtroom dynamics. This experience enables them to anticipate the prosecution’s tactics, effectively cross-examine witnesses, and present compelling arguments to defend their client.

4. Strong Negotiation Skills:

In many cases, a court martial can be avoided through negotiation and alternative resolutions. Experienced civilian military defense lawyers are skilled negotiators who can engage with military prosecutors to seek reduced charges, administrative remedies, or pretrial agreements that may lead to a more favorable outcome for their clients.

5. Comprehensive Defense Strategies:

A court martial can have severe consequences, including imprisonment, dishonorable discharge, and loss of benefits. Experienced civilian military defense lawyers understand the gravity of the situation and employ comprehensive defense strategies to minimize the potential impact on the sailor’s life and career. They will explore every available defense, challenge the evidence, and fight to protect their client’s rights and future.

An experienced civilian military defense lawyer can be an invaluable asset for a Navy sailor accused of a UCMJ violation. Their specialized knowledge, unbiased representation, courtroom experience, negotiation skills, and dedication to protecting their client’s rights make them a powerful advocate in the face of a court-martial.

Collateral Consequences of Sex Offender Registration:

Denied housing
Loss of family
Isolation
No educational opportunities
Unemployable
Physical assault
Increased homelessness
Harassment
Financial hardship
Stigmatization
The decline in mental health
No internet access
Deterioration of social bonds
Loss of residency

Drug Offenses

All branches of the military have a zero-tolerance policy towards controlled substances. Even though marijuana is now legal in certain states, the military discharges service members who fail drug tests.
Not only can drug offenses ruin your military career, but they can also land you in prison. Moreover, since the military operates separately from the civilian court, it can serve more serious punishments for drug use.

General court-martial maximum sentence:

Dishonorable discharge (enlisted)
Dismissal (officers)
A Dishonorable Discharge or Dismissal is mandatory for certain sexual offenses.
Total Forfeiture of all pay and allowances
Confinement for life without eligibility for parole
Death
Reduction to the grade of E-1
A fine
A reprimand
Hard about without confinement
Restriction
If convicted of certain sexual offenses, the service member has to register as a sex offender.

Desertion and AWOL

Desertion is one of the worst crimes you can commit during wartime, possibly landing you a death sentence. Outside of war, the maximum punishment is dishonorable discharge, loss of pay, and five-year imprisonment.
A member may be considered AWOL if they’ve failed to go to an appointed place, left an appointed place, or otherwise abandoned their post. Similar to desertion, it could lead to your dishonorable discharge and one-year confinement.
More often than not, the result of desertion or AWOL is an administrative discharge, otherwise known as administrative separation.

Administrative Separations

The military judge or panel at a General court-martial can sentence the accused to bad conduct or dishonorable discharge. However, the command may also opt for administrative separations. A dishonorable discharge is a punitive discharge. It can only get handed down in a general court-martial in response to a serious offense.
However, an administrative separation is more akin to getting fired from your job in the Navy. While it’s less severe than a court-martial conviction and punitive discharge, it can still negatively affect your employment opportunities. If you hear you’re being considered for administrative separations, contact court-martial lawyers as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the accusations, you may be barred from reenlisting or receiving veterans’ benefits.

Finding Navy Criminal Defense Lawyers

Facing prosecution by a military court-martial is a stressful experience. A Navy court-martial can result in losing your career and possible jail time. When you’re a Navy sailor accused of a criminal offense violating the Uniformed Code of Military Justice, contact the best Navy criminal defense lawyers available. They can help prove your innocence and contest the charges.
The Navy court-martial lawyers at González & Waddington have years of experience defending cases in military courts worldwide. Contact one of our military defense attorneys today if you’re accused of a military sex crime or any other offense under the UCMJ.

Punishments if convicted in a military court-martial.

Summary court-martial maximum sentence:

One month confinement
Hard labor without confinement for 45 days,
Restriction for two months
Forfeiture of two-thirds of 1 month’s pay.
Enlisted members above E-4 may not be sentenced to confinement, hard labor without confinement, or reduced pay grade beyond one pay grade.

Special court-martial maximum sentence:

Bad Conduct Discharge (enlisted)
Forfeiture of two-thirds pay
Confinement for twelve months
Reduction to the grade of E-1
A fine
A reprimand
Hard about without confinement
Restriction
If convicted of certain sexual offenses, the service member has to register as a sex offender.

Our Navy court-martial defense attorneys defend Sailors at the following Navy bases worldwide:

California Navy Bases

Military Ocean Terminal Concord
NAWS China Lake
NB San Diego
NB Coronado
NB Point Loma
Naval Medical Center San Diego
NAF El Centro
NAS Lemoore
Naval Support Activity Monterey
NWS Seal Beach
NB Ventura County
NAS Point Mugu
NCBC Port Hueneme
NOLF San Nicolas Island
NSWC Corona

Connecticut Navy Bases

NSB New London

Washington, D.C. Navy Bases

United States Naval Observatory
Naval Support Facility Anacosta
Washington Navy Yard

Florida Navy Bases

Corry Station NTTC
NAS Jacksonville
NAS Key West
NS Mayport
NSA Orlando
NSA Panama City
NAS Pensacola
NAS Whiting Field

Georgia Navy Bases

NSB Kings Bay

Guam Navy Bases

NB Guam

Hawaii Navy Bases

Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Pacific
Pacific Missile Range Facility
NB Pearl Harbor
NSGA Kunia

Illinois Navy Bases

NS Great Lakes

Louisiana Navy Bases

NASJRB New Orleans
Naval Support Activity New Orleans

Maine Navy Bases

Portsmouth NSY

Maryland Navy Bases

Indian Head NSWC
National Naval Medical Center
Navy Information Operations Command Maryland
Naval Support Facility Thurmont
NSWC Carderock Division
NAS Patuxent River
United States Naval Academy, Annapolis

Mississippi Navy Bases

Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport
NAS Meridian

Nevada Navy Bases

NAS Fallon

New Jersey Navy Bases

NWS Earle
Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst (part of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB MDL))

Pennsylvania Navy Bases

Naval Support Activity Mechanicsburg
Naval Support Activity Philadelphia
Philadelphia Naval Shipyard

Rhode Island Navy Bases

NS Newport

South Carolina Navy Bases

Naval Support Activity Charleston
USNH Beaufort

Tennessee Navy Bases

NSA Mid-South

Texas Navy Bases

NAS Corpus Christi
NASJRB Fort Worth
NAS Kingsville
METC Fort Sam Houston, TX

Virginia Navy Bases

The Pentagon
Navy Annex Arlington, Virginia
NAS Oceana
Navy and Marine Corps Intelligence Training Center, Dam Neck, Virginia
NAB Little Creek
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Virginia (NMCP)
Norfolk Naval Shipyard
NSGA Chesapeake
NS Norfolk
NSWC Dahlgren Division
NWS Yorktown
Training Support Center Hampton Roads, formerly Fleet Combat Training Center Atlantic Dam Neck
Wallops Island ASCS

Washington Navy Bases

NS Everett
NB Kitsap
Bangor Annex
Bremerton Annex
Puget Sound NSY
NAS Whidbey Island

West Virginia Navy Bases

Navy Information Operations Command Sugar Grove

Overseas US Navy Installations:

Our military defense lawyers aggressively defend the following UCMJ sexual crimes:

Click for al list of UCMJ Sexual Related Offenses
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Our Military Defense Lawyers Defend UCMJ Cases at the Following Military Bases in the United States, Europe, & Asia

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