Stavanger Air Station, Norway | Military Legal Guide
Introduction
If you’re stationed at Stavanger Air Station, Norway, understanding the legal landscape is crucial for service members and their families. The challenges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), the procedures for court-martial, and the risks of administrative actions can seem overwhelming. That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to help you navigate these challenges effectively.
Explore the UCMJ Survival Guide, available for a free download, and empower yourself with knowledge.
Overview of Stavanger Air Station, Norway and Surrounding Area
Stavanger Air Station supports NATO operations and fosters international collaboration. Key units based here include… As a strategic location, Stavanger serves multiple missions.
The surrounding city of Stavanger is vibrant with a rich legal culture influenced by Norwegian law. Navigating legal issues here requires understanding both US military and local Norwegian regulations.
Brief History of Stavanger Air Station, Norway
Established during WWII, Stavanger Air Station played a significant role in strategic defense. Over the decades, it has evolved to support modern military operations and currently is crucial for transatlantic defense strategies and NATO collaboration.
Military Law & Legal Issues at Stavanger Air Station, Norway
Court-Martial Under the UCMJ
Common charges include Article 120 (sexual assault), Article 128b (domestic violence), and Articles 133/134 (misconduct). The court-martial process can be daunting, and relying on civilian counsel with military expertise is a right that should be embraced.
Article 15 / NJP
Choosing to accept or refuse an Article 15 is pivotal as it can severely impact your military career. Understanding long-term implications and knowing your options is critical.
GOMORs & Letters of Reprimand
A General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand can be locally filed or placed in your permanent file. We lay out robust rebuttal strategies to help mitigate long-term consequences.
Administrative Separation (Chapters)
Both enlisted personnel and officers may face administrative separation. The process, through Boards of Inquiry or separation boards, requires careful navigation to preserve an Honorable discharge.
Command-Directed Investigations (CDIs) & IG Complaints
CDIs are often misused, and waiver of rights can be risky. Always be cautious about making statements without counsel.
Legal Services Available at Stavanger Air Station, Norway
Base Legal (JAG)
The base JAG office provides assistance with wills and powers of attorney but lacks authority in criminal defense matters. Understanding these limitations can guide you to seek the right counsel.
Civilian Military Defense Lawyers
Independent civilian lawyers offer a depth of trial experience, ensuring confidentiality and the best defense strategies possible when facing military legal challenges.
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 Stavanger Air Station, Norway
FAQ Section
- Does the UCMJ apply off base at Stavanger Air Station, Norway?
- Can I request a civilian lawyer while stationed at Stavanger Air Station, Norway?
- What happens if I refuse an Article 15?
- Is Stavanger Air Station, Norway considered a high-risk legal environment?