Tampa Military Defense Lawyers – Court-Martial & Administrative Separation Attorneys

Elite Criminal Defense for Service Members in Tampa, Florida

Tampa is one of the most strategically important military regions in the United States, home to MacDill Air Force Base, headquarters of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM). With thousands of Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Guardians, Coast Guard members, and federal civilian personnel stationed throughout Tampa, the city is a major hub of national security, intelligence, and joint military operations.

This environment means service members in Tampa face an extremely strict command climate. When accusations arise—whether criminal, administrative, or off-duty conduct—commands react quickly and aggressively. Investigations often begin before the accused is even aware a case exists. And because Tampa’s military units support global operations, even minor allegations can snowball into serious criminal charges or administrative actions.

Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law is the premier civilian military defense firm representing Tampa-area service members from MacDill AFB, Coast Guard units, Reserve components, and joint command personnel. Led by former JAG officer Michael Waddington and elite trial strategist Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington, our firm defends military clients facing UCMJ charges, NJP, administrative separations, BOIs, and criminal investigations across Tampa Bay.

Why Tampa Service Members Face Elevated Legal Risk

Tampa is a dynamic, high-visibility city, and its military commands operate under constant national scrutiny. As a result, service members here often face harsher disciplinary actions and more aggressive investigations.

OSI, CID, NCIS, CGIS, and FBI agents collaborate closely in Tampa
Alcohol-related incidents in Ybor City, Hyde Park, and downtown escalate quickly
Domestic disputes involving Tampa PD trigger immediate military consequences
Sexual assault allegations are aggressively investigated regardless of corroboration
Administrative separations are used to quickly remove “risk personnel”
Security clearances are suspended early due to CENTCOM/SOCOM operational sensitivity

Military Presence in Tampa

Tampa and the surrounding region host a massive military population, including:

MacDill Air Force Base – CENTCOM, SOCOM, 6th Air Refueling Wing
Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater – aviation law enforcement
USCG Sector St. Petersburg units operating across Tampa Bay
Reserve, National Guard, and joint intelligence units across Hillsborough County

Because these commands handle classified information and major operational missions, service members are held to strict standards that often result in rapid disciplinary action.

Common UCMJ Allegations in Tampa

We defend service members across Tampa facing all UCMJ charges, including the most serious offenses:

Article 120 – Sexual assault, abusive sexual contact, indecent conduct
Article 128b – Domestic violence
Article 112a – Drug use or possession
Article 92 – Failure to obey lawful orders
Article 107 – False official statements
Article 86 – AWOL or failure to report
Article 134 – Adultery, fraternization, indecent behavior
Security violations – mishandling classified material

Administrative Separations & BOIs in Tampa

MacDill AFB and Coast Guard commands aggressively pursue administrative separations due to the sensitive nature of Tampa’s military operations. Even allegations lacking evidence can trigger separation actions.

Enlisted Administrative Separation Boards
Officer Boards of Inquiry (BOI)
Show Cause Boards
Security clearance defense (CAF adjudications)
NJP / Article 15 appeals
LOA / LOC / LOR rebuttals

Visit the official DoD site for MacDill AFB at:
https://www.macdill.af.mil

How Gonzalez & Waddington Builds Your Defense

We use an aggressive, evidence-based defense strategy tailored to the Tampa military environment:

Deep review of OSI/CID/NCIS/CGIS investigations
Expose flaws, bias, and inconsistencies in witness statements
Analyze digital evidence – messages, GPS, phone logs, social media
Interview overlooked witnesses & gather exculpatory evidence
Use expert witnesses when needed (forensics, psychology, toxicology)
Prepare clients for testimony, interrogation, and cross-examination
Create high-impact mitigation and retention packets

Why Tampa Service Members Choose Gonzalez & Waddington

Former JAG Michael Waddington – one of America’s leading military trial lawyers
Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington – elite courtroom strategist & cross-examiner
National reputation for defeating weak investigations and exposing command bias
Extensive experience defending CENTCOM, SOCOM, & high-clearance personnel
Authors of best-selling books on military trial strategy
We take fewer clients to deliver maximum courtroom firepower

Pro Tips for Tampa Service Members Under Investigation

Never speak to OSI, CID, NCIS, or CGIS without a lawyer.
Preserve all evidence—screenshots, texts, emails, GPS logs.
Avoid discussing the case with coworkers or leadership.
Do NOT confront your accuser. It always backfires.
Write down a detailed timeline immediately.
Hire a civilian defense lawyer early. Timing changes everything.

Cities in Florida Our Military Defense Lawyers Serve

Official Tampa Links

Your Career, Clearance & Freedom Are at Risk — Act Now

If you are stationed in Tampa and facing a military investigation, NJP, administrative separation, BOI, or court-martial, do not wait. The government is already building its case. You need elite civilian representation immediately.

Florida Military Bases We Serve

How We Defend Florida Service Members