How Fast Should I Hire a Military Defense Lawyer After Charges?

When charges are preferred or you learn that you’re under investigation, time becomes your most valuable resource. Hiring a military defense lawyer as quickly as possible enables you to protect your rights and build a robust defense from the outset. Delaying legal representation can result in lost evidence, fading memories and missed opportunities to challenge the prosecution’s case.

Early counsel helps you navigate critical decisions, such as whether to participate in command interviews, how to respond to investigators and whether to waive an Article 32 hearing. An attorney will advise you on invoking your Article 31 rights and preventing self‑incriminating statements. They can also begin their own investigation, locating witnesses and preserving exculpatory evidence before it disappears.

Even if formal charges have not yet been filed, engaging an experienced attorney can influence the outcome by addressing issues proactively and potentially preventing charges altogether. In short, do not wait; retain a qualified military defense lawyer immediately after learning you are a suspect or facing charges.

Why Choose Michael Waddington & Alexandra Gonzalez‑Waddington

• Authored authoritative books on the Uniform Code of Military Justice and trial strategy, used to train lawyers around the world.
• Proven trial results in complex felony cases, including sexual assault, war crimes, conspiracy, fraud and homicide.
• Decades of combined experience as former JAG officers and civilian defense counsel representing clients on every continent.
• Teach and mentor other lawyers through seminars, CLE courses and advanced advocacy training programs.
• Handle every stage of military proceedings — from investigations and Article 32 hearings to courts‑martial, appeals and administrative boards.
• Trusted by officers and enlisted personnel across all branches, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Space Force.

Common Issues / Case Types We Handle

• Sexual assault allegations under Article 120 and related offenses.
• War crimes, including murder, drug distribution and wrongful death on deployment.
• Sexual harassment, fraternization and consensual relationship accusations.
• Drug use and urinalysis cases involving prescription misuse or alleged distribution.
• Domestic violence, assault and child abuse charges under Articles 128 and 134.
• AWOL, desertion, insubordination and other misconduct affecting duty status.
• Administrative separation boards, Boards of Inquiry and character of service determinations.
• Non‑Judicial Punishment (Article 15) proceedings and appeals.
• Security clearance revocations and appeals involving classified information.

Pro Tips & Mistakes

• Do consult a qualified military defense attorney as soon as you learn of an investigation; early intervention preserves evidence and shapes the narrative.
• Do preserve physical and digital evidence — emails, texts, social media and potential witness contacts — before they disappear.
• Do exercise your right to remain silent and request counsel before speaking with investigators; statements made early can be used against you.
• Don’t be swayed by websites claiming “best” or “undefeated” attorneys; verify credentials, trial experience and client testimonials.
• Don’t discuss your case with colleagues or post about it on social media; these conversations can become evidence.
• Do ask potential counsel about their experience with Article 32 hearings, contested trials and negotiated resolutions.
• Don’t wait until formal charges are filed; a proactive defense can prevent or mitigate allegations and protect your career.

FAQs

Why hire a lawyer immediately?
Early representation preserves evidence, guides you through investigations and helps avoid missteps that harm your case.

Can waiting affect my defense?
Yes. Delays can lead to lost witnesses, fading memories and missed opportunities to challenge the prosecution.

What if charges haven’t been filed?
Hiring a lawyer during the investigation stage can prevent or mitigate charges through proactive engagement with investigators.

Should I talk to investigators before hiring counsel?
No. Always consult an attorney before giving statements to ensure your rights are protected.

Why choose Gonzalez & Waddington?
We respond quickly, preserving evidence and developing strategies immediately to protect your rights and career.

Contact Gonzalez & Waddington

If you or a loved one faces a military investigation, court‑martial or administrative board, contact Gonzalez & Waddington today for a confidential consultation. Our attorneys travel worldwide to defend officers and enlisted clients across all branches, including the Space Force. Call 1‑800‑921‑8607 or visit https://ucmjdefense.com to protect your future.