Military Law Survival Guide – Your Global Field Manual for UCMJ Defense
Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law are internationally recognized military defense lawyers and UCMJ law experts. We defend service members in every branch—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force, and Coast Guard—anywhere in the world. Whether you’re under investigation, facing court-martial, or targeted for administrative separation, our firm has the firepower to protect your career, rank, retirement, and future.
This Military Law Survival Guide gives you the tools, knowledge, and strategy to defend yourself during the most critical moments of your military career.
- Understand how UCMJ charges work and what Articles apply to your situation (Articles 15, 31b, 86, 92, 107, 120, 133, 134, etc.).
- Learn your rights during command investigations (CID, OSI, NCIS, IG, AR 15-6) and how to avoid common mistakes.
- Master court-martial strategy from pre-trial to sentencing and appeals—including how to prepare for Article 32 hearings and avoid career-ending plea deals.
- Fight back against Article 15s/NJP and protect your record with rebuttals, appeals, and smart legal choices.
- Win at separation boards—retain your retirement, benefits, and avoid a General or OTH discharge.
- Defend yourself proactively: preserve documents, plan early, invoke your rights, control your narrative, and avoid command traps.
Why Service Members Choose Gonzalez & Waddington
- ✅ Trusted by thousands of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and officers to defend against the toughest charges.
- ✅ Successfully represented military clients in over 30 countries and across every U.S. military branch.
- ✅ Authors of legal strategy books used by JAGs and civilian attorneys worldwide.
- ✅ Experts at dismantling flawed investigations and exposing weak government cases at trial and boards.
- ✅ Fierce, independent legal counsel who work for you—not the command.
Don’t wait for charges to be filed or paperwork to be signed. Contact us immediately to start protecting your career, your retirement, and your future. Schedule a confidential consultation now.
Frequently Asked Questions – Military Law & UCMJ Defense
What is the UCMJ and who does it apply to?
The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) is the legal framework that governs all branches of the U.S. military. It applies to active duty, reservists, and in many cases, retirees. Violating the UCMJ can lead to administrative action, court-martial, and loss of military privileges.
How do I protect myself during a command investigation?
Do not speak to investigators or your command without legal advice. Invoke your Article 31(b) rights and contact a defense attorney immediately. Anything you say can and will be used against you—even if you believe you’re not the target of the investigation.
What is the difference between NJP and court-martial?
NJP (Non-Judicial Punishment) is a disciplinary tool used by commanders for minor misconduct. It can result in rank reduction, pay forfeiture, and reprimands—but does not create a criminal conviction. A court-martial is a criminal trial and can result in confinement, punitive discharge, and a federal conviction.
What can I do if I’m notified of a separation board?
You have the right to a hearing, legal representation, and to present evidence in your defense. An administrative separation can result in a General or OTH discharge, which affects your VA benefits and future career. Hire legal counsel immediately to build your case and fight for retention or an honorable discharge.
Why should I hire a civilian military defense lawyer?
Civilian military defense lawyers like Gonzalez & Waddington work independently of the chain of command. We answer only to you, and our loyalty is to your defense—not the military system. We bring decades of experience and global trial results in high-stakes cases.
Military Law Survival Guide
Veteran-Run. Battle-Tested. No B.S.
Are You Under Military Investigation or Facing Discharge?
This site is your field manual for surviving the military justice system. Written by veterans and legal experts, we break down the UCMJ, boards, and investigative process step by step.
When facing accusations, a disciplinary action, or an investigation in the military, confusion and fear are common. The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) is complex, and understanding your rights and the procedures is critical to protecting your career, benefits, and future. This guide provides clear, actionable information for servicemembers and their families to navigate these challenging situations.
Your Essential Guide to Military Law & Justice
The military justice system encompasses a wide range of legal actions, from minor disciplinary measures to severe criminal trials. This guide covers all the critical areas you need to understand:
UCMJ Explained: Your Rights & Responsibilities
Demystify the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Learn about its structure, common articles (like Article 31b, Article 86, Article 92, Article 112a, Article 120, Article 134), and how military law applies to you. Understand the foundational principles of military justice and your inherent rights as a servicemember.
Military Criminal Investigations: What to Expect
Facing CID, NCIS, OSI, or CGIS? Discover the different types of military investigations, your crucial rights during questioning, and the importance of invoking your right to remain silent and seek legal counsel immediately. Learn how to protect yourself from unintended self-incrimination.
Court-Martial Defense: Navigating Military Criminal Trials
If you’re facing a court-martial, this guide provides a step-by-step breakdown of the process: from charges and pre-trial procedures (like Article 32 hearings) to the trial itself (Special and General Courts-Martial) and the sentencing phase. Understand the difference in burdens of proof and the severe consequences of a military criminal conviction.
Administrative Separations & Boards: Protecting Your Discharge
Learn about involuntary administrative separations and the boards designed to determine your discharge characterization (Honorable, General, OTH). Understand the reasons for separation, the administrative process, and how to defend your service record to protect your veteran benefits and civilian employment.
Article 15 / NJP: Weighing Your Options
Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP), also known as Article 15, Captain’s Mast, or Office Hours, can seem like a quick fix but carries hidden dangers. Explore your right to refuse NJP, the potential collateral consequences on your career and benefits, and how to make the critical decision to accept or demand a court-martial.
Military Lawyers & Legal Counsel: Your Advocates
Understand the role of military defense lawyers, what services they provide, and why seeking knowledgeable legal counsel is vital at every stage of the military justice process. Learn about the importance of experienced legal representation in safeguarding your rights and achieving the best possible outcome.
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Why We Built This Guide
Too many service members and their families get blindsided by a military justice system they don’t understand. We created this comprehensive guide to give you straight answers, backed by real-world experience and deep legal knowledge. We believe that informed servicemembers are empowered servicemembers.
Our goal is to break down complex military law topics into clear, actionable insights. No fluff. No false hope. Just the facts, your rights, and tactical guidance that works, written by veterans and legal experts who have navigated these very waters. This is your essential resource for understanding all things UCMJ and military law, both criminal and administrative.
Frequently Asked Questions About Military Justice
What is the UCMJ and who does it apply to?
The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) is the federal law governing the conduct of all U.S. military personnel. It applies to active duty servicemembers, National Guard and Reserve members on active duty, cadets, midshipmen, and certain retired servicemembers.
What is the difference between an Article 15 and a court-martial?
An Article 15 (Non-Judicial Punishment or NJP) is a commander’s disciplinary action for minor offenses, which does not result in a federal criminal conviction. A court-martial is a formal military criminal trial, which does result in a federal criminal conviction if found guilty, and carries much more severe punishments like punitive discharges or confinement.
Do I have a right to a lawyer if I’m under military investigation?
Yes, under Article 31b of the UCMJ, you have the right to remain silent and the right to consult with a lawyer (military or civilian) before and during any questioning if you are suspected of an offense. It is crucial to invoke these rights immediately.
How does a military discharge affect my VA benefits?
Your discharge characterization (Honorable, General, Other Than Honorable, Bad-Conduct, Dishonorable) directly impacts your eligibility for VA benefits like the GI Bill, healthcare, disability compensation, and home loans. Honorable discharges typically grant full access, while punitive or less-than-honorable administrative discharges can severely limit or eliminate eligibility.
