Gonzalez & Waddington – Elite Court-Martial & Military Defense Attorneys

CALL NOW 1-800-921-8607

GW Logo
Menu

CALL NOW 1-800-921-8607

GW Logo
Menu

USCG Sector Key West Military Defense Lawyers – Florida UCMJ Attorneys

USCG Sector Key West Military Defense Lawyers – Florida UCMJ Attorneys

USCG Sector Key West Military Defense Lawyers – Florida UCMJ Attorneys

Elite Court-Martial & Administrative Separation Defense for Coast Guard Personnel at Sector Key West

U.S. Coast Guard Sector Key West is one of the most active Coast Guard operational hubs in the Western Hemisphere. Covering the Florida Keys, Caribbean approaches, Gulf waters, and the Straits of Florida — all of which are high-traffic narcotics, migrant, and SAR zones — Sector Key West is constantly engaged in complex law enforcement, interdiction, and rescue operations. With this intense operational pressure, Sector Key West maintains an extremely strict command environment. When allegations arise, leadership reacts quickly and decisively.

Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law defends Coast Guard personnel throughout the Florida Keys, including USCG Sector Key West, Station Islamorada, Station Marathon, Station Key West, and USCG cutters operating offshore. Led by former JAG attorney Michael Waddington and courtroom strategist Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington, our firm provides world-class UCMJ and administrative defense for service members whose careers, freedom, and futures are at risk.

Why Sector Key West Service Members Need Immediate Legal Protection

Sector Key West is a unique environment — isolated, tightly knit, high-tempo, and under constant political and public scrutiny due to migrant operations, interdictions, and joint agency coordination. Allegations can escalate extremely fast, often within hours.

  • CGIS launches investigations immediately, often interviewing witnesses before you know there’s a case
  • Alcohol incidents in Key West nightlife areas (Duval Street, Mallory Square, the waterfront) lead to fast disciplinary actions
  • Domestic disputes escalate because local police notify command instantly
  • Sexual assault allegations are aggressively pursued with little tolerance for ambiguity
  • Administrative separations are used frequently to eliminate “risk personnel”
  • Operational incidents (boat mishaps, boarding errors, interdiction issues) can quickly become legal cases

UCMJ Violations We Defend at USCG Sector Key West

We defend every major UCMJ charge affecting Coast Guard operations, including:

  • Article 120 – Sexual assault, rape, abusive sexual contact
  • Article 128b – Domestic violence
  • Article 92 – Failure to obey orders, operational violations
  • Article 112a – Drug use or possession (common in nightlife-heavy locations)
  • Article 107 – False official statements
  • Article 86 – Absence from duty
  • Article 134 – Fraternization, adultery, disorderly conduct
  • Maritime/operational misconduct allegations — boarding errors, improper use of force, navigation mistakes

Administrative Separations & BOIs at USCG Sector Key West

Administrative separations are extremely common in Key West due to high operational risk and constant public agency interaction. These boards are often more dangerous than courts-martial because the burden of proof is lower — but the consequences are just as severe.

  • Enlisted Separation Boards
  • Officer Boards of Inquiry (BOI)
  • Show Cause Boards
  • Page 7 rebuttals
  • NJP / Captain’s Mast appeals
  • Security Clearance Suspension / Revocation Defense

Why Disciplinary Actions Are Harsh at Sector Key West

Sector Key West’s unique environment leads to more rapid and aggressive legal actions than almost any other Coast Guard unit.

  • High visibility surrounding migrant operations increases scrutiny
  • Joint operations with Navy, CBP, ICE, DEA, and Florida agencies intensify pressure
  • Leadership uses rapid separations to maintain operational discipline
  • Close-knit communities amplify rumors, bias, and false assumptions
  • Alcohol- and liberty-related issues are common due to the tourism environment

How Gonzalez & Waddington Defends Sector Key West Personnel

We build a relentless, evidence-driven, strategic defense to protect your career, rank, and freedom.

  • Deep review of CGIS reports and interview transcripts
  • Expose investigative failures or witness inconsistencies
  • Analyze digital evidence: texts, GPS data, call logs, social media
  • Gather witness statements from shipmates, supervisors, and support personnel
  • Develop powerful mitigation packages highlighting performance and operational value
  • Use expert witnesses when necessary (forensics, psychology, toxicology)
  • Prepare you for testimony and cross-examination with trial-level training
  • Challenge command bias and unlawful command influence

Why Coast Guard Members Choose Gonzalez & Waddington

  • Michael Waddington — former JAG & world-renowned court-martial lawyer
  • Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington — elite courtroom strategist
  • Decades of experience defending Coast Guard members worldwide
  • Known for dismantling weak cases and exposing flawed investigations
  • We take a limited number of clients — ensuring high-intensity representation
  • Authors of best-selling books on UCMJ trial strategy and cross-examination

Pro Tips for Coast Guard Members Under Investigation in Key West

  • Never speak to CGIS without a lawyer. Even “helpful statements” are twisted.
  • Preserve all evidence: screenshots, texts, photos, videos.
  • Do not discuss your case with coworkers — they can be compelled to testify.
  • Avoid confrontations with accusers or witnesses.
  • Document your recollection of events immediately.
  • Hire civilian counsel early — timing is critical.

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

If you’re stationed at USCG Sector Key West and facing UCMJ charges, NJP, administrative separation, or CGIS investigation, do not wait. The Coast Guard is already working to build a case. You need an elite, aggressive military defense team fighting for you from the start.

➤ Request a Confidential Consultation with Our USCG Sector Key West Defense Team

Florida Military Bases We Serve

How We Defend Florida Service Members

USCG Sector Key West Military Defense Lawyer – Frequently Asked Questions

Is Key West one of the strictest Coast Guard duty stations?

Yes. Due to heavy public visibility, operations with migrants, and joint law enforcement missions, Sector Key West enforces discipline aggressively and often moves to punish or separate members quickly.

Should I talk to CGIS if I’ve done nothing wrong?

No. Innocent members are charged every year because they talk to CGIS without counsel. Their job is to gather evidence, not to help you. Always consult a defense lawyer before answering questions.

Can you defend boarding team members and boat crews?

Absolutely. We represent boarding officers, BM rates, ME personnel, small boat crews, watchstanders, and all operational staff facing UCMJ or administrative action.

Can you stop an administrative separation or BOI?

Yes. With early intervention, strategic evidence gathering, and aggressive boardroom advocacy, we often prevent separation or secure an Honorable discharge even when commands recommend elimination.

How do I hire Gonzalez & Waddington for my case?

Visit ucmjdefense.com and submit a confidential request. Our military defense team responds quickly and begins building your case immediately.