Military Defense Lawyers for USCG Sector Miami Florida Coast Guard Members
Elite Military Defense Attorneys for Coast Guard Personnel in Miami, Florida
USCG Sector Miami is the beating heart of America’s maritime security mission. Covering one of the busiest, most complex coastal regions in the United States, Coast Guard personnel at Sector Miami face enormous pressure, intense scrutiny, and demanding operational expectations. When an allegation arises—whether on duty or off—Sector Miami commands move fast. Investigations begin immediately. Rights are compromised. Careers are threatened.
At Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law, we defend Coast Guard members at every stage of the military justice system. Led by former JAG officer Michael Waddington and seasoned trial attorney Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington, our firm is known worldwide for winning complex UCMJ cases, dismantling weak investigations, and protecting the careers of service members targeted by command pressure, politics, or flawed accusations.
Why Coast Guard Service Members in Miami Need Immediate Legal Protection
The Coast Guard’s culture is small, tightly connected, and mission-critical. When accusations surface at Sector Miami, command often reacts quickly—sometimes before full facts are known. Once an allegation gains momentum, it can become nearly impossible to stop without an aggressive defense strategy.
- Investigations frequently begin before the accused is even notified
- CGIS operates like a federal law enforcement agency and plays hardball
- Accusations in Miami often involve alcohol, liberty incidents, domestic issues, or misunderstandings
- Administrative separation decisions are often made before the investigation is complete
- Commands prioritize mission readiness over fairness
- Your clearance, credentials, and future Coast Guard billet eligibility are on the line
Coast Guard Legal Actions We Defend at Sector Miami
Our military defense team represents Coast Guard personnel across all forums, including criminal trials, administrative actions, and command investigations.
- Courts-Martial: General, Special, and Summary Courts-Martial
- Article 32 Hearings: Crucial opportunity to challenge weak evidence early
- Administrative Separation Boards: Enlisted retention fights
- Boards of Inquiry (BOI): Officer elimination defense
- CGIS Investigations: Representation before or during interviews
- NJP / Captain’s Mast: Preparation, mitigation, & appeals
- Protective order violations / command orders
- Security clearance defense and appeals
Most Common UCMJ Charges in USCG Sector Miami
Miami’s high-tempo operational and nightlife environment often leads to allegations that may be exaggerated, false, or misunderstood. We aggressively defend service members accused of:
- Article 120 – Sexual assault, abusive sexual contact, non-consensual touching
- Article 128b – Domestic violence or disputes
- Article 92 – Failure to obey lawful order / dereliction of duty
- Article 112a – Drug use or possession (common in nightlife-heavy areas)
- Article 107 – False official statement
- Article 86 – AWOL / failure to report
- Article 121 – Larceny, property issues
- Article 134 – Fraternization, indecent conduct, disorderly behavior
Administrative Separations at Sector Miami — The Silent Career Killer
Many Coast Guard careers in Miami end not through court-martial, but through administrative separation. These boards use a **much lower burden of proof** and often rely on incomplete or biased investigations. With the right military lawyer, however, you can fight back—and win.
Potential Consequences of Administrative Separation
- General or OTH discharge characterization
- Loss of GI Bill, VA health care, and other veteran benefits
- Loss of security clearance or credentials
- Restricted access to federal employment and law enforcement careers
- Permanent damage to civilian background checks
Florida Military Bases We Serve
- Florida Military Defense Lawyers
- Eglin Air Force Base, Florida
- Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida
- MacDill Air Force Base, Florida
- Patrick Space Force Base, Florida
- Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida
- Naval Station Mayport, Florida
- Hurlburt Field, Florida
- NAS Whiting Field, Florida
- NAS Jacksonville, Florida
- NSA Panama City, Florida
- NAS Key West, Florida
- USCG Sector Miami, Florida
- USCG Air Station Clearwater, Florida
- USCG Sector Jacksonville, Florida
- USCG Sector Key West, Florida
How We Defend Florida Service Members
What We Do to Protect Your Coast Guard Career
We build powerful, detailed defense strategies tailored to the unique culture and chain of command at Sector Miami.
- Dissect the CGIS investigation and expose flaws or bias
- Gather emails, digital evidence, text messages, and witness statements
- Prepare compelling rebuttals for NJP, separations, and GOMOR equivalents
- Use expert witnesses (forensics, psychology, toxicology, digital analysis)
- Prepare you for testimony with full mock questioning
- Build retention and mitigation packages to reduce punishment
- Challenge unlawful command influence and procedural violations
Why Choose Gonzalez & Waddington for Your USCG Miami Case?
No military defense law firm in the country has our combination of trial skill, reputation, experience, and global reach.
- Former JAG Michael Waddington — one of America’s most respected UCMJ defense attorneys
- Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington — powerhouse strategist & courtroom litigator
- We have defended service members in more than a dozen countries
- We wrote the best-selling books on military cross-examination and trial warfare
- We only take a limited number of clients — to fight each case at full intensity
- Sought by SOF, aviation, maritime, intelligence, and high-clearance personnel
Pro Tips for Coast Guard Members at Sector Miami
- Never speak to CGIS without consulting a defense lawyer first.
- Do not discuss your case with coworkers or your chain of command.
- Save all texts, emails, social media messages, and digital evidence.
- Request counsel immediately if pressured for a statement.
- Track timelines and documents—commands often make procedural errors.
- Stay professional—retaliation claims or emotional reactions can hurt your case.
Your Freedom, Rank & Future Are at Risk — Act Now
If you are stationed at USCG Sector Miami and under investigation, facing administrative separation, or at risk of court-martial, you cannot wait. The Coast Guard is already preparing its case. You need a defense team with elite trial experience and a proven ability to dismantle weak accusations.
➤ Schedule Your Confidential Consultation with Gonzalez & Waddington
USCG Sector Miami Military Defense Lawyers – Frequently Asked Questions
Should I talk to CGIS if I’m innocent?
No. Innocent Coast Guard members get charged every year after trying to “clear things up.” CGIS agents are trained interrogators. Anything you say can be twisted and used against you. Contact a defense lawyer immediately before making any statement.
Can I refuse NJP / Captain’s Mast in the Coast Guard?
Depending on your duties and circumstances, you may be able to refuse NJP and demand a court-martial — which offers more rights and a higher burden of proof. However, refusing NJP can be risky without legal guidance. We help Coast Guard clients choose the best option for their future.
Do you defend administrative separations and BOIs for Coast Guard officers?
Yes. We defend enlisted and officers in separation boards, Boards of Inquiry, and elimination actions. Many Coast Guard careers end through administrative actions rather than criminal cases — these boards are serious and require expert representation.
What makes Gonzalez & Waddington different from other military lawyers?
We are trial-focused, highly selective, and internationally recognized for winning complex military cases. Michael and Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington are known for elite courtroom results, cross-examination mastery, and full-spectrum UCMJ defense. We are the firm commands hope you don’t hire.
How do I get started?
Visit ucmjdefense.com to request a confidential consultation. Our attorneys will review your case, outline your best options, and build a plan to protect your career, freedom, and future.
Related Posts
- Randolph AFB, Texas | Military Legal Guide
- Military Investigations: Your Guide to CID, NCIS, OSI, CGIS Investigations
- Best Sexual Harassment Defense Lawyers in Eglin Air Force Base, Florida
- Understanding Article 112a UCMJ: What You Need to Know About Wrongful Possession of Drugs
- Navy and Marine Corps Intel Training Center, Virginia | Military Legal Guide
- Video: United Arab Emirates Military Defense Lawyers – Court Martial Attorneys – Article 120 UCMJ
- Video: Pentagon Military Defense Lawyers – Arlington VA Court Martial Attorneys – Article 120 UCMJ
- Best Article 128b UCMJ Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers in Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany

