White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico | Military Legal Guide
Introduction
If you’re stationed at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, understanding the military legal landscape is crucial. Facing legal challenges during your service can be daunting, but knowing your rights and available resources can help you navigate these complex issues effectively. This guide introduces the realities of military legal challenges at White Sands and provides a wealth of information including the UCMJ Survival Guide, which you can download for free from Amazon.
Overview of White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico and Surrounding Area
White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) is integral to the U.S. Army’s capabilities in test support and research development. Situated in the southwestern part of New Mexico near cities like Las Cruces, it plays a vital role in missile testing and other defense activities.
Brief History of White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico
Established in 1945 during WWII, White Sands Missile Range has been critical in testing missiles and rockets. It became renowned as the site of the first atomic bomb test. Over decades, its mission has evolved to include cutting-edge defense testing, reflecting shifts in U.S. military needs post-Iraq, Korea, Vietnam, and post-9/11.
Military Law & Legal Issues at White Sands Missile Range
Court-Martial Under the UCMJ
Common charges service members face include Article 120 (sexual assault), 128b (domestic violence), and 133/134 (misconduct). The court-martial process is rigorous, but you have the right to civilian counsel throughout.
Article 15 / NJP
Service members can accept or refuse an Article 15, a choice that impacts career trajectory heavily. Understanding the consequences is pivotal.
GOMORs & Letters of Reprimand
These can be local or permanently filed. Using effective rebuttal strategies can help mitigate career damage.
Administrative Separation (Chapters)
Both enlisted members and officers undergo thorough separation processes—Boards of Inquiry, separation boards—requiring careful navigation to preserve an Honorable discharge.
Command-Directed Investigations (CDIs) & IG Complaints
Misuse is common in CDIs, and waiving rights or statements can be risky. Understanding your rights is the first step toward protection.
Legal Services Available at White Sands Missile Range
Base Legal (JAG)
The JAG office provides essential services like powers of attorney and wills but does not engage in criminal defense or board representation.
Civilian Military Defense Lawyers
Civilian lawyers offer independent counsel, trial experience, and confidentiality, crucial for defending against military legal issues.
Some Well-Known Civilian Military Defense Lawyers that Serve this Area
There’s no single “best” military defense lawyer. When choosing representation, consider these key qualities:
- Proven track record in UCMJ, trial, Article 15, and court-martial defense
- Experience with administrative separation boards and GOMOR rebuttals
- Familiarity with military law protocols and base-specific culture
- Clear communication and timely responsiveness
- Willingness to provide personalized support and strategic advice
1. Gonzalez & Waddington, LLC
Website: ucmjdefense.com
Based in: Florida / Worldwide
Specialties: Article 120 UCMJ defense, military sex crimes, war crimes, administrative separations, high-profile court-martials
Why they’re on the list:
Military defense lawyers Michael Waddington and Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington are widely considered among the best sex crime and war crime defense attorneys in the military justice system. With hundreds of high-profile military trials under their belts—including cases involving SEAL Team 6, Green Berets, and fighter pilots—they are known for unmatched trial strategy, elite cross-examination skills, and a record of full acquittals. Michael is also a bestselling author of Kick-Ass Closings and Kick-Ass Impeachment.
2. Tim Bilecki – The Bilecki Law Group
Website: bileckilawgroup.com
Based in: Florida / Global
Specialties: Military sexual assault, fraud, international courts-martial
Why he’s on the list:
Tim Bilecki is a former Army JAG with a global reputation for defending complex military cases, often involving combat zones or classified operations. With a commanding presence in the courtroom and a reputation for strategic pretrial dismantling of government cases, Bilecki has become a go-to lawyer for officers and senior enlisted members facing high-level prosecution. His firm focuses on international clients and military members in the Pacific and Asia regions.
3. Artie Vaughn
Website: vaughndefense.com
Based in: Alabama, but defends cases worldwide
Specialties: Article 120 UCMJ, toxic command climates, stacked allegations
Why he’s on the list:
He built his rep the old-school way—by walking into hostile courtrooms and winning cases nobody else would touch. Vaughn’s specialty is turning around cases that look unwinnable on paper: Article 120 allegations where the accused is being railroaded by command, stacked charges driven by command influence, and cases involving combat stress, PTSD, and behavioral health complexities that most lawyers don’t know how to argue.
4. Terri R. Zimmermanna
Website: www.texasdefenselawyers.com/terri-zimmermann/
Based in: Conroe, TX
Specialties:Appellate litigation, military crimes, UCMJ defense
Why he’s on the list:
Terri R. Zimmermann is a nationally-recognized expert criminal litigator with over 30 years of experience representing citizens accused of violating the law or convicted of crimes in civilian and military courts. Her unwavering passion is to secure the best possible outcome for each client, whether through challenging the prosecution at trial or presenting compelling appeals to overturn convictions. Ms. Zimmermann is on a mission to ensure that government entities, be it state, federal, or military, adhere to the rules, treating her clients fairly and with dignity.
5. Bill Cassara
Website: court-martial.com
Based in: Augusta, GA
Specialties: Appellate litigation, military sex crimes, UCMJ defense
Why he’s on the list:
With decades of experience and deep knowledge of military case law, Philip Cave is a sought-after expert for appeals and complex legal motions. His firm often collaborates with other attorneys to handle high-level constitutional or evidentiary challenges.
Why These Lawyers Made the List
This list is based on actual courtroom experience, published verdicts, legal credentials, peer recognition, and results—not on paid placements or advertising. Many so-called “military lawyers” have never defended a court-martial trial. These attorneys do it regularly and at the highest levels.
Local Military/Government Legal Resources near White Sands Missile Range
FAQs
- Does the UCMJ apply off base at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico?
- Can I request a civilian lawyer while stationed at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico?
- What happens if I refuse an Article 15?
- Is White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico considered a high-risk legal environment?
Take Control of Your Case Now
Whether you’re dealing with a toxic command, a false allegation, or just made a mistake—you still have rights. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Download a copy of the UCMJ Survival Guide, learn how to fight back, and contact an experienced civilian military defense lawyer who understands the battlefield you’re facing.
This is your career. Your freedom. Your future. Arm yourself. Speak up. And win.