Military Defense Lawyers | Civilian UCMJ Court-Martial Attorneys (2026)
Gonzalez & Waddington is a civilian military defense law firm representing United States service members worldwide in court-martial trials, Article 120 sexual assault cases, CID and NCIS investigations, Boards of Inquiry, and administrative separation proceedings.
Founded by Michael Waddington, a former U.S. Army JAG officer and author of nine books on criminal defense and military justice, and Alexandra González-Waddington, the firm has 47 combined years of trial experience and has been featured by CNN, 60 Minutes, Fox News, and ABC News.
The firm defends active duty, Reserve, and National Guard members across every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces — Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force — in cases involving sexual assault under Articles 120, 120b, and 120c, domestic violence under Article 128b, CSAM and online sting operations, homicide, and other serious felony-level offenses.
To speak directly with a military defense lawyer. Call 1-800-921-8607 or text 954-799-4019.
What Gonzalez & Waddington Defends
Gonzalez & Waddington provides defense representation in eight core categories of military legal exposure. Each category carries career-ending or freedom-ending consequences, and each requires specific trial experience to defend properly.
- Court-Martial Defense in General, Special, and Summary courts-martial across all branches.
- Article 120, 120b, and 120c defense, including military sexual assault, child-related allegations, and indecent conduct or exposure cases.
- Article 128b domestic violence and Article 128 assault prosecutions.
- CID, NCIS, OSI, and CGIS military investigation defense, including digital device seizures and interrogation representation.
- Article 15 / Non-Judicial Punishment strategy, including whether to accept NJP or demand trial by court-martial.
- CSAM and online sting operation defense involving computer forensics, cell phone data, and expert cross-examination.
- Boards of Inquiry & Administrative Separation defense for officer elimination and enlisted separation proceedings.
- Letters of Reprimand, GOMOR rebuttals, adverse evaluations, and other career-impact mitigation.
The firm has handled cases in Germany, Poland, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Guam, and deployed locations in the Middle East.
Client Reviews
Why Service Members Choose Gonzalez & Waddington
Worldwide Court-Martial Experience
Gonzalez & Waddington have defended service members in more than a dozen countries and on hundreds of U.S. military installations, including Germany, Poland, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Guam, and locations across the Middle East. Military justice extends far beyond any single base or jurisdiction, and the firm’s practice reflects that reality.
Proven Results in High-Stakes UCMJ Cases
The firm has obtained acquittals in contested court-martial trials, dismissal of felony-level UCMJ charges, and strategic wins in Article 120 sexual assault cases, multi-accuser investigations, and matters involving alleged war crimes. Recent case results from Fort Bragg, Fort Benning, Fort Hood, Eglin AFB, Kaiserslaughtern, Germany, Norfolk Naval Base, Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base, and Hurlburt Field, Florida, are documented below.
Recognized Authority in Military Law
Michael Waddington is the author of nine books on military criminal defense, cross-examination, trial strategy, and the UCMJ, and serves as an adjunct professor of law at Florida International University College of Law. Alexandra González-Waddington is the author of six books on trial advocacy, UCMJ law, sexual assault defense, digital forensics, and DNA cross-examination. Both attorneys cases have been featured by CNN, 60 Minutes, ABC News, Fox News, and Rolling Stone.
Exclusive Focus on Military Criminal Defense
Unlike general criminal defense firms, Gonzalez & Waddington concentrates exclusively on court-martial litigation and serious UCMJ matters. The firm intentionally limits its caseload so that senior trial attorneys remain directly involved in every case from investigation through trial.
Decades of Military Justice Experience
The firm is led by nationally recognized military defense lawyers Michael Waddington and Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington, who bring decades of combined experience in military law, including prior service as a U.S. Army JAG officer, prosecutor, and trial defense counsel. Their practice is built on extensive courtroom litigation, not administrative or advisory work.
- Michael Waddington has 25+ years of military defense experience
- Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington has 20+ years of court-martial defense experience
Contact Gonzalez & Waddington
Gonzalez & Waddington defends service members facing court-martial, UCMJ investigations, Article 120 sexual assault charges, CID and NCIS investigations, Boards of Inquiry, and administrative separation actions worldwide. The firm represents Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force members — active duty, Reserve, and National Guard — in cases that threaten freedom, retirement, rank, and reputation.
Every hour matters in a military investigation. The earlier a civilian defense lawyer is involved, the more options exist for shaping the outcome before charges are referred.
Call 1-800-921-8607 to speak directly with a military defense lawyer. Text 954-799-4019 to request a consultation. Confidential consultations available 24/7.
Michael Waddington – Military Defense Lawyer
Michael Waddington is a civilian military defense lawyer with more than 25 years of experience defending United States service members in court-martial and UCMJ cases worldwide. A former U.S. Army JAG officer, he has served as Army Trial Defense Counsel, Senior Defense Counsel, Army prosecutor, and Special Assistant United States Attorney.
Mr. Waddington is a lifetime member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, serves on its Military Law Committee, and has been selected as a Super Lawyers honoree, a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers organization, and a member of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers — an invitation-only organization limited to the top criminal defense attorneys in the United States.
He is the best-selling author of nine books on criminal defense, cross-examination, trial strategy, sexual assault defense, and the UCMJ. He serves as an adjunct professor of law at Florida International University College of Law and has been featured by CNN, 60 Minutes, and ABC News.
Alexandra González-Waddington – Military Defense Lawyer
Alexandra González-Waddington is a civilian military defense lawyer with 23 years of experience defending service members in high-stakes court-martial and UCMJ cases worldwide. As a founding partner of Gonzalez & Waddington, she has led major military sexual assault and war-crimes defenses arising from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts and has represented hundreds of clients accused of violent crimes, sexual assault, and white-collar offenses in military and state courts.
Ms. González-Waddington began her career as a Public Defender in Georgia’s Augusta Judicial Circuit and holds a Juris Doctor from Temple University Beasley School of Law, where she completed the nationally ranked Integrated Trial Advocacy Program. She is bilingual in English and Spanish.
She is the author of six books on trial advocacy, UCMJ law, sexual assault defense, digital forensics, and DNA cross-examination, and her work has been featured by Fox News, 60 Minutes, CNN, and Rolling Stone.
Defense Across the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, and Coast Guard
2026 Recent Court-Martial Case Results
Gonzalez & Waddington has obtained acquittals, charge dismissals, and favorable resolutions in court-martial cases at military installations including Fort Bragg, Fort Benning, Fort Hood, Eglin AFB, Kaiserslaughtern, Germany, Norfolk Naval Base, Camp Lejeune, and Hurlburt Field, Florida.
The cases summarized below involve Article 120 sexual assault, conspiracy, aggravated assault, multi-accuser allegations, and cases compromised by unlawful command influence. Each result reflects strategic motion practice, aggressive cross-examination, and early intervention during the investigation phase.
AIR FORCE COURT-MARTIAL ACQUITTAL | HURLBURT FIELD
An Airman was accused of rape, strangulation, domestic violence, and other serious offenses following a contentious breakup. Despite an extensive OSI investigation, Gonzalez & Waddington exposed credibility issues and weaknesses in the evidence. After a contested court-martial, the military jury returned Not Guilty findings on all charges and specifications.
ARMY SEXUAL ASSAULT COURT-MARTIAL | GERMANY
A retirement-eligible NCO was accused of sexual assault in a case involving forensic evidence, DNA, and expert testimony. Gonzalez & Waddington challenged the government's forensic evidence and witness testimony while presenting a comprehensive defense. The client was found Not Guilty of all charges and specifications and was able to retire with benefits.
NAVAL AVIATOR ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATION BOARD
A student naval aviator was accused of sexually assaulting multiple classmates. The government sought separation from military service. Gonzalez & Waddington presented an aggressive defense, cross-examined witnesses, and presented character evidence. The Board found the allegations unsubstantiated and retained the officer candidate.
ARMY RANGER OFFICER | GOMOR RESCINDED
An Army officer was accused of cheating during Ranger School and received a General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand (GOMOR). Gonzalez & Waddington conducted an independent investigation and submitted a detailed rebuttal challenging the allegations. The reprimand was rescinded, and the adverse action was withdrawn.
COAST GUARD ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATION BOARD | MOBILE
A Coast Guard E-5 was accused of sexual harassment and toxic leadership after disciplining a subordinate. Determined to clear his name, he extended his enlistment twice to fight the allegations. Gonzalez & Waddington defended him at a contested Administrative Separation Board. The Board found all misconduct unsubstantiated and retained him on active duty.
AIR FORCE ARTICLE 120 CASE | HURLBURT FIELD
A retirement-eligible E-7 was accused of sexual assault, stalking, and abuse following the end of a romantic relationship. During pretrial litigation, Gonzalez & Waddington uncovered significant credibility issues and evidence favorable to the defense. The government ultimately dismissed the charges, allowing the client to retire.
ARMY ARTICLE 15 VICTORY | POLAND
An NCO stationed in Poland faced allegations of sexual misconduct and was recommended for Article 15 punishment. Gonzalez & Waddington prepared a detailed response package highlighting weaknesses in the evidence and credibility concerns. After reviewing the case, the imposing commander dismissed the Article 15 action.
FORT GORDON CONTRACTOR DEFENSE CASE
A retired Army Colonel working as a Department of Defense contractor was accused of misconduct by a former romantic partner. The allegations resulted in a bar from post that threatened his employment and reputation. Gonzalez & Waddington investigated the allegations, challenged the findings, and secured reinstatement, allowing the client to continue working on the installation.
NAVY ARTICLE 120B CASE | NORFOLK, VIRGINIA
A Chief Petty Officer was accused of serious Article 120b offenses. After realizing he would vigorously fight a court-martial, the government pursued administrative separation instead. Gonzalez & Waddington defended him at a contested board, challenged the allegations, and exposed weaknesses in the government's case. The Board found no misconduct and retained the sailor on active duty.
AIR FORCE OFFICER DEFENSE | LUKE AIR FORCE BASE
An Air Force First Lieutenant became the target of serious Article 128b UCMJ allegations during a contentious divorce and child custody dispute. Despite aggressive prosecution efforts, Gonzalez & Waddington exposed weaknesses in the allegations and assisted throughout the litigation process. The court-martial was abandoned, the Article 15 was rejected, and the officer continued his military career.
ARMY ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATION BOARD | HOHENFELS, GERMANY
A Soldier stationed in Germany was accused of sexually assaulting the girlfriend of several military police personnel. He denied the allegations and refused to accept a negotiated resolution. Gonzalez & Waddington represented him before a contested separation board. The Board found all misconduct unsubstantiated and retained him on active duty.
ARMY ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATION BOARD | HOHENFELS, GERMANY
A Soldier stationed in Germany was accused of sexually assaulting the girlfriend of several military police personnel. He denied the allegations and refused to accept a negotiated resolution. Gonzalez & Waddington represented him before a contested separation board. The Board found all misconduct unsubstantiated and retained him on active duty.
NAVY CSAM CASE | NORFOLK
A Navy officer faced allegations involving the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The government sought years of confinement. Gonzalez & Waddington aggressively investigated the case, challenged the evidence, and negotiated extensively. The client received a substantially reduced sentence (6 months) compared to the punishment typically sought in similar military cases.
CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER 4 | RETIREMENT PRESERVED
A senior Army warrant officer became the subject of misconduct allegations arising from an internal workplace dispute. Gonzalez & Waddington challenged the allegations, engaged with command leadership, and fought the investigation. The matter was resolved without career-ending action, allowing the officer to retire with full benefits.
UCMJ Survival Guide: The Complete Military Justice Manual
Check Out Our Newest Book
UCMJ Survival Guide is a comprehensive military justice manual written by Michael Waddington and Alexandra González-Waddington for service members and their families facing investigations, courts-martial, Article 15 proceedings, or administrative separation. The book covers investigation rights, command-action defenses, Article 120 and 128b allegations, and strategies for protecting careers, retirement, and reputation under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
The authors have successfully defended service members in high-profile Article 120 UCMJ sexual assault cases, complex courts-martial, and administrative separation proceedings across all branches of the U.S. military. Available on Amazon.
How to Choose a Civilian Military Defense Lawyer: Eight Criteria That Matter Most
The Eight Criteria That Matter Most:
1. How many years has the lawyer focused on military law?
2. What is the lawyer’s reputation among other defense lawyers?
3. Has the lawyer tried serious felony-level cases to verdict?
4. Does the lawyer have published authority in the field?
5. Does the lawyer teach trial advocacy or military law?
6. Has the lawyer been recognized by national media?
7. Does the lawyer practice exclusively in military law?
8. Is the lawyer directly accessible, or does work get passed to associates?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a civilian military defense lawyer if I already have a military defense counsel?
Hiring an experienced civilian military defense lawyer in serious cases can bring additional experience and skill to your defense team. Military defense counsel are detailed to your case, and some carry heavy caseloads. In high-stakes cases involving Article 120, Article 120b, domestic violence, or complex digital evidence, many service members hire a civilian military defense lawyer for added trial experience, independent strategy, and aggressive motion practice.
Who is the best military defense lawyer?
There is no single “best” military defense lawyer for every case. The right lawyer depends on the type of charge, trial experience, familiarity with Article 120 and serious felony litigation, and the ability to aggressively challenge CID, NCIS, OSI, or CGIS investigations. Service members facing high-stakes court-martial cases often seek civilian military defense lawyers with extensive trial backgrounds and nationwide experience.
When should I hire a military defense lawyer during a CID, NCIS, OSI, or CGIS investigation?
Immediately. Before giving statements, consenting to searches, or turning over electronic devices. Early intervention by a civilian military defense lawyer can influence how evidence is collected, how interviews are conducted, and whether charges are ultimately preferred.
What should I do if CID or NCIS asks to search my phone or computer?
Do not consent without speaking to a lawyer. Digital evidence in Article 120, computer crime, or online sting cases is often misinterpreted. Once a device is seized and forensically imaged, the government controls the evidence timeline.
What is the difference between Article 120, Article 120b, and Article 120c under the UCMJ?
Article 120 generally covers adult sexual assault allegations.
Article 120b addresses alleged offenses involving a child.
Article 120c includes certain sexual misconduct offenses such as indecent recording or non-consensual image distribution.
Each carries different elements, defenses, and sentencing exposure.
If both parties were drinking, can the government still prove Article 120 sexual assault?
Yes, but intoxication does not automatically prove guilt. Alcohol often creates conflicting memory accounts, credibility disputes, and evidentiary gaps. The government must still prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt.
What is the difference between Article 15 (NJP) and a court-martial?
Article 15, also known as Non-Judicial Punishment, is a command-level disciplinary process. A court-martial is a criminal trial under the Uniform Code of Military Justice with formal rules of evidence and greater punishment exposure. The decision to accept NJP or demand trial requires careful legal analysis.
Can I be administratively separated without a court-martial conviction?
Yes. Administrative Separation Boards (ADSEP) and Boards of Inquiry (BOI) can end a military career even without a criminal conviction. These proceedings focus on retention standards, not criminal guilt.
Do you represent service members stationed overseas?
Yes. Gonzalez & Waddington regularly defend service members worldwide in UCMJ investigations, court-martial cases, and administrative separation boards.
The firm frequently handles military justice cases in Germany, Japan, South Korea, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom, along with other overseas duty stations.
If you are stationed abroad and facing UCMJ action, distance does not prevent you from hiring experienced civilian military defense counsel to protect your career and reputation.
How long does a military criminal investigation or court-martial take?
There is no fixed timeline. Some investigations resolve in weeks; others last months before charges are preferred. The defense strategy should assume delays and prioritize early evidence preservation and witness development.
Is a consultation with a military defense lawyer confidential?
Yes. Consultations are confidential. However, communications with friends, coworkers, or on social media are not protected and may later be used as evidence.