Florida Military Defense Lawyers | UCMJ Court-Martial Defense

Licensed in Florida Former Army JAG and Senior Defense Counsel 25+ years defending service members Courts-martial defense worldwide

Reviewed by Michael Waddington, Founding Partner Updated October 8, 2026

Florida Military Defense Lawyers | UCMJ & Court-Martial Defense

Gonzalez & Waddington defends service members stationed across Florida — at MacDill AFB, Eglin AFB, Patrick Space Force Base, NAS Jacksonville, NAS Key West, and every other installation in the state — when a UCMJ allegation threatens a career, a clearance, or freedom.

Attorneys Michael Waddington and Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington are trial lawyers who fight courts-martial and UCMJ actions for service members throughout Florida. They travel to any installation statewide. Depending on branch, cases are investigated by OSI (Air Force and Space Force), NCIS (Navy and Marines), CID (Army), or CGIS (Coast Guard).

Florida hosts approximately 18–24 major active installations spanning all service branches — from CENTCOM and SOCOM at MacDill to Space Launch Delta 45 at Patrick SFB and naval aviation training at NAS Pensacola. Off-base incidents in Tampa, Jacksonville, or Pensacola can simultaneously trigger Florida civilian charges and a separate military investigation under two distinct legal systems.

Contact Gonzalez & Waddington at 1-800-921-8607 for a free, confidential consultation.

Florida Military Defense Lawyers | UCMJ Court-Martial Defense

Florida UCMJ Defense • Court-Martial • Military Investigations • 2026 Guide

Florida is home to major Air Force, Navy, Space Force, Coast Guard, special operations, Reserve, National Guard and joint military commands. This guide explains how military justice works for service members stationed in Florida, where serious cases arise, how Florida civilian incidents turn into military cases, and what to look for in a civilian military defense lawyer.

Published by Gonzalez & Waddington, LLC, Florida-based civilian military defense lawyers. Written by Michael Waddington and Alexandra González-Waddington. Updated October 2026.

Quick Answer: Florida Military Defense Lawyers

Gonzalez & Waddington is a civilian military defense firm based in Weston, Florida. The firm defends service members stationed in Florida in courts-martial, OSI, NCIS, CID and CGIS investigations, Article 15/NJP, administrative separation boards, Boards of Inquiry, reprimands and security clearance matters. Courts-martial at Florida bases are governed by the federal Uniform Code of Military Justice, not Florida criminal law, and the firm represents clients at Eglin, Hurlburt Field, MacDill, NAS Pensacola, NAS Jacksonville, Mayport, Patrick and every other Florida installation.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida has no state version of the UCMJ. Military cases at Florida installations proceed under federal military law.
  • One off-base incident in Tampa, Jacksonville, Pensacola, Key West or Miami can create a Florida civilian case and a separate military case at the same time.
  • The investigating agency depends on your branch: OSI (Air Force and Space Force), NCIS (Navy and Marine Corps), CID (Army) or CGIS (Coast Guard).
  • Article 31 rights protect you at every Florida installation. Get individualized legal advice before giving a statement, consenting to a search or handing over a phone.
  • Under Article 38, you may retain civilian counsel at a general or special court-martial and keep your detailed military defense counsel.
  • Choose a lawyer based on relevant experience, availability and who will personally handle the case, not on office proximity to the gate.

Does Florida Have Its Own Version of the UCMJ?

No. A court-martial at Eglin Air Force Base, NAS Pensacola, MacDill Air Force Base, Naval Station Mayport or Patrick Space Force Base proceeds under the federal military justice system, not the Florida criminal code, even though the installation is located in Florida.

The Uniform Code of Military Justice, the Manual for Courts-Martial, applicable service regulations and binding military appellate law control military criminal proceedings.

Florida law still matters when the same event creates a separate civilian criminal, traffic, domestic violence or other state-law matter.

Example: An off-base incident in Tampa, Jacksonville, Pensacola or Miami might generate both a Florida civilian case and a military investigation. Those are separate legal problems. Counsel should identify who controls each proceeding and whether separate Florida criminal counsel is necessary.

Florida Military Bases, Commands and Regions

Florida’s military population is spread across several distinct regions, each with different missions, investigative agencies and civilian court systems.

  • Northwest Florida / Panhandle: Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field, Tyndall AFB, NAS Pensacola, NAS Whiting Field and NSA Panama City.
  • Tampa Bay: MacDill AFB, USCENTCOM, USSOCOM, Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, Air Station Clearwater and joint-service commands.
  • Jacksonville / Northeast Florida: NAS Jacksonville, Naval Station Mayport, Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville, Blount Island Command and Camp Blanding.
  • Space Coast: Patrick Space Force Base and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, home of Space Launch Delta 45.
  • Central Florida: NSA Orlando and Avon Park Air Force Range.
  • South Florida and the Keys: Homestead Air Reserve Base, Coast Guard Sector Miami, Air Station Miami, NAS Key West and Coast Guard Sector Key West.
Florida Installation / Command Service / Community Common Military Defense Context
Eglin Air Force Base Air Force / Joint Weapons test and evaluation (96th Test Wing), training, special operations and joint personnel. OSI investigations, courts-martial and adverse administrative actions.
Hurlburt Field Air Force Special Operations Command OSI investigations, courts-martial, clearance and career-sensitive matters involving special operations aircrew, operators and support personnel.
Tyndall Air Force Base Air Force Fighter training, Security Forces and flight-line matters, OSI investigations, courts-martial and administrative proceedings.
MacDill Air Force Base Air Force / USCENTCOM / USSOCOM 6th Air Refueling Wing plus a multi-service joint population. High-clearance personnel, classified duties and joint command scrutiny.
Patrick Space Force Base Space Force / Air Force Space Launch Delta 45, Department of the Air Force investigations, access and clearance issues, administrative matters and courts-martial.
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Space Force Launch and range operations, contractor environments, restricted-area access and security-related disciplinary actions.
NAS Pensacola Navy / Marine Corps aviation training NCIS investigations, student and instructor allegations, fraternization, alcohol and liberty incidents, Navy and Marine administrative actions.
NAS Whiting Field Navy / Marine primary flight training Student aviator discipline, training-pipeline administrative actions and NCIS investigations.
NSA Panama City Navy Diving, salvage, mine warfare and research missions. Navy investigations, command inquiries and personnel actions.
NAS Jacksonville Navy Largest installation in Navy Region Southeast. Patrol aviation and fleet support. Courts-martial, NCIS investigations, NJP and administrative boards.
Naval Station Mayport Navy surface fleet Shipboard issues, liberty incidents, NCIS investigations, Captain’s Mast and separation proceedings.
NSA Orlando Navy / Joint training and acquisition Navy and joint personnel facing investigations, command actions and administrative matters.
NAS Key West / Coast Guard Sector Key West Navy / Coast Guard Tactical aviation training, joint exercises and Coast Guard operations. Liberty and nightlife-related allegations, investigations and administrative proceedings.
Homestead Air Reserve Base Air Force Reserve Reserve-component UCMJ jurisdiction, adverse administrative actions and military-status issues.
Coast Guard Sector Miami / Air Station Miami Coast Guard Migrant interdiction, counter-drug and search-and-rescue missions. CGIS investigations, Captain’s Mast, courts-martial and separation.
Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville Coast Guard Port operations, coastal security and law enforcement missions. CGIS and command investigations, administrative actions.
Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg / Air Station Clearwater Coast Guard Air rescue and Gulf patrols. Disciplinary, administrative and criminal matters across the Tampa Bay region.
Camp Blanding Florida National Guard National Guard investigations, adverse administrative actions, state versus federal status questions and military discipline.

MacDill Is Not Just an Air Force Base

MacDill is an Air Mobility Command installation. The official 6th Air Refueling Wing fact sheet describes the wing’s air refueling and installation support mission, and the base also hosts U.S. Central Command, U.S. Special Operations Command and many mission partners. A service member stationed at MacDill may be an Airman, Soldier, Sailor, Marine, Coast Guard member or member of another joint organization. Counsel should identify the client’s actual service and command structure rather than assuming a “MacDill case” is an Air Force case.

Eglin and Hurlburt Field: Testing and Special Operations

The official 96th Test Wing fact sheet describes Eglin as the test and evaluation center for Air Force air-delivered weapons, navigation and guidance systems, command and control systems and Air Force Special Operations Command systems. Hurlburt Field is home to AFSOC. Cases at both installations often involve classified duties, TDY travel, operational records and clearance consequences on top of the underlying allegation.

Space Launch Delta 45 is headquartered at Patrick Space Force Base and supports launch operations at Cape Canaveral. Guardians and Airmen may encounter Department of the Air Force procedures, OSI investigations, command-directed investigations, security clearance concerns, administrative separation or court-martial. Space Force personnel do not operate under a separate criminal code. The UCMJ governs military criminal jurisdiction.

Florida Has an Unusually Large Navy Footprint

Navy Region Southeast identifies Florida installations including NAS Jacksonville, Naval Station Mayport, NAS Key West, NSA Panama City, NAS Pensacola, NAS Whiting Field and NSA Orlando. The official NAS Jacksonville page identifies it as the largest installation in the region, covering more than 3,800 acres along the St. Johns River. That footprint creates a broad Florida market for NCIS investigations, Captain’s Mast, courts-martial, administrative separation boards, officer show-cause matters and aviation-related adverse actions.

Florida Has One of the Nation’s Largest Coast Guard Communities

Coast Guard Southeast District operational commands in Florida include Sector Jacksonville, Sector Key West, Sector Miami, Sector St. Petersburg, Air Station Clearwater and Air Station Miami. Coast Guard military justice has its own institutional culture and administrative procedures even though Coast Guard members are subject to the UCMJ. A lawyer representing a Coast Guard member should understand Captain’s Mast, CGIS investigations, Coast Guard separation procedures and Coast Guard-specific personnel regulations.

Which Military Investigative Agency May Be Involved in Florida?

Branch / Community Investigative Organization Examples
Air Force / Space Force Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI) Serious criminal allegations, sexual assault, drugs, fraud, digital offenses and other qualifying investigations.
Navy / Marine Corps Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Serious criminal allegations involving Sailors and Marines.
Army Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) Army personnel assigned to, training in or visiting Florida who become subjects of qualifying criminal investigations.
Coast Guard Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) Serious Coast Guard criminal and integrity-related investigations.
Installation / Command Level Security Forces, command investigators, IG or other authorized investigators Matters that do not begin as major criminal investigations, including command-directed investigations.

Do not assume that “they only want my side of the story” means an interview is informal. If investigators or command personnel suspect you of misconduct, get individualized legal advice before deciding whether to make a statement, consent to a search or surrender access to a personal device.

Article 31 Rights Apply in Florida Just as They Do Everywhere

Article 31 of the UCMJ protects service members against compelled self-incrimination and imposes military-specific warning requirements in qualifying circumstances. Being questioned at a Florida installation does not reduce those protections. Understand the difference between:

  • being ordered to report somewhere;
  • being ordered to answer administrative questions;
  • being suspected of a criminal offense;
  • being asked to consent to a search;
  • being served with a search authorization; and
  • voluntarily making an incriminating statement.

Those distinctions can change the legal analysis. Read more about your rights during a military investigation.

How Florida Commands Start Investigations

Florida allegations usually begin with an off-base incident involving civilian police, a complaint from a coworker or trainee, a relationship that ends badly, a welfare check, an instructor or supervisor report, a SAPR report, a positive urinalysis or a civilian protective order. Once a report is made, the command may contact military law enforcement or open a command-directed investigation, and it often acts early: pulling credentials, restricting access, removing duties or changing your status before the facts are developed.

Under Military Investigation in Florida? Immediate Steps

  1. Identify your status. Determine whether you are a witness, subject or suspect.
  2. Get legal advice before any statement. Do this before speaking with OSI, NCIS, CID, CGIS, Security Forces or command investigators.
  3. Do not consent to searches without advice. This includes your phone, vehicle, room or accounts.
  4. Preserve digital evidence. Do not delete messages, photos, apps or social media. Screenshot and save texts, emails and posts that may help you.
  5. Do not contact the accuser. Do not demand an explanation or a recantation, and do not discuss the allegation with coworkers or friends.
  6. Write down a timeline for your attorney while your memory is fresh, and preserve contact information for important witnesses.
  7. Keep copies of military paperwork, including orders, counseling statements, no-contact orders and notices.
  8. Find out whether a Florida civilian case also exists, such as an arrest, citation, protective order or state attorney referral.
  9. Stay off social media about the situation and remain professional at work.
  10. Talk to a qualified military defense lawyer about your actual case before you make decisions you cannot undo.

How Florida Civilian Incidents Become Military Cases

Florida cases involve heavy civilian interaction. Many installations sit near beaches, tourist districts, airports, hotels, ports, college areas and entertainment corridors, and service members live, train and socialize in large civilian communities. Local allegations frequently arise from:

  • DUI stops in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Jacksonville, Orange Park, Pensacola, Milton, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Panama City, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne, Key West, Orlando, Miami and surrounding counties;
  • domestic calls in off-base housing, apartments, base housing or temporary lodging;
  • hotel, condo, short-term rental, barracks, shipboard, beach or dating-app allegations;
  • bar, nightclub, beach, marina, port or tourist-area incidents;
  • traffic accidents on I-95, I-75, I-4, I-10, U.S. 98, A1A and local commuter routes;
  • drug, prescription, urinalysis, vehicle-search or room-search issues; and
  • texts, social media, phone extractions, cloud data, location data and rideshare records.

The following examples are hypothetical. They are not claims about any actual case, command, unit or person.

  • Tampa DUI near MacDill: A service member is stopped by civilian police after leaving a bar, restaurant or unit event. The civilian case may trigger a letter of reprimand, Article 15, driving restrictions, UIF, clearance review or discharge processing.
  • Jacksonville hotel or dating-app allegation: An off-base encounter near NAS Jacksonville or Mayport leads to an Article 120 allegation built on texts, phone location data, hotel key-card logs, rideshare data, bar receipts and competing accounts.
  • Pensacola student or instructor issue: A training-command allegation involves alcohol, fraternization, improper messaging, instructor boundaries, training records and command pressure.
  • Eglin or Hurlburt special operations allegation: Allegations tied to classified duties, TDY travel, unit social events or cyber evidence raise clearance and deployability concerns alongside the UCMJ issue.
  • Patrick or Cape Canaveral access issue: A Guardian or Airman is accused of violating access rules, mishandling sensitive information or misusing a government system in a launch or range environment.
  • Key West liberty incident: An allegation follows a bar, beach, hotel or short-term rental incident involving alcohol, civilian witnesses, social media and an incomplete police report.
  • Domestic call in off-base housing: A family dispute leads to a 911 call, police report, protective order, no-contact order, Family Advocacy involvement and a possible Article 128b domestic violence case or administrative action.

Body-camera footage, 911 calls, dash-camera video, booking records, hotel and short-term rental records, key-card logs, receipts, port and airport records, phone location data, rideshare records, gate records and access logs may tell a different story from the first version given to the command. Early defense work can preserve that evidence before it disappears.

Florida Civilian Courts, Federal Courts and Military Consequences

A service member in Florida does not need to be convicted in civilian court before military consequences begin. A single civilian incident may trigger military law enforcement involvement, a command inquiry, a no-contact order, duty or access suspension, a letter of reprimand, NJP, an administrative separation board, a Board of Inquiry, a clearance review or court-martial referral.

Depending on location, civilian cases may move through Hillsborough, Pinellas, Duval, Clay, Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Bay, Brevard, Monroe, Miami-Dade or other Florida county and circuit courts. Cases involving federal property, ports, aviation, classified information, firearms, cyber evidence, child exploitation allegations, fraud or launch facilities may also involve the Middle District of Florida, the Northern District of Florida or the Southern District of Florida.

Civilian and military consequences are separate. A local dismissal does not automatically stop a letter of reprimand. A reduced civilian charge does not prevent an Article 15 or NJP. A protective order can still drive command decisions. Commands can pursue administrative separation or court-martial even when civilian charges are dropped, so the defense must address both the civilian record and the command process.

Video: How to Vet a Florida Military Defense Lawyer | UCMJ Art. 120 (3:27) — watch on YouTube

Military Cases We Defend in Florida

  • Article 120: Rape, sexual assault, abusive sexual contact and related allegations. Article 120 defense
  • Article 120b / 120c: Child sexual offenses and other prohibited sexual conduct.
  • Article 128 / 128b: Assault, aggravated assault and domestic violence. Article 128b defense
  • Article 112a: Drug use, possession, distribution and urinalysis cases. Article 112a defense
  • Article 107 / 121 / 131b: False official statements, larceny, fraud and obstruction allegations.
  • Article 92 / 134: Orders violations, fraternization, adultery and other General Article offenses.
  • Article 15 / NJP: Commander-imposed punishment, Captain’s Mast and appeals. NJP defense
  • Administrative separation: Enlisted separation boards and characterization of service. Board defense
  • Boards of Inquiry: Officer elimination, show-cause and retention proceedings.
  • Reprimands: GOMORs, LORs, UIF matters and written rebuttals. Reprimand rebuttals
  • Command investigations: AR 15-6, CDI and other administrative investigations.
  • Digital and computer cases: Phone extractions, CSAM allegations, online enticement stings and digital forensics. CSAM and sting defense

Article 120 Sexual Assault Cases in Florida

Florida Article 120 allegations frequently involve alcohol, hotels, beach rentals, parties, unit social events, dating apps, delayed reports and civilian witnesses. Many cases have little physical evidence and rely on statements that change over time. They often turn on consent, credibility, intoxication, timing, witness contamination, digital evidence and whether investigators tested the complainant’s account or accepted it at face value.

Domestic Violence and Assault (Article 128 / 128b)

These cases often involve parallel Florida police reports, 911 calls, body-camera footage, protective order filings, Family Advocacy records, no-contact orders and firearm restrictions. The military may proceed even when the state attorney declines charges.

Drug and Alcohol Cases (Article 112a)

A positive urinalysis, prescription issue, distribution allegation, DUI or alcohol-related incident may lead to investigation, adverse paperwork or separation. Some urinalysis cases rest entirely on laboratory results, so collection procedures, chain of custody and lab documentation deserve close review. For aviation, special operations, launch, intelligence and clearance-sensitive jobs, administrative consequences can move faster than the criminal process.

Fraud, Larceny, False Statements and Orders Violations

These allegations may involve travel cards, TDY claims, BAH questions, government computers, access logs or training rules. At flight training installations, a single alleged Article 92 violation can end a career without any criminal charge. The defense must test intent, the completeness of records and whether administrative mistakes are being framed as crimes.

Security Clearance, Classified Duties and Restricted Access

MacDill, Hurlburt, Eglin, Patrick, Cape Canaveral and several Navy commands support classified and high-trust missions. Allegations involving alcohol, drugs, dishonesty, domestic violence, financial problems, foreign contacts, online activity or misuse of government systems can trigger clearance suspension, removal from duty and eventual separation even when the criminal case is weak. Defense strategy should address both the UCMJ issue and the command’s trustworthiness concerns.

The Court-Martial Process in Florida

  1. Allegation. The command learns of a complaint or incident and may restrict liberty, reassign duties or separate you from your unit before any evidence is reviewed.
  2. Investigation. Military law enforcement or a command-directed investigation gathers statements, records and digital evidence. You may be invited to “tell your side.” Get advice first.
  3. Preferral of charges. Formal charges are drafted and served.
  4. Article 32 preliminary hearing. Required before a general court-martial unless waived. A preliminary hearing officer reviews whether probable cause exists, and the defense can expose weak evidence and investigative errors. How Article 32 hearings work.
  5. Referral. The convening authority decides whether to refer charges and to which level of court-martial.
  6. Trial preparation. Witness interviews, motions, forensic analysis, expert consultation and cross-examination planning.
  7. Trial. The accused may elect trial by members (a military panel) or by military judge alone in most cases. A conviction can bring confinement, a punitive discharge, loss of benefits and, for certain offenses, sex offender registration.
Forum What It Is Maximum Exposure
General Court-Martial Felony-level military trial; requires an Article 32 hearing unless waived Up to the maximum the offense allows, including lengthy confinement, dishonorable discharge or dismissal, and total forfeitures
Special Court-Martial Intermediate military trial Up to 12 months’ confinement, bad-conduct discharge and forfeitures
Summary Court-Martial Simplified proceeding for enlisted members; the accused may object Limited confinement and reduction; still creates a damaging record

Administrative Separation, Boards of Inquiry and Reprimands in Florida

Many Florida service members never reach a court-martial. Commands often proceed through administrative channels that use lower proof standards and broader evidence rules, and these actions can end a career without any criminal conviction. Common actions include:

  • letters of reprimand, GOMORs and letters of counseling;
  • removal from flight status or operational duties;
  • security clearance suspension or revocation;
  • denial of reenlistment and performance report downgrades;
  • control roster, UIF or monitoring status; and
  • administrative separation notification.

Administrative Separation Boards

Enlisted members are entitled to a board when specific criteria are met. The defense can present evidence, call witnesses, cross-examine government witnesses and argue for retention or a better characterization of service. Strong board preparation can still win retention in cases that look difficult on paper. See winning separation boards and Boards of Inquiry.

Boards of Inquiry for Officers

Officers facing elimination or show-cause proceedings risk their career, retirement and characterization of service. Officers should not walk into a Board of Inquiry without counsel who has prepared and tried these cases.

Reprimand Rebuttals

A GOMOR or letter of reprimand rebuttal is often the first and best chance to keep adverse paperwork out of a permanent file. See this deconstructed GOMOR rebuttal case study.

Case Patterns Specific to Florida Military Communities

Training Pipeline Cases

Students at Pensacola, Whiting Field, Tyndall, Key West and Navy and Marine Corps training units are held to strict standards, and minor alleged misconduct can lead to elimination from training. These cases often require challenging subjective evaluations, showing inconsistent treatment of similar cases and documenting command overreach.

Nightlife, Tourism and Young-Population Cases

Many junior members pass through Florida bases early in their careers, near nightlife in Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, Pensacola, Panama City, Destin and Key West. Allegations sometimes surface days or weeks later when a relationship changes. Timeline reconstruction, alcohol’s effect on memory, third-party witnesses, digital footprints and motive are central.

Special Operations and Classified-Environment Cases

At MacDill and Hurlburt Field, an allegation can trigger immediate removal from operational duties, clearance suspension, training removal and scrutiny from higher headquarters. Counsel must understand both the legal and operational stakes.

Coastal and Maritime Cases

Navy and Coast Guard boarding teams, interdictions, shipboard duty and port operations create high-stress environments where small mistakes or interpersonal conflict can become formal allegations.

Across these patterns, investigations that rely heavily on interviews create openings to challenge inconsistent statements, suggestive questioning, failure to preserve evidence, misread digital data, witness bias and incomplete investigative steps.

Can You Hire Civilian Counsel for a Florida Court-Martial?

Yes. At general and special courts-martial, Article 38 of the UCMJ provides for representation by detailed military defense counsel and by civilian counsel retained at the accused’s expense.

Hiring civilian counsel does not remove military counsel from the defense team. In many cases the strongest structure is a civilian lawyer working alongside detailed military defense counsel, with civilian counsel adding independent investigation, digital evidence review, witness preparation, cross-examination strategy, family communication and continuity outside the command structure.

Do not start with the assumption that civilian means better. Start with: “What do I already have, what does this civilian lawyer add, and is that added value worth the cost?” Compare the options in civilian military lawyer vs. military defense counsel.

Do You Need a Lawyer Located Near Your Florida Base?

Not necessarily. For a serious court-martial, an office five minutes from the gate may matter less than the lawyer’s actual experience with the charge and the evidence. Geography still affects travel costs, ease of in-person meetings, attendance at repeated hearings, how fast counsel can reach the installation, coordination with Florida civilian proceedings and access to Florida witnesses and evidence.

The useful version of “local experience” is practical, not political. Hire based on experience, preparation, evidence skills, availability and case fit, not because a lawyer claims to know the local prosecutor, military judge or the “unwritten rules” of an installation.

Can an Out-of-State Military Lawyer Represent You in Florida?

Often, yes. Military courts are not Florida state courts. Civilian lawyers qualified to practice before the applicable military forum can represent service members at Florida installations even when their primary office is elsewhere. The tradeoffs are practical: who pays travel, how often counsel will come to Florida, whether hearings will be covered in person, whether counsel can travel on short notice and whether the lawyer has conflicting trials elsewhere.

How to Choose a Florida Military Defense Lawyer: 15 Questions

Ask questions that reveal the lawyer you are actually hiring rather than the marketing reputation of the firm.

  1. Who will personally be my lead attorney?
  2. What military cases has that lawyer personally handled in the past year?
  3. Which of those cases involved allegations similar to mine?
  4. What experience does the lawyer have with my branch?
  5. Does the lawyer need to be Florida-based for this case?
  6. What evidence should I preserve immediately?
  7. Do we need an investigator?
  8. Do we need a digital, DNA, medical, psychological or other expert?
  9. What will my detailed military defense counsel contribute?
  10. How will civilian and military counsel divide responsibilities?
  11. Which hearings require travel?
  12. Are travel expenses included in the fee?
  13. What other trials are already scheduled near mine?
  14. What is the biggest weakness you currently see in my case?
  15. What information would change your assessment?

Gonzalez & Waddington: Florida-Based, Worldwide Military Defense

Gonzalez & Waddington is based in Weston, Florida. Its Florida location places the firm in the same state as major Air Force, Navy, Space Force, Coast Guard, Reserve, National Guard and joint commands, while its military practice remains national and international. The firm’s Florida representation has included matters at installations such as Eglin and Hurlburt Field, and its broader practice has included cases in the United States, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Guam, Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere in the Middle East.

The practice includes serious courts-martial, Article 120 cases, homicide and violent offenses, digital evidence, military investigations, separation boards, Boards of Inquiry, Article 15/NJP and reprimands.

Michael Waddington, Partner

  • Former Army JAG: Trial Defense Counsel, Senior Defense Counsel, prosecutor, Special Assistant United States Attorney and Chief of Military Justice
  • More than 25 years of military defense experience
  • Licensed in Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and South Carolina; admitted to U.S. military trial courts worldwide
  • Adjunct Professor, Florida International University College of Law
  • Author of three books on cross-examination; teaches cross-examination to civilian and military defense lawyers
  • Has appeared on CNN, 60 Minutes, BBC and ABC’s Nightline

Alexandra González-Waddington, Founding Partner

  • Defending clients since 2003; former public defender in Georgia’s Augusta Judicial Circuit
  • Licensed in Florida and Georgia; admitted to U.S. military trial courts worldwide
  • Has defended service members in sexual assault, violent crime, war crimes, murder, classified-information, domestic violence and white-collar cases
  • J.D., Temple University Beasley School of Law (Integrated Trial Advocacy Program)
  • Co-tries the firm’s cases; bilingual in English and Spanish
  • Has appeared on 60 Minutes, ABC’s Nightline, BBC, Fox News and CNN

Michael and Alexandra are co-authors of UCMJ Survival Guide: The Complete Military Justice Manual for Service Members & Families.

The value of being Florida-based is practical: statewide accessibility, reduced domestic travel for many Florida matters, the ability to meet Florida clients in person when appropriate, and South Florida proximity for Coast Guard, Reserve and joint-community clients. Florida location should complement military experience, not replace it.

Video: Michael and Alexandra González-Waddington on military investigations, UCMJ cases and the role of civilian military counsel (YouTube).

For Families of Florida Service Members

Commands rarely explain what is happening when a service member is investigated, and families can unintentionally hurt the case. The most helpful steps are to encourage silence and keep the accused off social media, preserve messages and evidence that may help the defense, keep routines stable, and avoid discussing the case with coworkers or the command. A court-martial or administrative action can also affect housing, pay and day-to-day routines, and the military process runs on its own timeline, separate from any Florida civilian case.

  • Court-martial: A military criminal trial under the UCMJ. It may be general, special or summary, each with different procedures and maximum punishments.
  • Article 15 / NJP: Non-judicial punishment imposed by a commander for minor offenses without a court-martial. Called Captain’s Mast in the Navy and Coast Guard and Office Hours in the Marine Corps.
  • Article 31 rights: The UCMJ’s protection against compelled self-incrimination, including military-specific rights warnings before questioning a suspect.
  • Article 32 preliminary hearing: A hearing required before a general court-martial, unless waived, to determine whether probable cause supports the charges.
  • Article 38: The UCMJ provision governing defense counsel, including the right to retain civilian counsel at a general or special court-martial.
  • Administrative separation: Discharge for reasons other than a court-martial conviction, such as misconduct or performance, sometimes decided by an enlisted separation board.
  • Board of Inquiry (BOI): An administrative board that decides whether an officer should be eliminated from service and with what characterization.
  • GOMOR / LOR: A General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand or letter of reprimand. Adverse administrative paperwork that can end careers if not rebutted effectively.

Florida Base Guides and Related Resources

Florida Installation Defense Pages

Defense by Branch

Investigations and Practice Areas

Nearby State Guides

Facing a UCMJ Investigation or Court-Martial in Florida?

Gonzalez & Waddington represents Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, Guardians and Coast Guard members throughout Florida in military investigations, courts-martial, Article 120 cases, administrative separation boards, Boards of Inquiry, Article 15/NJP and reprimands. Ask us the same questions this page recommends: who will handle the case, what experience applies, what your military lawyer already provides and what retaining our firm would add.

Request a Confidential Consultation • Call 1-800-921-8607 • Text 954-799-4019

I was wrongly accused under articles 120, 128b, and 130, and the legal battle was an incredibly draining experience. Throughout the two-and-a-half-year ordeal, Michael and Alexandra displayed unmatched professionalism, deep legal expertise, and genuine care for my case.

— Chad E. ★★★★★ Google review · More client reviews

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different.

Florida Military Defense Lawyer FAQs

Who are the best military defense lawyers in Florida?

There is no official or objective ranking that identifies one lawyer as the best military defense attorney in Florida. Compare lawyers based on the proceeding, the charge, the evidence, cases they have personally handled, availability, branch experience and who will actually represent you.

Is Gonzalez & Waddington based in Florida?

Yes. Gonzalez & Waddington is based in Weston, Florida and represents service members in Florida, throughout the United States and at military installations overseas.

Does Florida have its own version of the UCMJ?

No. Courts-martial at Florida installations proceed under the federal Uniform Code of Military Justice and the Manual for Courts-Martial, not the Florida criminal code. Florida law becomes relevant when the same incident also creates a Florida civilian criminal, traffic or domestic violence case.

Can I hire a civilian lawyer for a court-martial in Florida?

Yes. Article 38 of the UCMJ allows an accused to retain civilian counsel at their own expense for a general or special court-martial, in addition to detailed military defense counsel. This applies at Eglin, Hurlburt Field, NAS Pensacola, MacDill, NAS Jacksonville, Mayport, Patrick and every other Florida installation.

Do I need a civilian lawyer if I already have a military defense lawyer?

Not always. Detailed military counsel can be an important part of the defense team. Many service members facing serious charges retain civilian counsel to add independent investigation, digital evidence review, witness preparation, cross-examination strategy and continuity outside the command structure. Ask what a civilian lawyer would add to what you already have.

Does a Florida military lawyer have to be licensed in Florida?

Not for representation solely before a military court. Court-martial practice is governed by federal military law and the rules for practice before military courts. Florida licensure matters separately if the attorney will also handle a Florida state court case.

Is a lawyer near my Florida base automatically a better choice?

No. Proximity can reduce travel and improve convenience, but relevant experience, availability, evidence skills, preparation and the identity of the lawyer who will actually handle the case usually matter more.

Do I need a Navy lawyer if I am stationed at Pensacola or Jacksonville?

Not necessarily. What matters is whether counsel is qualified for the forum and has relevant military law experience. Prior Navy or Marine Corps service may provide useful institutional familiarity, but it is not a requirement or a guarantee of better representation.

Who investigates military cases in Florida?

Serious allegations involving Air Force and Space Force personnel may be investigated by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI). NCIS investigates Navy and Marine Corps personnel, Army CID investigates Soldiers, and the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) investigates Coast Guard members. Security Forces, command investigators and inspectors general may handle other matters.

What should I do if OSI, NCIS, CID or CGIS wants to interview me in Florida?

Get individualized legal advice before deciding whether to make a statement. You have Article 31 rights, including the right to remain silent and to consult counsel. Do not destroy evidence, do not contact the accuser, and do not consent to a search of your phone, vehicle or room without advice.

Can a DUI or off-base arrest in Florida affect my military career?

Yes. A DUI, bar fight, hotel or beach allegation, domestic call or drug arrest anywhere in Florida can trigger both a civilian case and military consequences. The command may issue a letter of reprimand, impose Article 15/NJP, begin separation, review your clearance or open its own investigation while the civilian case is still pending.

Can the military act if Florida civilian charges are dropped?

Yes. Civilian outcomes do not bind the military. A command may pursue a reprimand, NJP, administrative separation, a Board of Inquiry, a clearance review or court-martial even if Florida charges are dismissed, reduced or unresolved.

Can I be convicted of Article 120 without physical evidence?

Yes. Some Article 120 cases rely mainly on witness statements. The defense typically focuses on credibility, motive, inconsistencies, digital evidence, alcohol’s effect on memory and gaps in the investigation.

How serious is an administrative separation board?

Very serious. A board can separate you and set your characterization of service without any criminal conviction, using lower proof standards and broader evidence than a court-martial. A prepared defense can still win retention or a better characterization.

Why do security clearance issues matter so much in Florida military cases?

Florida installations support joint commands, special operations, space launch, aviation, fleet operations, cyber and intelligence missions. Allegations involving drugs, alcohol, violence, dishonesty, finances, foreign contacts or misuse of government systems can lead to clearance suspension and removal from duty even when the criminal case is weak.

Can you help before formal charges are filed?

Yes. Early representation during an investigation can protect your rights, preserve favorable evidence, prepare you for command decisions and, in some cases, influence whether charges or adverse actions are pursued.

How do I contact Gonzalez & Waddington about a Florida military case?

Call 1-800-921-8607, text 954-799-4019 or submit a request through the firm’s contact page for a confidential consultation.

Florida Military and Legal Sources

Attorney advertising: This page is published by Gonzalez & Waddington, LLC and may constitute attorney advertising. Installation missions, organizational structures, military regulations and procedures change; verify current information before relying on it for an individual matter. Hypothetical examples are illustrations only. Past results, military service, teaching, publications, media appearances and professional experience do not guarantee future outcomes. No attorney can guarantee a result. Viewing this page does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Gonzalez & Waddington, LLC • Weston, Florida • Florida UCMJ & Court-Martial Defense • Representing U.S. Service Members Worldwide

Aggressive Criminal Defense Lawyers

This video explains what your rights are and how experienced criminal defense lawyers can make a difference.

Contact Us

Facing a military investigation, UCMJ allegation, or serious criminal charge? Gonzalez & Waddington provides trial-focused defense for high-stakes cases. Call 1-800-921-8607 or text 954-799-4019 for a confidential, no-cost consultation.

Need Criminal Law Help?

Call to request a consultation.

Legal Guide Overview
Table of Contents