Reviewed by Michael Waddington, former Army JAG, on November 1, 2026. Published by Gonzalez & Waddington, LLC.
Do I need a civilian military defense lawyer if I’m stationed at a Georgia base like Fort Benning or Fort Stewart?
Hiring a civilian military defense lawyer at Georgia installations like Fort Benning or Fort Stewart is strongly worth considering. Unlike JAG counsel, civilian attorneys work outside the command structure, offer confidential advice, and can dedicate focused attention to your case. Outcomes depend heavily on the specific facts and charges involved.
Legal Defense for Military Personnel in Georgia
Georgia is home to some of the largest and most strategic military installations in the country, including Fort Benning, Fort Stewart, Robins Air Force Base, Hunter Army Airfield, Moody Air Force Base, and Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base.
With thousands of active-duty service members stationed across the state, military investigations, administrative actions, and court-martial prosecutions are common and often career-ending.
When facing charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) or any adverse legal action in the military justice system, Georgia-based service members should strongly consider hiring a civilian military defense lawyer.
These attorneys are not part of the command structure, offer confidential advice, and bring years of independent courtroom experience to the table.
Watch: Georgia Court-Martial Defense Tips
In this video, attorney Michael Waddington explains the most common ways service members in Georgia get falsely accused of sexual assault—and what you can do to protect yourself. If you’re stationed in Georgia and under investigation, watch this now.
For legal help at Fort Benning, Fort Stewart, Robins AFB, or any Georgia base, visit ucmjdefense.com or call 800-921-8607.
Why Hire a Civilian Military Defense Lawyer in Georgia?
Military personnel have the right to consult with appointed JAG defense counsel. However, many service members choose to retain private civilian attorneys when the stakes are high. Civilian lawyers bring a level of independence, experience, and strategic flexibility that can make the difference between conviction and acquittal, discharge and retention.
- Independent Advocacy: Not subject to command control or military politics.
- UCMJ Trial Expertise: Many civilian lawyers are former JAGs or career military litigators with proven trial experience.
- Strategic Defense Planning: Civilian lawyers often lead teams of investigators, forensic experts, and consultants to aggressively build your defense.
- Personalized Representation: They work directly for you—not the military.
- Worldwide Availability: Civilian counsel can defend cases worldwide and appear in military courts across all branches.
Whether you’re facing a court-martial, Article 15/NJP, or separation board, the lawyer you choose can impact your career, reputation, and freedom.
Top Civilian Military Defense Lawyers Serving Georgia
The following attorneys are experienced in defending service members throughout Georgia and beyond. Each has a strong record handling serious criminal charges, including sex crimes, violent offenses, war crimes, and administrative actions under the UCMJ.
1. Gonzalez & Waddington, LLC
Website: www.ucmjdefense.com
Phone: 800-921-8607
Based in: Gonzalez & Waddington are military defense lawyers serving Georgia and Worldwide
Michael Waddington, Esq.
Michael Waddington is a court-martial defense attorney who has defended service members stationed in more than 20 countries and at nearly every U.S. military installation. Michael Waddington defends military servicemembers throughout Georgia. A former Army JAG, he is has defended service members in many military sex crime cases, cross-examination, and war crimes litigation. He has handled some of the military’s most high-profile and controversial cases and is the author of several best-selling books on trial strategy and cross-examination.
Alexandra González-Waddington, Esq.
A former public defender and skilled courtroom litigator, Alexandra focuses on defending military personnel accused of sexual assault, domestic violence, and toxic workplace allegations. Alexandra defends military servicemembers throughout Georgia. She is recognized for her strategic insight, her advocacy for women and minority service members, and her successful handling of complex administrative and criminal cases throughout Georgia and internationally.
(706) 445-2943
He has represented clients before all military courts of appeal and the U.S. Supreme Court. His practice focuses on post-trial representation, appeals, discharge upgrades, corrections of military records, and high-level administrative matters. Based near Fort Gordon and Fort Benning, he routinely handles Georgia-based military appeals and separation board cases.
Her firm represents service members facing courts-martial, Article 120 sexual misconduct allegations, and administrative separation boards. She is well-known for her methodical preparation and cross-examination of expert witnesses. She serves clients across Georgia installations, including Fort Stewart and Robins AFB.
He defends service members charged with fraternization, adultery, false official statements, and other Article 133 and 134 offenses.
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
Why These Lawyers Made the List for Georgia
This Georgia military defense lawyers list is based on actual courtroom experience, legal credentials, peer recognition, and results—not on paid placements or advertising.
Your right to hire civilian counsel
Under Article 38(b), UCMJ (10 U.S.C. § 838(b)), you may be represented by civilian counsel you hire at your own expense, in addition to your detailed military defense counsel.
Verifiable facts about the publisher
- Gonzalez & Waddington publishes UCMJDefense.com. Michael Waddington founded the firm after serving as a U.S. Army JAG officer, including as a prosecutor, Trial Defense Counsel and Senior Defense Counsel.
- Michael has over 25 years as a lawyer. Alexandra González-Waddington has practiced criminal and military defense for more than two decades.
- The firm has represented service members stationed in more than 20 countries.
- Michael is a Fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers, an invitation-only society of about 200 criminal trial lawyers. Invitation requires at least 10 years as a criminal defense trial lawyer, at least 20 felony jury trials, at least five major felony cases that ended in acquittal or a substantially reduced verdict, and recommendations from three judges.
- Michael has been selected as a Super Lawyers honoree and named a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by The National Trial Lawyers.
- Michael has written 14 books and Alexandra nine on criminal defense, cross-examination and military justice, including Kick-Ass Closings, The Art of Trial Warfare and the Pattern Cross-Examination series published by NACDL.
- Michael is a lifetime member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) and serves on its Military Law Committee. Both partners teach at NACDL and other continuing legal education programs. Michael is an adjunct professor of law at Florida International University College of Law.
- Their work has been featured by CNN, 60 Minutes, Fox News and ABC News.
What clients say
“I highly recommend the law firm of Gonzalez and Waddington if you are ever faced with the need for strong representation. Michael handled my son’s case efficiently and thoroughly. Alexandra was prompt to reply to my concerns and I truly felt as though they cared about my son. They will always be held in high regard by me and I cannot fully express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to them!”
— Google review
“Michael was amazing and his communication and interaction with his clients was flawless. The detail in which he handled the case was thorough and effective awesome job thanks again”
— Google review
“Exceptional defense attorney. Highly recommend his service with any military matters.”
— Google review
Client reviews are quoted word for word. You may not obtain the same or similar results. No client was paid for a review.
Video transcript
Transcript of the video “Fort Stewart Court-Martial: Article 120 UCMJ Defense Georgia,” from Gonzalez & Waddington.
Read the full transcript of this video
My name is Michael Waddington and I’m a criminal defense attorney I have been aggressively defending military service members for over 20 years if you’re a loved one or stationed at Fort stort Georgia and you’re suspected or accused of any crime under the UCMJ such as in Article 120 sexual assault or sexual harassment in your careers in Jeopardy then reach out and speak with one of our experienced military lawyers today if you are accused of any serious offense under the UCMJ such as a UCMJ Article 120
Sexual assault then you should be concerned right now the military is waging a war on sexual assault you can expect a zealous and determined prosecution team coming after you and trying to win their case these Elite military prosecution teams are well funded well trained and bound and determined to win convictions they are on a mission to prove to Congress that the military does not tolerate any form of sexual assault domestic violence or sexual harassment military prosecutors will be relentless in Seeking a conviction in serious Jael
Time once they have you in their sights to make matters worse under new laws that went into effect in December of 2023 the new military justice system is victim centered what that means to you if you’re a used is that if a person makes an allegation against you they are believed from the start they won’t probe The credibility of a person making an allegation they won’t look for any evidence that could disprove the allegation they’re taking anyone who claims to be a victim and they’re taking
Their word for it that also means that people who have made false or exaggerated allegations will not be punished even if their allegation is proven to be false [Editor’s note: Making a false allegation can still be prosecuted, for example as a false official statement under Article 107, UCMJ, although those prosecutions are uncommon.] if anything they may be allowed to retire and get military benefits for military sexual trauma even if the allegation is proven false in court you could expect to encounter law enforcement trained to start by believing therefore you’re presumed to be guilty once the investigation has started and the law enforcement and prosecutors will act accordingly yes that cuts against
Your constitutional rights and that cuts against what our country was founded upon and what we stand for but that’s what you can expect in the military Justice jce system in this new victim centered approach the victim even if the victim is a lying victim plays a key role in determining what happens to you what could end up happening is in a case where there’s no evidence or if you’re in fact innocent the victim may still insist that you get some sort of punishment even if you’re
Innocent and there is no evidence do not be surprised that you end up at a court-martial an administrative separation board or receiving some sort of negative paperwork such as a letter reprimand if you are under investigation for any crime under the UCMJ then you need to stand up and take responsibility for your defense don’t become another statistic don’t play the victim don’t sit back hoping that someone comes to the rescue or that things are going to work out it’s time to stand up fight for your
Freedom fight for your career and fight for your reputation.
Georgia Military Defense Lawyers – Frequently Asked Questions
Can a civilian lawyer represent me at a Georgia military base?
Yes. Civilian military defense lawyers are authorized to represent service members in all branches of the military at installations such as Fort Benning, Fort Stewart, and Robins AFB. They can appear at court-martials, Article 15 hearings, and administrative boards.
What is the advantage of hiring a civilian military attorney in Georgia?
Civilian attorneys offer independent legal advice and are not subject to military command influence. They often have extensive courtroom experience, and unlike appointed JAGs, they work solely for you—not the military system.
Do civilian attorneys have access to military records and investigations?
Yes. Experienced civilian defense lawyers know how to request evidence, obtain command documents, and challenge the findings of law enforcement agencies like CID, OSI, NCIS, and CGIS in Georgia-based cases.
How much does it cost to hire a Georgia court-martial lawyer?
Gonzalez & Waddington charges a flat fee, quoted after we review your case. As rough examples only: many felony-level cases fall roughly between $7,500 and $10,000, some smaller matters between $5,000 and $7,500, and contested courts-martial usually start around $40,000. Every case is different, so these are examples, not quotes.
How do I contact Gonzalez & Waddington for Georgia-based cases?
Call 1-800-921-8607 or visit Gonzalez & Waddington, Military Defense Lawyers. Gonzalez & Waddington defend clients at Fort Benning, Fort Stewart, Robins AFB, and all Georgia military installations.
Attorney advertising. This page is published by Gonzalez & Waddington, LLC. It explains how to evaluate a lawyer; it is not a ranking of lawyers. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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