Benelux Military Defense Lawyers

Benelux Military Defense Lawyers

Elite UCMJ & Court-Martial Defense for Service Members in Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg

The U.S. military presence across the Benelux region — including Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg — supports NATO operations, intelligence missions, logistics hubs, and strategic European partnerships. Major locations such as SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe) in Mons, NATO HQ Brussels, USAG Benelux-Brussels, and Brunssum in the Netherlands create a unique environment where political sensitivity and international scrutiny shape every command decision.

If you are a Soldier, Airman, Marine, Sailor, or Guardian stationed in the Benelux region and facing a UCMJ investigation, administrative action, or court-martial, your case will be handled with more intensity than most stateside cases. Allegations — even unproven or exaggerated ones — can escalate rapidly because of diplomatic, NATO, and host-nation expectations.

Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law is one of the world’s leading military defense firms. For over 20 years, we have defended service members stationed throughout Europe, including Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, and beyond. Our team understands how UCMJ cases unfold across NATO installations and how to fight back aggressively and effectively.

Why UCMJ Allegations in the Benelux Region Are Especially Serious

NATO and multinational environments create a heightened sensitivity to allegations, even small ones. Commands act quickly to protect political relationships, international credibility, and the reputation of the United States.

  • Investigators often assume guilt to avoid diplomatic embarrassment
  • Commands impose relief for cause, removal from billets, or suspended access immediately
  • Security clearances are frequently suspended based on allegations alone
  • Host-nation police involvement is common, especially in Belgium and the Netherlands
  • Rumors spread quickly within the small, tight-knit expatriate/military communities
  • Administrative actions move quickly and can end your career before trial

In a region where the U.S. military operates under constant international attention, even a small accusation can become a major legal battle.

Common UCMJ Cases in the Benelux Military Community

Our firm handles cases arising from SHAPE, NATO HQ Brussels, Chievres Air Base, Brunssum, JFC Naples-connected units, and support units across the region. These cases often involve multinational environments, differing cultural norms, and high-level command oversight.

  • Article 120Sexual assault, rape, aggravated sexual contact
  • Article 128b – Domestic violence, partner disputes, or misunderstandings with dependents
  • Article 112a – Drug allegations tied to nightlife in Brussels, Antwerp, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and Luxembourg City
  • Article 92 – Orders violations, fraternization, or command discipline cases
  • Article 107 – False official statements to CID, OSI, NCIS, or local security forces
  • Article 121 – Larceny, fraud, BAH/OHA entitlement investigations
  • Article 134 – Adultery, indecent conduct, online misconduct, or inappropriate relationships
  • Security Incidents – Mishandling classified information or CI concerns

Administrative Actions Affecting Service Members in Benelux

Because of the joint-NATO environment, administrative actions are often initiated immediately, even when evidence is weak or incomplete. These actions can have permanent consequences on rank, retirement, and assignment eligibility.

  • Administrative Separation Boards – Frequently initiated after allegations or disciplinary events
  • Officer Boards of Inquiry (BOI) – Common for officers connected to NATO or intelligence missions
  • GOMORs & Letters of Reprimand – Used quickly to “document” concerns in sensitive commands
  • Security Clearance Suspensions – Almost automatic when allegations involve misconduct
  • Command-Directed Investigations – IG, EO, AR 15-6, or NATO conduct violations

Defense Strategies We Use Across the Benelux Region

Defending UCMJ cases overseas requires more than legal expertise — it requires experience navigating multinational environments, cross-border evidence issues, and political pressure. Our strategies are designed to dismantle flawed investigations and protect your rights aggressively.

  • Expose inconsistencies and contradictions in accuser statements
  • Challenge flawed CID/OSI investigative assumptions shaped by political pressure
  • Use digital forensics to analyze deleted texts, metadata, online behavior, and communication logs
  • Highlight cultural misunderstandings between Americans and host-nation residents
  • Demonstrate improper influence from higher headquarters or international partners
  • Present expert witnesses in forensics, psychology, toxicology, or digital evidence
  • Craft narrative-driven defenses tailored to multinational panels and commands

Why Service Members Across Europe Choose Gonzalez & Waddington

Our firm is widely regarded as one of the top military defense teams in the world. We have defended thousands of service members across Europe, including Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, the UK, Spain, and the Middle East.

  • 20+ years of global military trial success
  • Former Army JAG with extensive overseas litigation experience
  • Authors of leading cross-examination and trial warfare books
  • Featured in major global media for courtroom victories
  • Unmatched experience with NATO-connected investigations and cross-border cases
  • A reputation for aggressive, precise courtroom advocacy

Contact Our Benelux Military Defense Lawyers

If you are stationed at SHAPE, Chievres, USAG Benelux-Brussels, Brunssum, or anywhere in the Benelux region, and you are facing UCMJ charges, administrative action, or a criminal investigation, contact our firm immediately. Prosecutors and investigators are already building their case — you need a battle-tested defense team.

➤ Contact Gonzalez & Waddington for a Confidential Case Evaluation

Benelux Military Defense Lawyers – Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hire a civilian military defense lawyer while stationed in the Benelux region?

Yes. Service members worldwide have the right to retain a civilian attorney. Many stationed at SHAPE, Chievres, and Brunssum choose Gonzalez & Waddington because of our experience defending cases across Europe and NATO installations.

Do Belgian or Dutch police get involved in UCMJ cases?

Yes. If an incident occurs off base, host-nation authorities may investigate. Under SOFA agreements, they may share evidence with U.S. military prosecutors. This makes early legal representation absolutely critical.

What types of cases happen most often at SHAPE and NATO installations?

Common cases include sexual assault allegations, domestic disputes, drug accusations, security violations, fraud, fraternization, and relationship-based misconduct. The multinational environment increases scrutiny and command pressure.

Can administrative actions end my career even without a conviction?

Yes. GOMORs, BOIs, separation boards, and clearance suspensions can destroy a career even when the allegations are unproven. This happens frequently in politically sensitive commands such as SHAPE or NATO HQ.

Who are Michael and Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington?

They are internationally recognized military defense lawyers known for winning complex UCMJ cases across Europe, including SHAPE, Brussels, Brunssum, and all Benelux-area installations. Their strategic, aggressive approach has earned them a reputation as top global military defense attorneys.

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