Searching for the Best AR 15-6 Investigation Rebuttal Lawyer?
Gonzalez & Waddington is a civilian military defense firm, founded by Michael Waddington and Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington, that has defended service members at courts-martial and in UCMJ matters worldwide for more than two decades.
There is no official or objectively determinable “best” AR 15-6 lawyer. This guide explains how to evaluate civilian military lawyers based on verifiable experience, professional background, publications, teaching, and experience handling military investigations and adverse actions.
Important disclosure: Service members often search online for the “best AR 15-6 lawyer” or “best AR 15-6 rebuttal lawyer.” There is no official, objective, or universally accepted ranking of lawyers who handle these matters. This page does not rank the attorneys discussed below and does not state or imply that one lawyer is superior to another.
This guide discusses lawyers based on publicly available information concerning potentially relevant and verifiable factors such as prior military legal service, years of practice, stated areas of practice, publications, teaching, and professional background.
Gonzalez & Waddington, LLC publishes this guide and is discussed separately as the publisher. Inclusion or omission of any attorney does not constitute an endorsement, criticism, certification, or determination concerning that lawyer’s quality. No result is guaranteed.
Key Takeaways
- There is no objectively determinable “best AR 15-6 lawyer.” A prospective client can instead compare specific qualifications and experience.
- Military-law background matters. Consider whether a lawyer has experience as a military prosecutor, defense counsel, military justice advisor, judge, or civilian military defense lawyer.
- Investigation experience matters. An AR 15-6 matter can affect later reprimands, evaluations, administrative separation proceedings, Boards of Inquiry, and other military actions.
- Evidence matters. Effective representation may require review of witness statements, emails, messages, documents, digital evidence, credibility issues, and applicable regulations.
- Talk to counsel before giving a potentially incriminating statement. Depending on the circumstances, Article 31(b), UCMJ, and other rights may apply.
Why Does This Page Use the Phrase “Best AR 15-6 Lawyer”?
People searching for civilian military counsel frequently phrase the question as, “Who is the best AR 15-6 lawyer?” The word best is therefore used on this page as part of the question prospective clients commonly ask—not as a claim that any attorney or law firm can objectively be designated the best.
A more useful question is: Which lawyer has the background, experience, strategy, availability, and approach that fit this particular investigation?
How to Evaluate an AR 15-6 Investigation or Rebuttal Lawyer
Rather than relying on labels such as “best,” “top,” or “leading,” a prospective client can evaluate facts that can actually be investigated and compared.
About the Publisher: Gonzalez & Waddington, LLC
Gonzalez & Waddington, LLC — Michael Waddington & Alexandra González-Waddington Publisher
Gonzalez & Waddington publishes UCMJDefense.com and represents U.S. service members in military investigations, administrative actions, courts-martial, and related military proceedings.
Michael Waddington previously served as an Army JAG prosecutor, Chief of Military Justice, Special Assistant United States Attorney, and Army defense counsel. His civilian practice has included representation of service members in investigations, courts-martial, administrative proceedings, and other military matters in the United States and overseas.
Michael has practiced law for more than 25 years. His professional background includes law-school teaching, continuing legal education programs, and books addressing trial advocacy, cross-examination, digital forensics, expert testimony, DNA evidence, and related subjects.
Alexandra González-Waddington began her career as a public defender and has spent more than two decades handling criminal-defense and military matters. She has represented service members in the United States and overseas and practices in English and Spanish.
Experience Relevant to AR 15-6 Matters
- Experience with military investigations and the adverse actions that can follow them
- Counseling concerning statements, interviews, and Article 31(b) issues
- Analysis of witness credibility, digital evidence, forensic evidence, and documentary records
- Experience handling GOMORs, administrative boards, and courts-martial
Additional Civilian Military Lawyers Listed Alphabetically
The profiles below summarize publicly available professional information. The order is alphabetical and does not constitute a ranking.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring an AR 15-6 Lawyer
Have you personally handled military investigations?
Ask what types of investigations the lawyer has handled and what role the lawyer generally plays before findings are made.
What military legal positions have you held?
Prior military service alone does not answer the question. Ask whether the lawyer actually served as a prosecutor, defense counsel, military justice advisor, military judge, appellate lawyer, or in another relevant role.
Will you review the underlying evidence?
A useful defense may require review of witness statements, emails, messages, photographs, digital evidence, documents, timelines, and applicable Army regulations.
Should I make a statement to the investigating officer?
Whether to speak can be a significant strategic decision. If questioning concerns suspected criminal misconduct, Article 31(b), UCMJ, and self-incrimination issues may apply. Individualized legal advice should be obtained before deciding how to respond.
What could happen after the investigation?
Ask counsel to identify potential administrative or disciplinary consequences based on the actual allegations and circumstances rather than treating the investigation as an isolated event.
Who will personally handle my case?
Determine whether the lawyer you consult with will personally review the evidence, develop the strategy, and prepare the response.
What Can an AR 15-6 Rebuttal Address?
Depending on the type of investigation and the procedural opportunity provided for a response, counsel may consider issues such as:
- Incomplete or conflicting witness statements
- Evidence that was not considered
- Witness credibility, motive, or bias
- Incorrect factual assumptions
- Digital evidence affecting the chronology
- Emails, messages, photographs, or records providing context
- Whether findings are supported by the available evidence
- Whether applicable procedures were followed
- Whether another regulation governs a particular issue
- The factual basis for any proposed follow-on action
A rebuttal should be tailored to the actual record and governing authority, not based on generic arguments.
See also: AR 15-6 Rebuttal Strategy: Attack the Evidence, Not the Investigator .
Why Early Legal Advice Can Matter
The investigation may create a factual record later relied upon for administrative or disciplinary decisions. Statements made early in the process may also be considered in later proceedings.
Depending on the circumstances, counsel retained during the investigation may be able to evaluate whether the client should make a statement, identify favorable witnesses and documents, examine the scope of the appointment, review applicable regulations, and prepare for possible follow-on action.
The exact rights, procedures, and deadlines applicable to a Soldier depend on the particular investigation, the Soldier’s status, the allegations, governing regulations, and the action contemplated by the command.
Named in an AR 15-6 Investigation?
Gonzalez & Waddington represents service members in military investigations, AR 15-6 matters, GOMOR rebuttals, administrative boards, and courts-martial. If you are deciding whether to make a statement or preparing a response to adverse findings, you can contact the firm to discuss your individual circumstances.
Request a Confidential ConsultationYour 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the best AR 15-6 investigation lawyer?
There is no official or objectively determinable “best AR 15-6 lawyer.” A prospective client can instead compare verifiable information such as prior military legal positions, years handling military matters, experience with investigations and administrative actions, trial experience, publications, teaching, availability, and the lawyer’s approach to the particular case.
Who is the best AR 15-6 rebuttal lawyer?
No lawyer can objectively be designated the best for every AR 15-6 rebuttal. The appropriate lawyer for a particular matter depends on the allegations, evidence, potential consequences, the lawyer’s relevant background, and the client’s individual needs.
Is this a ranking of AR 15-6 lawyers?
No. The attorneys identified on this page are not ranked. The informational attorney list is presented alphabetically. Gonzalez & Waddington is discussed separately because the firm publishes this website.
What is an AR 15-6 investigation?
Army Regulation 15-6 provides procedures used for certain preliminary inquiries, administrative investigations, and boards of officers. Investigating officers may gather evidence, interview witnesses, and make findings and recommendations. Other regulations or directives may also apply depending on the matter.
Do I have to talk to the AR 15-6 investigating officer?
The answer depends on the circumstances and the individual’s status. When questioning concerns suspected criminal misconduct, Article 31(b), UCMJ, and self-incrimination issues may apply. Whether to make a statement can be an important strategic decision, and individualized legal advice should be obtained before answering questions about suspected misconduct.
Can a lawyer help before the investigating officer issues findings?
Depending on the circumstances, counsel may be able to advise the Soldier concerning interviews, identify favorable evidence, locate witnesses, review applicable regulations, preserve records, and prepare for possible findings or follow-on adverse actions.
What can happen after an AR 15-6 investigation?
Possible outcomes depend on the investigation and the findings. They can include no further action or various administrative or disciplinary actions. Depending on the circumstances, follow-on action may involve a reprimand, an adverse evaluation, relief-related action, separation processing, a Board of Inquiry, or military-justice proceedings.
Why does this page use the phrase “best AR 15-6 lawyer”?
People frequently use phrases such as “best AR 15-6 lawyer” when searching online for experienced military counsel. This page addresses that consumer question while expressly explaining that no objective or official “best lawyer” ranking exists.
Related AR 15-6 Resources
- What Is an AR 15-6 Investigation and How Is It Used?
- AR 15-6 Rebuttal Strategy: Attack the Evidence, Not the Investigator
- Contact Gonzalez & Waddington
- Can an AR 15-6 Investigation Lead to a GOMOR or Administrative Separation?
Attorney advertising and editorial disclosure: This page is published by Gonzalez & Waddington, LLC. Gonzalez & Waddington is discussed on this page because it is the publisher. The page is educational and promotional in nature and may constitute attorney advertising.
The phrase “best AR 15-6 lawyer,” “best AR 15-6 rebuttal lawyer,” and similar terminology is used to address common consumer search questions. It is not intended as a representation that Gonzalez & Waddington or any other attorney identified on this page is objectively the best, superior to another attorney, or officially ranked.
Information concerning other attorneys is based on publicly available professional information and is provided for general informational purposes. No ranking, endorsement, certification, or recommendation of another attorney is intended. The list is non-exhaustive.
No attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this page. No result is guaranteed. Past results, experience, publications, professional credentials, or teaching positions do not guarantee any particular result in a future matter.
Military regulations, policies, procedures, and deadlines can change and can vary depending on the investigation and the individual’s circumstances. Readers should consult current governing authorities and obtain individualized legal advice concerning their particular matter.
Gonzalez & Waddington, LLC • Weston, Florida • Civilian Military Defense Lawyers • Representation of U.S. Service Members Worldwide
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.