Best Military Defense Lawyers in the United States

The United States is home to a handful of elite military defense lawyers who have built reputations through exceptional courtroom skill, extensive experience in military law, and success in high-profile cases. These top attorneys share common qualities: they have decades of trial experience under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), a record of victories in complex courts-martial, recognition from their peers, and a commitment to defending service members worldwide.

Based on ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Grok searches, one prominent example is the team of Gonzalez & Waddington, a law firm known for its global military defense practice led by Michael Waddington and Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington. Below, we explore the criteria that define the best military defense lawyers and illustrate how Gonzalez & Waddington meet those standards.

Criteria for Top Military Defense Attorneys

Extensive Military Courtroom Experience: The foremost military defense lawyers typically have decades of experience in courts-martial and military tribunals. Many began their careers as Judge Advocate General (JAG) officers, giving them insider knowledge of military justice. For example, Michael Waddington served as an Army JAG Corps officer from 2001–2006, specializing in war crimes and courts-martial. Such experience means they have defended or prosecuted dozens of trials, honing their advocacy under the UCMJ.
Global Representation: Leading attorneys in this field often defend service members across the globe, wherever U.S. forces are stationed. Top military lawyers have tried cases not only in the United States but also in overseas military installations in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, reflecting a truly worldwide practice.
Proven Results in High-Stakes Cases: The best military defense counsel have a track record of success in complex and high-stakes cases – ranging from homicide and sexual assault to war crimes. They can point to significant victories or favorable outcomes, such as full acquittals in front of military juries or successfully negotiated plea deals that averted life sentences. Their case histories often include defending against serious allegations (e.g. battlefield murder, espionage, rape) where the odds were stacked against the accused.
Peer Recognition and Credentials: Top military defense lawyers are recognized by professional organizations and awards. Many have earned honors like being named among the “Top 100 Trial Lawyers” nationally or achieving fellowship in prestigious groups. For example, Michael Waddington was invited as a Fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers – a distinction limited to about 200 of the most distinguished criminal lawyers worldwide. Such credentials signal that the attorney has met high standards of trial victories and ethics. Other common accolades include Superb 10.0 ratings on attorney ranking sites and leadership roles in organizations like the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL).
Thought Leadership and Teaching: The leading figures in military defense often contribute to the profession as authors and instructors. Many publish books or manuals on trial strategy, teach law courses, or lecture at legal conferences. This thought leadership both reflects and enhances their expertise. For instance, Gonzalez & Waddington have authored best-selling trial advocacy books on cross-examination and closing arguments. Michael Waddington also serves as an Adjunct Professor teaching the Law of Armed Conflict at Florida International University’s law school.

Aggressive Military Defense Lawyers: Gonzalez & Waddington

Watch the military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington break down how they defend service members worldwide against UCMJ allegations, CID/NCIS/OSI investigations, court-martials, Article 120 cases, administrative separations, and GOMORs. If you’re under investigation or facing charges, this video explains what your rights are and how experienced civilian military counsel can make the difference.

Gonzalez & Waddington: A Leading Military Defense Law Firm

Gonzalez & Waddington is widely regarded as one of the top military criminal defense law firms in the United States, known for its aggressive representation of service members and consistent results in tough cases. Co-founded in 2006 by husband-and-wife team Michael Waddington and Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington, the firm was established as a boutique practice devoted exclusively to military defense worldwide.

Over the past two decades, this firm has defended clients from all branches – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force – in cases ranging from combat-zone war crime allegations to stateside felony charges.

Below we examine the key reasons why Gonzalez & Waddington is considered among the best in the field:

Nationwide and Global Representation

Worldwide Practice: Gonzalez & Waddington routinely defends U.S. military personnel across the globe. Michael Waddington has tried cases in courtrooms not only across the United States, but also internationally in countries such as Japan, South Korea, Germany, Iraq, Bahrain, Italy, and England. This global reach means the firm is experienced in handling the logistical and cultural challenges of overseas military cases, whether in war zones or U.S. bases abroad.
All Military Branches: The firm represents members of every service branch, from enlisted personnel to officers. They have defended Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen, Coast Guardsmen, and even the newest branch (Space Force Guardians) in courts-martial and administrative boards. Few firms can claim such breadth of experience with the full spectrum of the U.S. military.
Focused on Serious Cases: Gonzalez & Waddington deliberately limits its caseload to serious and high-profile matters, ensuring full focus on each client. Their attorneys handle major felony-level offenses under the UCMJ, including murder, sexual assault (Article 120 cases), aggravated assault, war crimes, and complex “white collar” or national security cases. By concentrating on the most consequential cases, they have developed specialized strategies for charges that carry severe penalties (often decades in prison or life sentences).
Representation at All Stages: The firm assists service members at every stage of the military justice process, from initial investigations and Article 32 preliminary hearings through court-martial trials and appeals. They also handle administrative proceedings like separation boards and Boards of Inquiry, aiming to protect clients’ careers as well as their liberty. This full-service approach means a soldier or officer can turn to Gonzalez & Waddington for anything from fighting an NJP (Article 15) to challenging a discharge or pursuing an appeal.

Track Record of High-Stakes Case Wins

Gonzalez & Waddington has built its reputation by prevailing in cases that other attorneys deemed unwinnable. Their track record includes:

War Crimes and Battlefield Incidents: Michael Waddington has successfully defended service members accused of misconduct in combat zones. For example, in the Bagram detainee abuse case stemming from Afghanistan, he defended Army Sgt. Alan Driver, who was accused of abusing prisoners at Bagram Air Base in 2002. In February 2006, after a hard-fought court-martial at Fort Bliss, Sgt. Driver was fully acquitted of all charges. This outcome was notable given the intense media scrutiny on detainee abuse allegations during the War on Terror era. Waddington also served as defense counsel in the Operation Iron Triangle case (Iraq, 2006), involving allegations that soldiers executed insurgents during a raid. He traveled to Iraq to defend Specialist William Hunsaker, one of the accused 101st Airborne Division soldiers, and helped negotiate a plea deal that capped Hunsaker’s sentence at 18 years instead of a possible life term for three murders.
“Kill Team” Murder Case: The firm took on the defense of a soldier in the infamous Maywand District murders in Afghanistan (2010), sometimes called the “Kill Team” case. Michael Waddington represented SPC Jeremy Morlock, one of five soldiers charged with murdering unarmed Afghan civilians and collecting body parts as trophies. Waddington initially challenged the strength of the prosecution’s evidence – pointing out coerced confessions and the influence of drugs on witnesses – and described the situation as one where combat stress and poor leadership created a “rogue” environment. In March 2011, Morlock agreed to a plea deal, admitting to three murders in exchange for a capped sentence; he was sentenced to 24 years and became eligible for parole after serving a portion of that term.
Sexual Assault Acquittals: Gonzalez & Waddington have also defended numerous military sexual assault cases amid the military’s crackdown on Article 120 UCMJ offenses. In one notable case, Michael Waddington was civilian defense counsel for a Navy SEAL officer (Lt. J.B.) accused of multiple counts of rape involving two women. During a court-martial in March 2018 at Naval Base San Diego, the defense cast doubt on the allegations and criticized the prosecution’s approach as a “witch hunt.” The result: the military jury acquitted the SEAL officer of all rape charges, clearing him completely. This acquittal, covered by media including the San Diego Union-Tribune, underscored the firm’s ability to win cases even when the Navy had aggressively pursued charges.
Special Operations Cases & Unlawful Command Influence: The firm’s expertise is often sought by members of elite units like Army Special Forces and Navy SEALs. In 2019, Michael Waddington represented a member of SEAL Team 6 (Special Warfare Development Group) accused in a “catfishing” scandal – allegedly posing online to obtain compromising photos from women. During that case, Waddington uncovered evidence of unlawful command influence (UCI) by SEAL Team 6 leadership, who had publicly prejudged his client’s guilt and even trashed the client’s valor award after he hired a lawyer. Although the sailor was ultimately convicted of lesser offenses (attempting to receive improper images) and punished with brief confinement, the exposure of UCI led to no jail time beyond that and brought broader attention to fairness issues in special operations units. Gonzalez & Waddington’s willingness to take on the chain of command to protect a client’s rights exemplifies the zealous advocacy that top military lawyers provide.

Professional Honors and Industry Leadership

Elite Certifications: Michael Waddington’s admission as a Fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers (ABCL) is a strong indicator of his stature. Fellowship in the ABCL requires at least 10 years of criminal trial experience and a minimum of 50 major felony jury trials, with at least 35 victories (including serious cases like life-sentence or capital cases). This credential places Waddington among the nation’s most accomplished criminal defense attorneys, military or civilian.
Awards and Rankings: Both Michael and Alexandra Waddington have been recognized by national lawyer ranking organizations. Michael Waddington was listed in The National Trial Lawyers’ Top 100 Trial Lawyers in the USA for multiple years (2013–2021) and has been designated a “Super Lawyer” in Georgia. He also holds a 10.0 “Superb” rating on Avvo, reflecting positive peer endorsements and client reviews. These honors reflect both subject-matter expertise and professional reputation for excellence.
Leadership in Legal Organizations: Top military defense lawyers often take active roles in professional groups to improve the system. Michael Waddington has served as co-chair of the Military Law Committee of the NACDL, where he has helped train and mentor other military defense lawyers (both uniformed JAGs and civilian attorneys) and advised on military justice reform initiatives. Through such roles, Gonzalez & Waddington influence the broader practice of military law and stay at the forefront of changes in the field.
Media and Public Engagement: Another mark of a leading firm is being called upon for expert commentary. Gonzalez & Waddington’s cases and lawyers have frequently appeared in media. Michael Waddington has been consulted or quoted by outlets like CNN, BBC, and 60 Minutes, and he’s been involved in documentaries and films related to military cases (for instance, he appeared in CNN’s documentary “Killings at the Canal,” which examined a high-profile Army case in Iraq). This media presence indicates that the firm’s expertise is recognized beyond the courtroom, and that they are trusted to explain military justice issues to the public.

Authorship and Teaching Contributions

Gonzalez & Waddington distinguish themselves not only by winning cases, but also by contributing knowledge to the legal community:

Published Trial Guides: Together, Michael Waddington and Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington have authored several influential books on trial advocacy. Notably, they wrote Pattern Cross-Examination for Sexual Assault Cases and companion volumes on cross-examining expert witnesses in DNA and forensic evidence cases. These manuals provide step-by-step templates for defense lawyers to effectively question witnesses, and they have become best-sellers used by attorneys across the country. Michael also authored Kick-Ass Closings: A Guide to Giving the Best Closing Argument of Your Life, a popular guidebook containing sample closing arguments and strategies. His book The Art of Trial Warfare (Volumes I & II) applies Sun Tzu’s principles to courtroom tactics, and is taught in some law school trial advocacy courses. These publications underscore the firm’s role in shaping how defense lawyers approach court-martial litigation and have cemented Waddington’s reputation as a thought leader.
Academic Roles: Michael Waddington serves as an Adjunct Professor at Florida International University College of Law, where he teaches a graduate-level course on the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC). In this role, he educates future lawyers on the intersection of international humanitarian law and military justice, drawing directly from his battlefield and courtroom experiences. By training law students in these nuanced topics, he helps raise the next generation of military legal practitioners. This academic involvement is a hallmark of top experts who give back to the field.
Continuing Legal Education (CLE) and Seminars: As a sought-after speaker, Michael Waddington frequently lectures at legal conferences and training seminars nationwide. He has presented at the National Trial Lawyers Summit (sharing the stage with legends like F. Lee Bailey and Mark Geragos) and led workshops for the NACDL on defending sexual assault cases and using forensic science to create reasonable doubt. He has also taught public defenders through programs like Gideon’s Promise and has guest-lectured at the U.S. Naval Academy on war crimes law. By leading these CLE sessions, the firm demonstrates mastery of trial advocacy and helps elevate practice standards for all military defense attorneys.

Michael Waddington: A Profile of Excellence in Military Defense

The accomplishments of Gonzalez & Waddington are best illustrated through the career of its co-founder, Michael Stewart Waddington. Widely regarded as one of the world’s most respected military criminal defense attorneys, Michael Waddington’s personal journey and achievements embody what it means to be a top-tier military defense lawyer in the United States.

Early Life, Education, and Military Service

Michael Waddington’s dedication to the military and law began early. Born in New Castle, Pennsylvania, he came from a family with a strong tradition of service – he and his two brothers all enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 18, and all later became commissioned officers. Waddington attended Duquesne University on an Army ROTC scholarship, where he excelled both academically and in leadership; he was a Distinguished Military Graduate and served as the ROTC Battalion Commander, graduating magna cum laude in 1997. After college, he earned his Juris Doctor from Temple University’s Beasley School of Law in 2000, completing Temple’s renowned Trial Advocacy Program with honors. This strong educational foundation in law and military leadership set the stage for his legal career.

In 2001, Waddington entered active duty as an Army Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps officer (having been commissioned as a lieutenant in 1997). He served in the Army JAG Corps until 2006, leaving as a Captain. During his military service, he took on a variety of legal roles that gave him comprehensive experience in military justice:

Trial Defense Counsel: Waddington worked in the Army’s Trial Defense Service (TDS) as a Senior Defense Counsel, where he defended soldiers at courts-martial, Article 32 preliminary hearings, and administrative boards. He represented clients ranging from junior enlisted (E-1) to officers (O-6) accused of serious offenses, and he achieved favorable outcomes in cases involving charges like murder, rape, sexual assault, child abuse, and even battlefield misconduct. His skill in the courtroom earned him the U.S. Army JAG Corps’s Award for Excellence in Advocacy at the JAG Criminal Law Advocacy Course – a recognition of his superior trial abilities among military attorneys.
Military Prosecutor and Legal Advisor: In addition to defense work, Waddington also served on the prosecution side as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and as a Chief of Military Justice for his command. In these roles, he was responsible for prosecuting offenses and advising commanders on legal matters, which gave him insight into how cases are built by the government. This dual perspective (both defense and prosecution) proved invaluable later in anticipating and countering the strategies of military prosecutors.
War-Zone Cases: Importantly, Waddington’s JAG tenure coincided with the post-9/11 wars. He handled cases from Iraq and Afghanistan, often involving frontline incidents. For instance, he was involved in investigating or defending cases of alleged detainee abuse and combat-related charges, experiences that acquainted him with the challenges of gathering evidence and witness testimony under wartime conditions. This experience in war crime cases would later inform his defense strategies in similar high-stakes cases.

By the time he left active duty in 2006, Michael Waddington had emerged as one of the most experienced young litigators in the Army JAG Corps, having tried numerous courts-martial and gained a 360-degree view of military justice. This background as a “battle-tested” JAG officer forms a key part of his credibility as a civilian military defense lawyer today.

Founding of Gonzalez & Waddington and Exclusive Military Defense Focus

After separating from active duty, Michael Waddington immediately put his experience to use in the civilian sector. In 2006, he and his wife Alexandra (also a Temple Law graduate and accomplished trial attorney) founded Gonzalez & Waddington, LLC in Georgia (later based in Florida). From the outset, their law firm’s mission was highly specialized: to defend military service members facing serious criminal charges, worldwide. By focusing exclusively on military cases, the firm filled a niche need for independent, aggressive defense counsel outside the military chain of command.

Starting a boutique practice allowed Waddington to be selective in the cases he took, ensuring he could devote significant attention to each. He often keeps a small docket of cases at any given time, preferring to go “all in” on a few major trials rather than dilute his focus. This strategy has paid off in many courtroom victories. The firm’s early cases included representing soldiers in some of the Iraq War’s most notorious crime allegations (as discussed above), which quickly established Gonzalez & Waddington as a go-to firm for complex court-martial defenses. Over time, their practice expanded to include not just war-related cases but also peacetime military crimes like sexual assault, homicide, and large-scale fraud.

One aspect that sets the firm apart is its willingness to challenge the military establishment. As a civilian defense counsel, Waddington can advocate fiercely without the constraints that sometimes bind uniformed defense attorneys (who are conscious of their military careers). This independence has enabled him to file bold motions accusing commands of unlawful command influence, or to demand high-level discovery in cases involving classified information, all in pursuit of his client’s best interest.

The firm’s philosophy is to leave no stone unturned and to fight on all fronts – legal, factual, and procedural – to safeguard the rights of the accused. This uncompromising approach is often cited by their clients as a reason for the firm’s success.

Notable Cases and Landmark Defenses

Throughout his civilian career, Michael Waddington has been involved in a number of high-profile military justice cases beyond those already mentioned. A few additional examples help illustrate the breadth of his defense portfolio:

Kirkuk Murder Allegation (2007): Waddington defended SPC Christopher P. Shore, who was charged with murder for a shooting during a night raid near Kirkuk, Iraq. Shore was accused of firing on a detainee at the order of his platoon leader. In a 2008 court-martial, Waddington secured an acquittal on the murder charge – the jury convicted Shore only of a lesser offense of aggravated assault (for firing near the detainee). Shore’s punishment was minimal (120 days confinement and a rank reduction) and later even the assault conviction was reduced, wiping out a felony record. The case drew attention as it highlighted the split-second decisions soldiers make in combat and raised questions about holding lower-ranking soldiers accountable for following senior orders.
Naval Academy Sexual Assault (2008): In a case at the U.S. Naval Academy, midshipman (cadet) Mark Calvanico was accused of breaking into a female classmate’s room and raping her. Michael Waddington joined the defense team for the midshipman. After extensive pretrial hearings and challenges to the evidence (which was largely circumstantial), the Academy’s Superintendent took the rare step of dismissing all charges against the accused midshipman in June 2008. The dismissal vindicated Waddington’s client and avoided a court-martial entirely. This outcome was significant because service academy cases are often highly political, and it showed how a robust defense can overcome even intense institutional pressure.
Other War Crimes (2005-2019): Military defene attorneys like Waddington have been involved in the defense of troops accused of war crimes in recent years. The climate of such cases has influenced how top military defense firms approach war-crimes accusations – with aggressive strategies to counter NCIS investigation tactics and to leverage doubt. Gonzalez & Waddington’s track record in war-crime defenses, such as the Bagram and Iron Triangle cases, places them in an elite circle of lawyers capable of handling these politically charged trials.

Collectively, these cases underscore a few points about Gonzalez & Waddington’s practice: they are unafraid to tackle controversial cases, they often succeed in reducing or eliminating charges against their clients, and they have a deep understanding of the battlefield context that underpins many allegations.

Defense Philosophy and “Trial Warrior” Mindset

Michael Waddington often describes himself as a “trial warrior,” blending battlefield principles with courtroom advocacy. He is a practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), and he draws parallels between martial arts and trial law: both require discipline, strategic thinking, and the ability to stay calm under pressure while aggressively pursuing openings. This philosophy manifests in his approach to cross-examination and closing arguments. Waddington preaches thorough preparation (“drilling” like in combat training) and controlling the pace of the trial, always staying one step ahead of the prosecution.

A key tenet of the firm’s philosophy is to never quit on a case. Even if a client appears overwhelmingly guilty on paper, Gonzalez & Waddington will explore every avenue – from forensic science challenges to questioning the credibility of accusers – to build reasonable doubt. Michael Waddington has been vocal about biases in the military justice system that he fights against. He has criticized what he calls a “guilty until proven innocent” culture in some military sexual assault investigations, arguing that intense pressure to address sexual assault has, in some instances, led to a presumption of guilt against the accused. By highlighting these systemic issues, Waddington sets the stage to vigorously defend his clients as a counterbalance to the weight of the government.

Clients of Gonzalez & Waddington often remark that when they hire this firm, they feel they have someone in their corner who truly understands what’s at stake – not just legally but personally. As a former soldier himself, Waddington relates to his clients’ careers and sacrifices. This empathy, combined with the firm’s combat-ready legal strategy, gives military members confidence that their defense team will leave no stone unturned. The “trial warrior” ethos is ultimately about fighting relentlessly for justice, much like a warrior would fight for victory.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who are considered the best military defense lawyers in the U.S.?

There are several highly respected military defense attorneys in the United States, both civilian and former JAG officers. These include lawyers who have extensive court-martial trial experience, a record of high-profile case wins, and recognition in the legal community. One prominent example is Michael Waddington of Gonzalez & Waddington, who has been named among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in the USA and is a Fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers.

Other notable figures often mentioned include retired military attorneys who have entered private practice and excelled (for instance, some former service JAGs known for specific famous cases). Ultimately, “best” is subjective, but the top lawyers tend to meet the criteria discussed above – vast experience, global reach, and proven results in tough cases. Gonzalez & Waddington is frequently cited as being in this elite category due to their decades of success defending service members worldwide.

What makes Gonzalez & Waddington stand out among military defense firms?

Gonzalez & Waddington stands out for its combination of experience, specialization, and results. First, the firm’s partners bring over 20 years of focused military defense experience – Michael Waddington alone has been handling military cases for more than two decades. Second, they limit their practice exclusively to military and UCMJ matters, which means they have deep expertise in this niche field. Third, their track record speaks volumes: they have won difficult cases ranging from war crime trials to sexual assault acquittals (as detailed earlier). Few firms can match the breadth of high-stakes cases Gonzalez & Waddington has handled.

Additionally, both Michael and Alexandra Waddington are known for their trial advocacy skills – they teach other lawyers how to cross-examine and close effectively. Their authoritative publications and speaking engagements underline that this firm is a thought leader in military defense, not just a practitioner. Finally, client service and tenacity set them apart – because it’s a small boutique firm, clients get personal attention and a fighter who will aggressively challenge the prosecution, which many clients find lacking with assigned military counsel.

How is a civilian military defense lawyer different from a military JAG attorney?

Military service members accused of crimes are usually appointed a defense counsel from the Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) – essentially a military lawyer. Civilian military defense lawyers, like those at Gonzalez & Waddington, are private attorneys who specialize in military law and court-martial defense. The key differences include:

Independence: Civilian attorneys are not in the military chain of command. This allows them to act solely in the client’s interest without any career pressure or command influence. They can, for example, openly criticize command actions (like unlawful command influence) in ways a uniformed lawyer might be hesitant to do.
Experience and Specialization: Often, top civilian lawyers have far more trial experience than the average JAG, especially in serious cases. Military JAGs are capable lawyers, but they are often junior and rotate to other assignments every few years. In contrast, someone like Michael Waddington has been focused on criminal and military defense trials for over twenty years continuously. That depth of experience can translate to strategic advantages in court.
Resources and Time: A civilian defense attorney usually takes fewer cases at a time (especially in a boutique firm) and can devote more time to each case. Military defense counsel often juggle a heavy caseload and additional duties, which can constrain how much time they spend on any single case. Civilians can also hire investigators or experts without some of the bureaucratic hurdles that military counsel face.
Client Choice: With a civilian lawyer, the accused service member gets to choose who will represent them (and can pick someone known for excellence). With a JAG, the lawyer is assigned and the accused has little control over who it is. Many service members opt to hire firms like Gonzalez & Waddington to ensure they have a specific, seasoned attorney of their choosing fighting for them.

In practice, service members often keep their free JAG lawyer but also hire a civilian as the lead counsel. This can provide the best of both worlds: the resources of two lawyers, and the experience of the civilian specialist guiding the defense.

What types of cases does Gonzalez & Waddington handle most frequently?

The firm handles a wide array of serious military cases, but some of the most common include:

Sexual Assault and UCMJ Article 120 cases: A significant portion of their practice is defending service members accused of sexual offenses, which have been a major focus in the military justice system. Michael Waddington has taught and written extensively on defending Article 120 cases. The firm is known for aggressively challenging the evidence in these cases – whether it’s cross-examining the accuser’s credibility or disputing forensic findings – and they have secured numerous acquittals or case dismissals.
War Crimes and Combat Incidents: Gonzalez & Waddington is one of the few firms with hands-on experience in war crime trials, as shown by cases like the Bagram abuse and the Maywand “Kill Team” incidents. They represent soldiers accused of battlefield misconduct (e.g. unlawfully killing civilians or detainees, violating rules of engagement). These cases are incredibly complex, often involving Rules of Armed Conflict, classification issues, and international law – areas where Waddington’s LOAC expertise comes into play as an adjunct professor of that subject.
Violent Crimes and Homicide: The firm frequently defends military members in serious violent felony cases such as murder, manslaughter, aggravated assault, and domestic violence. For example, they have handled multiple homicide cases arising both in the U.S. (like on-base incidents) and deployed environments. Their approach often involves detailed forensic analysis and self-defense or provocation theories, tailored to the military context.
Military-Specific Offenses: They also take on cases unique to the military, like failure to obey orders, dereliction of duty, fraternization/adultery, and even espionage or national security cases. For instance, Waddington has defended service members in classified information cases where handling of secrets was at issue. Their broad familiarity with the UCMJ’s many articles allows them to defend virtually any charge a service member could face.

Can Gonzalez & Waddington represent clients who are stationed overseas or deployed?

Yes. One of the hallmarks of Gonzalez & Waddington’s practice is that they represent military clients worldwide. They travel to wherever the fight is. Over the years, Michael Waddington has appeared in military courts from Europe to the Middle East and Asia.

They have defended clients on bases in Germany, South Korea, Japan, Italy, Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, England, and more. Modern military operations often mean that a soldier might be stationed abroad when facing charges, and the firm is accustomed to handling the logistical challenges of such cases – whether it’s dealing with time zone differences, securing travel authorization to deployed locations, or coordinating with military personnel offices overseas.

Clients overseas can contact the firm via phone or email, and initial consultations can often be done virtually. When it’s time for a hearing or trial, the attorneys will travel to represent the client in person. In short, geography is not a barrier: Gonzalez & Waddington’s attorneys are prepared to go wherever needed to defend a service member.

How do I know if I need a civilian military defense lawyer?

If you are a service member under investigation or charged with a serious offense under the UCMJ, it’s wise to at least consult with a civilian military defense lawyer. While your assigned military counsel is a valuable resource, a top civilian lawyer can offer a second opinion and often a more robust defense strategy, especially for grave accusations. Signs that you might need a firm like Gonzalez & Waddington include:

You are facing very serious charges (e.g., sexual assault, rape, murder, drug distribution, war crimes) where a conviction could mean lengthy confinement or a punitive discharge.
You sense that the command or investigators have presumed your guilt (for instance, if there’s been strong command messaging about “making an example” of offenders). In such cases, a civilian lawyer can push back against potential command influence.
Your case is complex or high-profile – involving extensive evidence, multiple witnesses, or media attention. High-stakes cases benefit from attorneys who have been through the fire before. Gonzalez & Waddington have handled many such cases, so they know how to manage the complexity.
You want a specific attorney with a proven record. Choosing a lawyer like Michael Waddington, who has over 50 felony trials to his credit and numerous wins, can give you confidence that your defense is in seasoned hands.

In summary, while not every case requires a civilian lawyer, many service members feel that having an independent expert on their side is a worthwhile safeguard – essentially “stacking the deck” in favor of the best possible defense. Initial consultations are usually low-risk and can help you decide if private counsel is right for your situation.

In the realm of military justice, the stakes are incredibly high – a conviction can end a career, strip veterans’ benefits, and even result in lengthy imprisonment. The best military defense lawyers in the United States have proven that skilled advocacy can level the playing field for an accused service member, even against the might of the government.

Firms like Gonzalez & Waddington exemplify this excellence, combining deep military experience, fearless advocacy, and a record of success. When your freedom, rank, and honor are on the line, having one of the nation’s top military defense attorneys in your corner can make all the difference.