Article 120b Sexual Abuse of a Child – Military Defense Lawyers & Court Martial Attorneys
Understanding Article 120b and Your Defense Options
Article 120b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice criminalizes sexual offenses involving children, including sexual assault of a child, molestation, lewd acts, exposure, indecent conduct, and exploiting or enticing a minor. These are among the most aggressively prosecuted offenses in the military justice system. Allegations can be based on misunderstandings, false memories, coaching, digital misinterpretation, or motivated accusations during custody disputes.
A conviction under Article 120b carries catastrophic penalties: decades of confinement, mandatory sex offender registration, dishonorable discharge, total loss of benefits, and permanent destruction of one’s reputation. Early action is essential. Service members must avoid speaking to investigators, preserve all digital evidence, and secure experienced civilian counsel immediately.
How 120b Investigations Begin
Child-related allegations often trigger multi-agency investigations including CID, NCIS, OSI, Family Advocacy, child protective services, and civilian law enforcement. These agencies frequently assume guilt, use suggestive interview techniques, and pursue charges aggressively even when physical evidence is nonexistent.
- Digital devices are seized immediately
- Children may be interviewed multiple times improperly
- Accusations may stem from divorce or custody conflicts
- Statements by children are often influenced by adults
- Allegations can morph over time due to coaching
Key Defense Strategies
A successful defense relies on challenging unreliable forensic interviews, identifying motives to fabricate, and disproving digital claims.
- Attack inconsistent statements by the alleged child-victim
- Expose coaching by parents or adults with an agenda
- Challenge digital artifacts that investigators misinterpret
- Bring expert witnesses in forensic psychology, child memory, and interviewing techniques
- Demand forensic interview recordings to show suggestive questioning
- Use timeline reconstruction to disprove opportunity
- Suppress unlawful searches or digital seizures
Why Choose Gonzalez & Waddington
Michael and Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington have decades of experience defending service members falsely accused of child-related offenses. Their cross-examination skills and digital forensic strategies are industry-leading, and their books are used by lawyers worldwide.
Contact Our Article 120b Defense Lawyers
If you face Article 120b allegations, time is critical. We can help you fight the government’s case and protect your future.
Article 120b – Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a civilian lawyer for Article 120b?
Yes. Article 120b cases are extremely complex and require digital, forensic, and psychological expertise. Michael and Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington are among the most experienced child-sex defense attorneys in the military justice system.
What are the penalties?
Penalties include decades of confinement, dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of pay, loss of retirement, and mandatory sex offender registration. These penalties require an aggressive defense.
Can these allegations be false?
Yes. Many 120b cases are based on false memories, coaching by adults, or misinterpreted behavior. A strong defense exposes these flaws.
Will I have to register as a sex offender?
A conviction under Article 120b almost always results in mandatory sex offender registration. Preventing conviction is the only way to avoid lifelong registry requirements.
