Can Civilian Counsel Represent Me at a Court-Martial?
Yes. Every service member facing a court-martial under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ)
has the right to hire a civilian military defense lawyer of their choice.
Civilian counsel can appear in any branch of the armed forces and in any location worldwide.
This right is codified in the Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM, R.C.M. 506).
The Role of Civilian Counsel
Civilian lawyers represent service members in partnership with, or in place of, appointed JAG defense counsel.
Many service members use both: the JAG provides procedural support and access on base, while the civilian attorney leads the defense strategy and trial execution.
- Full trial rights: Civilian counsel can argue motions, cross-examine witnesses, and present your case.
- Global reach: Civilian lawyers regularly appear in overseas and deployed courts-martial.
- Independence: They answer only to you, not to the chain of command.
- Trial depth: Civilian defense counsel often bring decades of courtroom experience to complex UCMJ cases.
Why Civilian Counsel Can Be Critical
- Resource advantage: Civilian lawyers can hire private investigators, forensic experts, and consultants.
- Bandwidth: Unlike JAGs who juggle heavy caseloads, civilian lawyers focus more time on each client.
- High-stakes cases: In allegations like Article 120 sexual assault, homicide, or complex fraud, additional advocacy can be decisive.
- Two-lawyer team: Commands and prosecutors take cases more seriously when a civilian lawyer is added to the defense team.
Video: Gonzalez & Waddington – Elite Military Defense Lawyers
Elite Court-Martial Attorneys | Gonzalez & Waddington – Defending Service Members Worldwide.
Common Questions
Can I keep my JAG if I hire civilian counsel?
Yes. You may keep your appointed JAG as co-counsel while your civilian lawyer leads the case.
Does hiring civilian counsel delay my trial?
No. Civilian counsel coordinate with the court and JAG system to integrate seamlessly into the process.
Can a civilian lawyer appear overseas?
Yes. Civilian military defense lawyers routinely travel to bases worldwide to represent clients.
Will the military respect a civilian lawyer?
Yes. Prosecutors and commands recognize experienced civilian attorneys and often prepare more carefully when they are involved.
Why Gonzalez & Waddington
We have defended service members at courts-martial across the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Our attorneys bring unmatched independence and trial-tested strategy to the fight, ensuring that our clients are never outmatched by government resources.
Call: 1-800-921-8607 |
ucmjdefense.com
Talk to a Military Defense Lawyer
If you are facing a court-martial, add experience and independence to your defense team. Call 1-800-921-8607 today.
Disclaimer
This page is for educational purposes only and does not create an attorney–client relationship. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Always consult an attorney about your case.
