Can Gonzalez & Waddington, LLC Represent Clients in Administrative Separation Boards?
Yes. Gonzalez & Waddington, LLC represents service members across all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces facing administrative separation boards (also called “Chapter Boards,” “ADSEP Boards,” or “Boards of Inquiry”). We have defended enlisted and officer clients worldwide, from junior troops to senior leadership, protecting their careers, benefits, reputations, and futures.
- Over 25 years of military defense experience
- Hundreds of successful separation board defenses
- Officers, warrant officers, enlisted, active duty & reservists
- Worldwide representation—CONUS and OCONUS
What Is an Administrative Separation Board?
An administrative separation board is a formal hearing where the military attempts to discharge a service member for misconduct, poor performance, security violations, drug use, sexual misconduct, or other alleged issues. It is a career-ending proceeding, even without a conviction.
Board Types by Branch
- Army: Chapter 14, 15, 13, 18 Boards
- Navy/Marines: ADSEP Boards under MILPERSMAN or SECNAVINST
- Air Force/Space Force: Administrative Discharge Boards (AFI 36-3208)
- Officers: Show Cause Boards, Boards of Inquiry (BOI), or Elimination Boards
Why Administrative Separation Boards Are High-Risk
These boards can result in:
- General or Other Than Honorable Discharge (impacting GI Bill, VA benefits, healthcare)
- Involuntary separation with no retirement (even with 18+ years of service)
- Loss of security clearance and federal job eligibility
Why Hire Gonzalez & Waddington?
While you may be assigned a JAG, your life is on the line. Our team brings firepower and precision to the boardroom with aggressive cross-examination, strategic narrative framing, and thorough preparation. We work closely with military clients to build a defense that resonates with board members.
What We Do:
- Draft and file legal objections and motions
- Cross-examine command witnesses and accusers
- Prepare you for direct and rebuttal testimony
- Gather character statements and exculpatory evidence
- Challenge legal and factual grounds for separation
What’s the Process Like?
- Receive Notification of Separation
- Elect to have a board hearing (if eligible)
- Board includes 3 panel members (officers or senior enlisted)
- Both sides present evidence and examine witnesses
- Board recommends whether to separate, under what characterization
Examples of Successful Outcomes
- Sexual misconduct claim: client retained, accuser discredited
- Drug use accusation: case dismissed after procedural violations exposed
- Performance-related discharge: upgraded to honorable with full benefits
Timing Is Critical
Don’t wait until the board date is set. The sooner we get involved, the more time we have to shape the narrative, gather defense evidence, and pressure the command to reconsider.
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