Criminal Military Investigation Defense Lawyers – CID, NCIS, OSI

Gonzalez & Waddington are civilian criminal military investigation defense lawyers representing service members worldwide when CID, NCIS, or OSI opens a criminal investigation. These investigations often begin before charges and focus on felony-level allegations where early interviews, statements, digital evidence, and investigative summaries shape administrative action or court-martial exposure. Call 1-800-921-8607 if investigators contact you.

What a criminal military investigation means

A criminal military investigation is a formal law-enforcement inquiry into alleged misconduct that may lead to court-martial charges. Unlike purely administrative inquiries, criminal investigations are typically conducted with trial-level prosecution in mind. Investigators gather evidence, assess credibility, and prepare reports designed to support potential felony charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. These investigations frequently begin long before a service member is charged or even fully aware of the scope of the allegations. A single interview, digital record, or third-party statement can become the foundation for both administrative fallout and criminal prosecution.

Military Investigation & Defense Practice Areas

The following links provide focused, in-depth guidance on the most common military investigations, disciplinary actions, and court-martial related matters faced by service members. Each page addresses a specific phase or category of military justice exposure.

• Military Investigation Defense Lawyers
• Criminal Military Investigation Defense Lawyers
• Military Sex Crimes Investigation Defense Lawyers
• Command-Directed Investigation Defense Lawyers
• Military Investigation Rights
• Military Administrative Defense Lawyers
• Boards of Inquiry & Administrative Separation Lawyers
• Military Letters of Reprimand Defense Lawyers
• Non-Judicial Punishment Defense Lawyers
• Military Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers
• Article 120 Sexual Assault Court-Martial Lawyers
• Military CSAM & Online Sting Defense Lawyers
• Military Sexual Harassment Defense Lawyers

Agencies that conduct criminal military investigations

Criminal military investigations are handled by specialized law-enforcement agencies depending on branch and assignment. Army cases commonly involve CID. Navy and Marine Corps cases commonly involve NCIS. Air Force and Space Force cases commonly involve OSI. These agencies operate independently from a service member’s chain of command but coordinate closely with command legal offices. In joint environments or cross-service allegations, more than one agency may be involved. Regardless of which agency leads, the investigative methods and consequences are similar across branches.

Common criminal investigation triggers

Criminal investigations often begin with information rather than proof. Reports from supervisors, third parties, medical referrals, or law enforcement encounters can all trigger investigative action. Off-duty incidents, interpersonal disputes, alcohol-related settings, and online communications are frequent contexts where allegations arise. The existence of an investigation does not establish guilt. It does, however, place the service member into a process where statements, evidence, and investigator interpretations can quickly shape outcomes.

How CID, NCIS, and OSI build criminal cases

Criminal investigators focus on developing a structured evidentiary record. This usually includes interviews with complainants, witnesses, and subjects; collection of written or recorded statements; and review of digital evidence such as text messages, social media, photos, videos, and device data. Investigators also evaluate internal consistency and credibility across accounts. As the investigation progresses, findings are summarized and routed to command and legal authorities. These summaries frequently influence charging decisions, administrative separation actions, and non-judicial punishment.

Why the investigation stage controls everything

In military practice, the investigation stage often determines the trajectory of the entire case. Early interviews can lock in timelines and narratives that are difficult to correct later. Digital evidence collected early is preserved and relied upon throughout the process. Even when criminal charges are not filed, the investigative record commonly drives administrative decisions. This is why criminal investigation defense focuses on the earliest stages, not just the courtroom.

Administrative and court-martial consequences

Criminal investigations frequently produce consequences even without a court-martial. Commands may initiate administrative separation, issue letters of reprimand, or pursue non-judicial punishment based on investigative findings. When charges are preferred, the same investigative record becomes the prosecution’s foundation. For related administrative pathways, see Military Administrative Defense Lawyers – Separation Boards & Adverse Actions and Boards of Inquiry & Administrative Separation Defense Lawyers.

Sex crimes and other felony investigations

Many criminal military investigations involve sex-related allegations, including Article 120 sexual assault, CSAM, and online sting cases. These investigations are treated as high-risk matters and often escalate rapidly. Digital evidence, credibility disputes, and early statements are especially influential. For deeper resources, see Military Sex Crimes Investigation Defense Lawyers, Article 120 Sexual Assault Court-Martial Lawyers, and Military CSAM & Online Sting Defense Lawyers.

Rights during criminal military investigations

Service members have specific protections during criminal investigations, including Article 31(b) safeguards when suspected and questioned by military authorities. Interviews may be formal or informal, and statements can become permanent evidence. Searches of phones, computers, and accounts are also common in criminal cases. For a focused breakdown, see Military Investigation Rights – Article 31(b), Statements & Searches.

How Gonzalez & Waddington help during criminal investigations

Gonzalez & Waddington focus on military justice and are routinely retained during the criminal investigation stage, often before charges or administrative action occur. The firm understands how CID, NCIS, and OSI build cases and how investigative records shape both prosecution and separation decisions. If you are under criminal military investigation anywhere in the world, early representation matters. Contact Gonzalez & Waddington at 1-800-921-8607 to discuss investigation-stage defense.