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Defending Your Rights at Travis AFB: What You Need to Know About Article 120 UCMJ Sexual Assault Allegations

Defending Your Rights at Travis AFB: What You Need to Know About Article 120 UCMJ Sexual Assault Allegations

Being accused of a crime under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) can be a life-changing and career-threatening experience, especially when it involves serious allegations such as sexual assault under Article 120. For service members stationed at Travis Air Force Base (AFB) in California, understanding the complexities of military justice and the aggressive nature of military prosecutions is vital. In this post, we delve deep into the challenges faced by those accused under Article 120 UCMJ, recent changes to the military justice system, and how experienced defense attorneys can make a critical difference.

Understanding Article 120 UCMJ and Its Implications

Article 120 of the UCMJ addresses sexual assault and related offenses within the military. The military takes these allegations with extreme seriousness, as they impact not only the individuals involved but also the integrity and discipline of the armed forces. Charges under Article 120 can include sexual assault, sexual harassment, and other related offenses.

The stakes are high: a conviction can result in severe punishments such as confinement, dishonorable discharge, and the end of a military career. Given the military’s mission to uphold discipline and order, prosecutors are especially motivated to secure convictions in these cases.

The Military’s War on Sexual Assault: What Accused Service Members Face

According to criminal defense attorney Michael Waddington, who has over 20 years of experience defending military service members, the military is currently engaged in a concerted “war on sexual assault.” This means that the prosecution teams are not only well-funded and highly trained but are also incredibly zealous in their pursuit of convictions.

Military prosecutors operate with a clear message to Congress and the public: the military will not tolerate sexual assault, domestic violence, or sexual harassment. This has led to a prosecutorial environment where accused individuals must be prepared to face aggressive legal strategies and a system that heavily favors victims’ claims.

The New Victim-Centered Military Justice System: Challenges and Concerns

Significant changes to the military justice system went into effect in December 2023, shifting the framework toward a “victim-centered” approach. This means that once an allegation is made, the person accused is presumed guilty in practice, even if not legally convicted. The system emphasizes believing the accuser from the outset without rigorously probing the credibility of the allegations or actively seeking evidence that might disprove them.

This shift has serious implications:

  • Presumption of Guilt: Investigations begin with the assumption that the accuser is truthful, placing the accused in a defensive posture from the start.
  • Lack of Accountability for False Allegations: Even when allegations are proven false, individuals who made them may face no punishment and may still receive benefits related to military sexual trauma.
  • Impact on Innocent Service Members: Innocent individuals may still face court-martial, administrative separation boards, or negative administrative actions such as reprimands despite a lack of evidence.

These factors create an uphill battle for anyone facing accusations, underscoring the importance of immediate and expert legal defense.

Why You Need Experienced Military Defense Lawyers at Travis AFB

Given the evolving legal landscape and the military’s aggressive stance, service members at Travis AFB need defense lawyers who specialize in military law and understand the nuances of the UCMJ, especially Article 120. Civilian military defense attorneys like Michael Waddington and Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington bring decades of criminal defense experience in military courts worldwide.

They provide more than just legal representation; they level the playing field against well-resourced prosecution teams. Their expertise includes defending complex cases involving:

  • Sexual assault and harassment allegations
  • False accusations and fabricated claims
  • Other serious charges such as computer crimes and white-collar offenses

By acting promptly and aggressively, these attorneys protect not only the legal rights of the accused but also their military careers and reputations.

Taking Responsibility for Your Defense: Steps to Protect Yourself

If you or a loved one is under investigation at Travis AFB for any UCMJ offense, especially under Article 120, it is critical to take immediate action:

  1. Do Not Ignore the Situation: Hoping the problem will resolve itself can lead to irreversible damage.
  2. Seek Expert Legal Counsel: Contact an experienced military defense lawyer who understands the latest changes in military justice.
  3. Prepare a Strong Defense: Work closely with your attorney to gather evidence, witness statements, and any information that supports your innocence.
  4. Understand Your Rights: Even within the military system, you have rights that need to be zealously protected.

Standing up and fighting back early can make the difference between a career-ending conviction and a favorable outcome.

Conclusion

The military justice system, especially regarding Article 120 sexual assault allegations, has become more challenging for accused service members due to recent legal reforms and aggressive prosecution. For those stationed at Travis Air Force Base, understanding these dynamics and securing experienced legal defense is crucial to safeguarding your freedom, career, and reputation.

Attorney Michael Waddington and his team at González & Waddington, LLC, offer trusted and aggressive defense services tailored to military cases. If you or someone you love is facing allegations under the UCMJ, do not hesitate to seek expert counsel immediately. Remember, in the military justice system, your defense starts with a knowledgeable attorney standing firmly by your side.

Contact Information:
González & Waddington, LLC
1792 Bell Tower Ln #218, Weston, FL 33326
Phone: 1-800-921-8607
Website: https://ucmjdefense.com

Full Transcription

My name is Michael Waddington and I'm a criminal defense attorney. I have been aggressively defending military service members for over 20 years. If you or a loved one are stationed at Travis Air Force Base in California and you're suspected or accused of any crime under the UCMJ, such as an Article 120 sexual assault or sexual harassment, and your career is in jeopardy, then reach out and speak with one of our experienced military lawyers today. If you are accused of any serious offense under the UCMJ, such as a UCMJ Article 120 sexual assault, then you should be concerned. Right now, the military is waging a war on sexual assault. You can expect a zealous and determined prosecution team coming after you and trying to win their case. These elite military prosecution teams are well-funded, well-trained, and bound and determined to win convictions. They are on a mission to prove to Congress that the military does not tolerate any form of sexual assault, domestic violence, or sexual harassment. Military prosecutors will be relentless in seeking a conviction in serious jail time once they have you in their sights. To make matters worse, under new laws that went into effect in December of 2023, the new military justice system is victim-centered. What that means to you, if you're accused, is that if a person makes an allegation against you, they are believed from the start. They won't probe the credibility of a person making an allegation. They won't look for any evidence that could disprove the allegation. They're taking anyone who comes to be a victim and they're taking their word for it. That also means that people who have made false or exaggerated allegations will not be punished, even if their allegation is proven to be false. If anything, they may be allowed to retire and get military benefits for military sexual trauma, even if the allegation is proven false in court. You can expect to encounter law enforcement trained to start by believing. Therefore, you're presumed to be guilty once the investigation has started and the law enforcement and prosecutors will act accordingly. Yes, that cuts against your constitutional rights and that cuts against what our country was founded upon and what we stand for, but that's what you can expect in the military justice system. In this new victim-centered approach, the victim, even if the victim is a lying victim, plays a key role in determining what happens to you. What could end up happening is in a case where there's no evidence or if you're in fact innocent, the victim may still insist that you get some sort of punishment. Even if you're innocent and there is no evidence, do not be surprised that you end up at a court martial, an administrative separation board, or receiving some sort of negative paperwork such as a letter reprimand. If you are under investigation for any crime under the UCMJ, then you need to stand up and take responsibility for your defense. Don't become another statistic. Don't play the victim. Don't sit back hoping

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Defending Your Rights at Travis AFB: What You Need to Know About Article 120 UCMJ Sexual Assault Allegations

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