Egypt Military Defense Lawyers – UCMJ Defense Attorneys
UCMJ & Court-Martial Defense for U.S. Service Members in Egypt
Egypt hosts U.S. forces supporting the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) mission in the Sinai Peninsula and liaison posts at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo. U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine personnel serve in monitoring, logistics, intelligence, and diplomatic roles. Allegations of misconduct in Egypt can have significant diplomatic repercussions and lead to severe punishments under both U.S. and Egyptian law.
Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law has defended service members stationed in Egypt since the inception of the MFO mission. Our attorneys understand the unique legal challenges of operating under the U.S.–Egypt SOFA, MFO regulations, and Egyptian criminal law. We provide robust court-martial defense when allegations surface.
Why Allegations in Egypt Are Urgent
Egypt is a pivotal U.S. ally in the Middle East. Accusations against service members can jeopardize military cooperation and diplomatic relations. Commands react quickly to mitigate potential political fallout.
- Egyptian police may arrest service members for off-base incidents; trials under Egyptian law can occur
- Commands impose curfews, restricted liberty, and “stand-down” orders immediately following allegations
- Investigations involve multiple agencies (CID, NCIS, OSI) and the MFO security office
- Administrative separation boards are initiated quickly to remove service members from sensitive assignments
- Security clearances are suspended rapidly, crippling careers in intelligence and diplomacy
- Media attention and political narratives influence command decisions, often to the detriment of fairness
Defending a case in Egypt requires immediate legal intervention to protect your rights under UCMJ and host-nation law.
Common UCMJ Charges and Administrative Actions in Egypt
Service members in Egypt face a variety of accusations, including:
- Article 120 (Sexual Assault/Rape) – Allegations can arise from liberty activities or interactions with local nationals; punishments are severe and include possible Egyptian prosecution
- Article 128b (Domestic Violence) – Domestic disputes are taken seriously due to mission readiness and host-nation scrutiny
- Article 112a (Drug Use/Distribution) – Egypt has strict drug laws; possession of small quantities leads to serious consequences
- Article 92 (Orders Violations) – Violations include fraternization, disobeying curfew, or failure to follow MFO policies
- Article 121 (Larceny/Fraud) – Theft of equipment, misuse of allowances, or fraud against the U.S. government
- Article 134 (General Misconduct) – Covers adultery, online misconduct, indecent behavior, or behavior that offends Egyptian cultural norms
- Administrative Separation Boards/BOIs – Frequently used to remove service members quickly with a lower burden of proof
- Security Clearance Suspensions – Immediate action often taken for those in intelligence or diplomatic roles
Effective Defense Strategies in Egypt
Our defense strategies focus on challenging flawed evidence, highlighting cultural misunderstandings, and protecting SOFA rights:
- Ensuring host-nation evidence meets U.S. standards and challenging any violations of SOFA protections
- Identifying conflicting witness statements and exposing bias or ulterior motives
- Using digital evidence (texts, calls, social media) to reconstruct events and refute accusations
- Presenting expert testimony on Egyptian criminal law, cultural differences, or forensic science
- Demonstrating command bias and political influence in administrative actions
- Preparing strong appeals for separation boards and security clearance suspensions
Why Hire Gonzalez & Waddington in Egypt
Service members choose our firm because we have extensive experience defending cases in the Middle East, including Egypt. We know how to navigate the complexities of the MFO mission, embassy assignments, and host-nation law.
- Decades of successful global UCMJ defense
- Former Army JAG with Middle East expertise and MFO familiarity
- Authors of authoritative trial advocacy texts used by attorneys worldwide
- Renowned for aggressive, strategic courtroom representation
- Proficient in Egyptian legal procedures, cultural dynamics, and SOFA rights
Contact Our Egypt Military Defense Lawyers & Court Martial Attorneys
If you are stationed or deployed in Egypt and face a court-martial or administrative action, contact us immediately. Do not speak to CID or local authorities without legal counsel. We will protect your rights and fight for your future.
➤ Contact Gonzalez & Waddington for a Confidential Consultation
Egypt Military Defense Lawyers – UCMJ Defense Attorneys – Frequently Asked Questions
Can Egyptian authorities arrest and prosecute U.S. service members?
Yes. Under SOFA agreements, Egypt may investigate crimes committed off base. Some cases can be tried in Egyptian courts, though uniquely military offenses remain under U.S. jurisdiction. Having a lawyer who understands both systems is essential.
Should I speak to investigators without counsel in Egypt?
No. Politely request a lawyer. Investigators often assume guilt to protect mission integrity or diplomatic relations. An attorney ensures your statements aren’t misinterpreted or used unfairly.
What allegations are common for service members in Egypt?
Common allegations include sexual assault, domestic disputes, drug use, larceny, fraud, fraternization, and online misconduct. Cultural misunderstandings and strict local laws contribute to these cases.
Can administrative actions end my career without criminal charges?
Yes. Commands often use administrative separations, BOIs, and clearance suspensions to remove service members quickly. These actions can destroy a career if not aggressively contested.
Who are Michael and Alexandra Gonzalez‑Waddington?
They are highly respected military defense attorneys known for defending U.S. service members in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and globally. Their firm is famed for its strategic trial advocacy and success in challenging environments like Egypt.
