NAS Jacksonville Military Defense Lawyers – Florida UCMJ Attorneys

Elite Civilian Military Defense for Sailors and Officers at Naval Air Station Jacksonville

Naval Air Station Jacksonville (NAS Jax) is one of the U.S. Navy’s premier aviation hubs. Located along the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida, NAS Jax houses Patrol Squadrons (VP), Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance forces, Navy Reserve units, helicopter squadrons, maintenance wings, aviation training elements, foreign military detachments, and a major Navy hospital. It is also the largest Navy installation in the Southeast, supporting thousands of Sailors, officers, civilians, and joint-force personnel.

Because NAS Jacksonville is a major operational base — not simply a training pipeline — incidents involving service members are treated with exceptional seriousness. NCIS investigations begin quickly. Command climate can be strict. And disciplinary actions often move faster than service members expect. One allegation, one misunderstanding, or one night out in Jacksonville, Riverside, San Marco, or Jax Beach can put your entire military career at risk.

Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law is one of the most experienced military defense law firms in the country. Led by former JAG Michael Waddington and trial attorney Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington, our team defends service members at NAS Jacksonville against UCMJ charges, administrative separations, NJP, Boards of Inquiry, Article 32 hearings, and career-ending allegations that the government often mishandles or misinterprets.

The Legal Climate at NAS Jacksonville

NAS Jax is home to mission-critical aviation squadrons that deploy globally. This means any legal issue — no matter how small — may be viewed as a threat to operational readiness. As a result:

• NCIS often opens investigations without notifying the accused early
• Consent-related allegations rise from off-base nightlife scenes, particularly in Jacksonville and Jax Beach
• Alcohol-related incidents often escalate into UCMJ cases
• Domestic disputes quickly become criminal allegations
• Fraternization investigations are common among aviation and maintenance units
• Command climate can be extremely cautious due to media sensitivity
• Clearances may be suspended early in the process

This command environment creates a dangerous legal landscape. Even minor allegations can become major disciplinary events — unless you have proper representation.

UCMJ Criminal Defense at NAS Jacksonville

Our firm defends Sailors, Marines, and other service members at NAS Jacksonville against the full range of UCMJ charges. Many cases arise from liberty incidents, relationship conflicts, miscommunications among peers, or misunderstandings during deployments and detachments.

Common UCMJ Allegations at NAS Jax

• Article 120 – Sexual assault, abusive sexual contact, indecent behavior
• Article 128b – Domestic violence or assault allegations
• Article 112a – Drug use or possession (THC, cocaine, pills, MDMA)
• Article 92 – Failure to obey orders, safety violations, fraternization
• Article 107 – False official statement
• Article 133/134 – Conduct unbecoming, adultery, disorderly behavior
• Article 86 – AWOL/failure to report

Courts and Hearings We Handle

• General Court-Martial (GCM)
• Special Court-Martial (SPCM)
• Summary Court-Martial
• Article 32 Preliminary Hearings
• Suppression motions, pretrial litigation, expert testimony

We are known for challenging weak NCIS investigations, exposing contradictions, and delivering aggressive trial strategy.

Administrative Separations, BOIs & NJP at NAS Jax

Administrative actions are extremely common at NAS Jacksonville, especially among aviation communities. Because the operational tempo is so high, commands often prefer to administratively separate a Sailor instead of taking a case to court-martial.

We defend service members in:

• Enlisted Administrative Separation Boards
• Officer Boards of Inquiry (BOI)
• CPO disciplinary boards
• NJP/Captain’s Mast
• FITREP/Eval rebuttals
• Security clearance suspensions

Separation attempts often stem from:

• Liberty incidents in Jacksonville Beach or downtown bars
• Domestic disputes in base or off-base housing
• Training or safety violations
• Alleged fraternization among squadrons
• Relationship conflicts and emotional allegations
• Accommodation or barracks-related conflicts

Geographic Hotspots for Legal Trouble at NAS Jacksonville

Understanding the local area helps predict — and defend — the types of cases that arise from NAS Jax.

1. Jacksonville Beach & Atlantic Beach

• Alcohol-heavy nightlife environment
• Bar encounters that turn into accusations
• Consent misunderstandings
• Altercations or disorderly conduct incidents

2. Riverside, San Marco, and Downtown Jacksonville

• Nightclubs and bars with late closing hours
• Taxi/Uber driver statements that become “evidence”
• Alcohol-fueled domestic disputes

3. On-Base and Off-Base Housing

• Roommate conflicts
• Noise complaints leading to accusations
• Domestic disturbances escalating into criminal cases

4. Barracks & Ships at NS Mayport proximities

Some NAS Jax personnel rotate through Mayport units — increasing overlap of legal issues.

Why NAS Jacksonville Service Members Choose Gonzalez & Waddington

Our firm is designed for high-stakes litigation. We don’t simply prepare paperwork — we prepare for war in the courtroom. When your military future, clearance, or flight status is at risk, you deserve the strongest defense available.

• Former JAG Michael Waddington — one of America’s top military trial lawyers
• Attorney Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington — expert cross-examiner and strategist
• Global experience defending service members in high-profile cases
• Books and publications used by military lawyers worldwide
• Precision-built defense strategies tailored to aviation communities
• We take fewer cases for maximum preparation and elite performance

Florida Bases Our Military Defense Lawyers Serve:

• Eglin Air Force Base
• Patrick Space Force Base
• Naval Air Station Pensacola
• Naval Station Mayport
• Hurlburt Field
• MacDill Air Force Base
• NAS Whiting Field
• NAS Jacksonville
• NSA Panama City
• NAS Key West
• USCG Air Station Clearwater
• USCG Sector Jacksonville
• USCG Sector Key West

Pro Tips for Sailors Under Investigation at NAS Jacksonville

• Never speak to NCIS without a lawyer. Not even “off the record.”
• Preserve all digital evidence immediately. Screenshots, texts, social media, photos.
• Do NOT talk to the accuser or anyone aligned with them.
• Avoid all nightlife environments while under investigation.
• Document your timeline — memory fades, evidence vanishes.
• Do NOT consent to a search of your phone, car, barracks, or residence.
• Get legal counsel EARLY. Waiting costs careers.

Your Career at NAS Jacksonville Is Too Important to Lose

If you’re under investigation or facing NJP, administrative separation, or court-martial at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, the clock is already running. The Navy begins building its case immediately — and you must do the same.

➤ Schedule a Confidential Consultation with Gonzalez & Waddington

Authoritative reference link: Official U.S. Navy Website

NAS Jacksonville Military Defense Lawyers – Frequently Asked Questions