Patrick Space Force Base Military Defense Lawyers – Florida UCMJ Attorneys

Elite Civilian Military Defense for Guardians and Airmen at Patrick Space Force Base

Patrick Space Force Base, located on Florida’s Space Coast near Cocoa Beach, Melbourne, Satellite Beach, and Cape Canaveral, is one of the most critical military installations in the United States. With missions involving space launch support, orbital warfare, missile warning systems, space surveillance networks, intelligence operations, classified programs, and joint integration with NASA, SpaceX, ULA, and other commercial providers, Patrick is a uniquely sensitive environment. Allegations at Patrick are handled aggressively, rapidly, and often with extreme caution — especially when clearances, classified access, or mission-critical personnel are involved.

If you are a Guardian or Airman facing investigation, adverse administrative action, Article 15/NJP, security clearance issues, or court-martial charges at Patrick Space Force Base, you are in one of the highest-stakes military legal environments anywhere in the country. You need an elite military defense team immediately — one with the skill, experience, and firepower to protect your career and your freedom.

Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law is one of the nation’s most respected military defense firms. Led by former JAG officer Michael Waddington and trial lawyer Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington, our team defends Guardians, Airmen, and officers worldwide in UCMJ trials, administrative separation boards, BOIs, security clearance proceedings, and high-profile investigations.

Before you speak to Security Forces, OSI, command, or an investigating officer, contact us. You only get one chance to defend your career.

The Legal Climate at Patrick Space Force Base

Because Patrick supports space launch infrastructure, classified aerospace operations, missile detection systems, cyber missions, and multi-branch joint tasking, its legal environment is significantly more aggressive than that of a standard Air Force base. The chain of command prioritizes mission integrity above everything — and even minor allegations may trigger sweeping investigations.

• OSI investigations begin early and without warning for allegations involving classified access, domestic disputes, sexual misconduct, or off-duty incidents.
• Guardians, Airmen, contractors, and civilians with clearances face immediate security hold actions.
• Even a rumor or complaint can result in access suspension, duty restrictions, or immediate removal from mission-critical tasks.
• Off-base nightlife incidents in Cocoa Beach, Melbourne, and Orlando frequently escalate into criminal investigations.
• High leadership visibility results in command pressure to “send a message.”
• Investigations involving space operations bring elevated scrutiny from higher headquarters and DoD agencies.

Patrick is an environment where careers rise or fall quickly — often before the full truth is even known.

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

UCMJ Criminal Defense for Guardians & Airmen at Patrick SFB

Our firm aggressively defends service members at Patrick against all UCMJ allegations, including high-profile, classified, and politically sensitive cases.

We defend against:

• Article 120 – Sexual assault, rape, abusive sexual contact
• Article 128b – Domestic violence allegations
• Article 112a – Drug use or distribution
• Article 92 – Failure to obey orders or dereliction of duty
• Article 107 – False official statement
• Article 134 – Fraternization, indecent conduct, misconduct
• Article 85/86 – Desertion, AWOL, failure to report
• Article 133 – Conduct unbecoming an officer

We represent Guardians in:

• General Court-Martial – felony-level trials involving confinement, dismissal, or dishonorable discharge
• Special Court-Martial – mid-level trials with BCD exposure
• Summary Court-Martial – fast-moving proceedings with long-term consequences
• Article 32 Hearings – critical pretrial opportunities to attack the allegations early

Administrative Separation Boards & BOIs at Patrick Space Force Base

Administrative actions are extremely common at Patrick SFB, often used to remove members quietly without going through a court-martial. These boards are dangerous because they operate with a lower burden of proof and can destroy your career even when criminal allegations were dropped or never pursued.

We defend service members in:

• Enlisted Administrative Separation Boards
• Officer Show Cause Boards
• Boards of Inquiry (BOIs)
• QMP/QSP adverse retention reviews
• LOR/LOA/UIF responses
• NJP/Article 15 hearings and appeals

Common triggers include:

• Allegations of misconduct on Cocoa Beach or in Melbourne
• Consent misunderstandings among young Guardians or Airmen
• Domestic disturbances in housing or off-base apartments
• Drug allegations tied to popular nightlife districts
• Security clearance concerns for classified program personnel
• “Loss of confidence” actions from squadron or group commanders

Security Clearance Defense at Patrick SFB

Patrick SFB hosts one of the highest concentrations of clearance-holding personnel in Florida. Losing your clearance can end your career immediately.

We defend cases involving:

• Suspension or revocation of TS/SCI and SAP access
• Alcohol or drug-related clearance concerns
• Financial issues flagged by DoDCAF
• Relationship or domestic allegations used against clearance holders
• “Untrustworthy or unreliable behavior” accusations

If your clearance is at risk, so is your career. We fight to keep both intact.

Why Guardians Choose Gonzalez & Waddington

Patrick SFB service members choose our firm because they know what is at stake — and because they know we deliver results.

• Former JAG Michael Waddington – one of America’s most experienced court-martial attorneys
• Attorney Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington – elite cross-examiner and administrative board strategist
• Decades of combined courtroom experience
• Hundreds of complex military cases defended worldwide
• Authors of top-selling books on cross-examination and UCMJ trial warfare
• A reputation feared by prosecutors and respected by courts

Local Risk Zones for Patrick SFB Personnel

The Florida Space Coast’s vibrant nightlife and tourism contribute heavily to the types of cases we see from Patrick.

1. Cocoa Beach

Bars, clubs, and beach parties generate allegations of:

• Sexual assault
• Public intoxication incidents
• Consent misunderstandings
• Altercations, fights, or disorderly conduct

2. Melbourne & Satellite Beach

Domestic disputes, noise complaints, and police interactions often involve off-duty Guardians living in these areas.

3. Orlando (1-hour drive)

• Nightclub disputes
• Hotel-related claims
• Alcohol-related arrests

Pro Tips for Guardians & Airmen Under Investigation

• Never speak to OSI without counsel.
• Do not discuss your case with coworkers, leadership, or friends.
• Preserve all evidence including texts, emails, videos, and screenshots.
• Do not consent to searches of your phone, barracks, or vehicle.
• Stay off social media until your case is resolved.
• Keep a timeline journal — memory fades, evidence disappears.

Your Military Career at Patrick SFB Is on the Line

If you are facing disciplinary action at Patrick Space Force Base, you must assume the government has already built a case against you. This is not the time to wait, hope, or rely on luck. You need a strong, elite defense team now.

➤ Schedule a Confidential Consultation with Gonzalez & Waddington

Authoritative reference link: Department of Defense

Patrick Space Force Base Military Defense Lawyers – Frequently Asked Questions