USCG Air Station Clearwater Military Defense Lawyers – Florida UCMJ Attorneys

Elite Civilian Military Defense for Coast Guard Members at Air Station Clearwater

U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, located on the west coast of Florida near Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater Beach, is the largest and busiest Coast Guard air station in the nation. With MH-60 Jayhawks and C-130 aircraft conducting search and rescue (SAR), homeland security patrols, drug interdiction missions, migrant operations, and hurricane response, Clearwater is one of the most operationally intense Coast Guard bases in the world.

Because of this high-optempo environment — combined with the Tampa Bay nightlife, heavy tourism, alcohol-driven incidents, high public visibility, and mission-critical responsibilities — service members at USCG Air Station Clearwater face significant legal risks. When allegations arise, the chain of command often reacts immediately. CGIS investigations begin fast. Administrative actions escalate quickly. And Coast Guard members find themselves fighting for their careers, their clearances, their flight status, and their future.

Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law is one of America’s most experienced military defense firms, representing Coast Guard personnel worldwide in UCMJ trials, administrative separations, CGIS investigations, BOIs, NJP appeals, and high-stakes misconduct cases. Led by former JAG Michael Waddington and trial lawyer Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington, our firm has a proven track record of winning complex, career-threatening military cases — especially those involving aviation communities and specialty positions.

The Legal Climate at USCG Air Station Clearwater

Air Station Clearwater is unique. It is simultaneously a SAR hub, a counterdrug operational force, and a high-profile public safety installation. With Coast Guard aircraft operating across Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and beyond, the legal climate at Clearwater is stricter, faster, and more aggressive than at most Coast Guard bases.

Some key challenges include:

• High-profile operations create pressure for commanders to appear strict and decisive
• Alcohol-related incidents in Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach, and Tampa nightlife districts often trigger investigations
• Domestic disputes escalate rapidly into CGIS cases
• Consent misunderstandings arise frequently due to off-duty drinking culture
• Flight status concerns mean any allegation can ground an aviation crew member
• Security clearance sensitivity affects SAR, Homeland Security, and drug interdiction missions
• Exposure to civilian interaction increases the chance of misunderstandings or false accusations
• High media visibility in Tampa Bay increases command caution

This combination makes Coast Guard members at Clearwater highly vulnerable to being accused — and punished — faster than at many other military installations.

UCMJ Criminal Defense for Coast Guard Members at Clearwater

We defend Air Station Clearwater personnel against all UCMJ allegations, including those involving SAR crews, aviation maintenance teams, drug interdiction units, and command staff.

Most Common UCMJ Charges at Air Station Clearwater

• Article 120 – Sexual assault, abusive sexual contact, intoxication-related misunderstandings
• Article 128b – Domestic violence, property damage, alleged partner abuse
• Article 112a – Drug use, possession, distribution (marijuana, coke, pills, edibles)
• Article 92 – Failure to obey orders, curfew violations, off-duty misconduct, fraternization
• Article 107 – False official statement
• Article 134 – Disorderly conduct, adultery, indecent behavior, obstructing justice
• Article 86 – AWOL or failure to report

Courts We Handle

• General Court-Martial (GCM)
• Special Court-Martial (SPCM)
• Summary Court-Martial
• Article 32 Hearings
• Suppression motions and evidence challenges

Administrative Separations, BOIs & NJP for Coast Guard Members

Administrative actions at Air Station Clearwater are extremely common and often move fast. These actions can be just as damaging as a court-martial — especially for aviation crew members, rescue swimmers, C-130 crew, and pilots.

We defend service members in:

• Enlisted Administrative Separation Boards
• Officer Boards of Inquiry (BOI)
• NJP/Captain’s Mast (Article 15 equivalent)
• Flight status removal hearings
• Security clearance suspension appeals
• CGIS interview preparation
• Alcohol incident reviews

Common triggers for separation at Clearwater include:

• Public intoxication or disorderly conduct in Clearwater Beach
• Consent disputes after nightlife interactions
• Alleged domestic disturbances in base or off-base housing
• Misinterpreted bodycam footage from civilian police
• Social media accusations
• Training pipeline disengagement

We aggressively challenge separation attempts — because one adverse discharge can destroy your benefits, VA access, and civilian future.

Clearwater’s Local Hotspots for Military Legal Trouble

1. Clearwater Beach & Pier 60

• Heavy alcohol culture
• Complaints from intoxicated civilians
• Interpersonal disputes escalating into misconduct allegations
• Spring break environments creating high false-report risk

2. St. Pete Beach & Gulf Boulevard

• Hotel parties
• Noise complaints
• Fights outside bars

3. Tampa/Ybor City/Channelside

• Bar fights or misunderstandings
• Group confrontations
• Civilian accusations later exaggerated to police or command

4. On-Base Housing & Neighborhoods Near McMullen Booth Road

• Domestic disputes escalating to CGIS involvement
• Neighbor complaints turned into evidence
• Alcohol-fueled conflicts

Why Clearwater Coast Guard Members Choose Gonzalez & Waddington

When everything is at risk — your job, your clearance, your flight status, your family, and your future — you need the most aggressive military defense team available.

• Former JAG Michael Waddington — elite court-martial defense lawyer with global experience
• Attorney Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington — expert in cross-examination and administrative board victories
• Decades of combined UCMJ litigation experience
• A reputation feared by prosecutors and respected by judges
• Authors of books used to train military attorneys worldwide
• We take fewer clients to deliver maximum focus and elite preparation

Pro Tips for Coast Guard Members Under Investigation

• NEVER speak to CGIS without a civilian lawyer present.
• Preserve all texts, videos, and call logs immediately.
• Do NOT contact the accuser. This can destroy your defense.
• Avoid beaches, bars, and nightlife until your case is resolved.
• Do not consent to any search of your phone or residence.
• Write a full timeline while the events are fresh.
• Get legal counsel early — waiting costs careers.

Your Coast Guard Career at Clearwater Is Too Important to Lose

If you’re under investigation or facing NJP, administrative separation, BOI, or court-martial at USCG Air Station Clearwater, understand this: the Coast Guard is already building its case against you. You need an experienced, elite defense team immediately.

➤ Schedule a Confidential Consultation with Gonzalez & Waddington

Authoritative reference: U.S. Coast Guard Military Personnel Resources

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

USCG Air Station Clearwater Military Defense Lawyers – Frequently Asked Questions