Fort Carson Military Legal FAQ Library – UCMJ, Court-Martial, CID, Article 15s, GOMORs & Administrative Actions
Fort Carson, home of the 4th Infantry Division, is one of the Army’s most dynamic and rapidly changing installations.
With high operational tempo, frequent deployments, ongoing training rotations and a large population of Soldiers and families, the post sees steady UCMJ activity, CID investigations, domestic incidents, sexual assault allegations and administrative separations.
This legal FAQ library is designed to give Soldiers at Fort Carson clear answers when their careers and freedom are at risk.
Gonzalez & Waddington represents Soldiers stationed at Fort Carson, Pinon Canyon, and across Colorado in serious military justice and administrative cases.
For a confidential case evaluation, call 1-800-921-8607.
Aggressive Military Defense Lawyers: Gonzalez & Waddington
Watch the military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington break down how they defend service members worldwide against UCMJ allegations, CID/NCIS/OSI investigations, court-martials, Article 120 cases, administrative separations, and GOMORs. If you’re under investigation or facing charges, this video explains what your rights are and how experienced civilian military counsel can make the difference.
General UCMJ Questions at Fort Carson
Why does Fort Carson have a high number of UCMJ cases?
Fort Carson’s large population, combat units, stress from frequent training cycles, alcohol-related incidents in Colorado Springs and nearby nightlife all contribute to disciplinary problems and allegations that lead to UCMJ actions.
What types of legal issues are most common at Fort Carson?
Common cases include:
- Article 120/120b sexual assault and child sexual abuse
- Domestic violence and strangulation (128b)
- Drug use and distribution (especially THC vapes, mushrooms, cocaine)
- Article 92 and 107 (orders violations and false statements)
- Financial crimes and larceny
- GOMORs, relief-for-cause actions, AR 15-6 investigations
- Administrative separations for misconduct or poor performance
How does Colorado Springs civilian law enforcement impact Fort Carson Soldiers?
Off-post incidents often involve CSPD, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office or Colorado State Patrol.
Civilian cases commonly trigger parallel UCMJ actions, and civilian plea deals can severely affect military outcomes.
CID, Command Investigations and AR 15-6 at Fort Carson
What triggers a CID investigation at Fort Carson?
CID investigates alleged felonies including sexual misconduct, child abuse, domestic violence, serious assaults, child pornography and drug distribution.
A Soldier may become a subject long before being officially notified.
Should I speak to CID if I believe I can explain everything?
Almost never.
CID interviews often produce statements that prosecutors use against the Soldier.
Many Soldiers unintentionally incriminate themselves, even when innocent.
Invoke your right to remain silent and request a lawyer.
What is an AR 15-6 investigation at Fort Carson?
A 15-6 is an administrative inquiry used to justify reprimands, relief-for-cause actions and separations.
These investigations are not neutral and often rely heavily on written statements, assumptions and limited evidence.
Can a 15-6 investigation lead to a separation board?
Yes.
Many Soldiers at Fort Carson are separated based solely on 15-6 findings—even without a court-martial.
Article 15s, GOMORs and Administrative Actions at Fort Carson
How serious is an Article 15 at Fort Carson?
Article 15 punishment may include reduction, forfeitures and extra duty, but the long-term consequences—lost promotions, separation boards, career derailment—are often more serious.
Can I refuse an Article 15 at Fort Carson?
Yes, in most cases.
Soldiers sometimes demand a court-martial when the allegation is false or the command is acting unfairly.
This decision must be coordinated with a defense lawyer.
Why are GOMORs so common at Fort Carson?
Commanders frequently use GOMORs for DUIs, sexual misconduct, domestic disputes, financial dishonesty and leadership failures.
A permanently filed GOMOR is often career-ending.
Can a strong GOMOR rebuttal change the outcome?
Yes.
A well-crafted rebuttal can prevent permanent filing.
A poorly written one often makes things worse.
Tone, structure and evidence matter immensely.
Why are administrative separations so frequent at Fort Carson?
High turnover, pressure to maintain readiness and command scrutiny result in aggressive separation actions for misconduct, underperformance, alcohol incidents and alleged sex-related misconduct.
Court-Martial Practice at Fort Carson
What types of court-martial cases occur most at Fort Carson?
Common cases include:
- Article 120 and 120b sexual offenses
- Child pornography and indecent images (Article 134)
- Domestic violence and strangulation
- Drug possession and distribution rings
- Assault, fights and weapons misconduct
How valuable is the Article 32 hearing?
Critical.
It is the best opportunity to challenge the government’s case early, lock witnesses into testimony and reveal inconsistencies before trial.
Can I be separated even if acquitted?
Yes.
Fort Carson often initiates administrative separation boards even after not-guilty verdicts.
Administrative cases require a much lower burden of proof.
Civilian Counsel and Gonzalez & Waddington
Why do Fort Carson Soldiers hire Gonzalez & Waddington?
Our firm has handled some of the most serious Fort Carson cases involving sexual assault, domestic violence, child pornography, drug distribution, leadership misconduct and complex forensic evidence.
Soldiers hire us for aggressive defense and deep expertise in high-stakes UCMJ litigation.
What experience do Michael and Alexandra bring to Fort Carson cases?
They have defended service members around the world, written leading books on cross-examination and UCMJ defense strategy, and are known for dismantling weak investigations and unreliable testimony.
Can TDS still assist me if I hire civilian counsel?
Yes.
Most Soldiers at Fort Carson use a dual-defense approach, combining civilian counsel for strategy and courtroom work with TDS support for filings, coordination and on-post requirements.
Practical Concerns for Fort Carson Soldiers
How do UCMJ cases affect daily life at Fort Carson?
Soldiers may face:
- No-contact orders
- Weapon restrictions
- Duty reassignments
- Increased command monitoring
- Social isolation
How do these cases affect families?
Consequences may include:
- Civilian restraining orders in Colorado
- Custody issues
- Financial strain
- Housing disruptions
What mistakes should Fort Carson Soldiers avoid?
The most damaging mistakes include:
- Talking to CID
- Deleting digital evidence
- Contacting the accuser
- Posting about the case
- Violating protective orders
What should I do immediately if accused at Fort Carson?
Stay silent, request a lawyer, preserve evidence and contact an experienced civilian military defense attorney immediately before making any decisions.
Need Help with a Fort Carson UCMJ Case?
If you are facing a CID investigation, Article 15, GOMOR, administrative separation or court-martial at Fort Carson, you cannot afford mistakes.
Gonzalez & Waddington defend Soldiers worldwide and have extensive experience handling serious cases at Fort Carson.
Call 1-800-921-8607 or visit ucmjdefense.com to request a confidential consultation.
