Gonzalez & Waddington: A Track Record of Excellence in Sexual Assault Defense

In the terrifying shadow of a sexual assault accusation, clarity, confidence, and unwavering advocacy are not just desired—they are absolutely essential. For individuals facing these life-altering charges, both in the civilian legal system and under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), the choice of defense counsel is the single most critical decision.

At Gonzalez & Waddington, we don’t just understand the gravity of these cases; we have built a distinguished reputation and a profound track record of excellence in sexual assault defense, providing robust, strategic, and compassionate representation to protect the rights and futures of our clients.

Our commitment stems from a deep understanding that a sexual assault allegation is more than just a legal problem; it’s a personal crisis that threatens every aspect of an individual’s life—their freedom, reputation, family, career, and mental well-being. We know that the legal landscape for these cases is uniquely complex, often fraught with intense public scrutiny and emotional biases. It is precisely in this challenging environment that our firm stands apart, applying decades of combined experience, specialized knowledge, and a relentless dedication to justice.

At Gonzalez & Waddington, our approach to sexual assault defense is comprehensive, client-centric, and strategically aggressive. We believe that an effective defense begins long before a courtroom appearance, emphasizing meticulous preparation, proactive investigation, and a deep understanding of both the law and the human elements at play. Our methodology is built upon several core pillars:

1. Immediate, Strategic Intervention:

• Pre-Charge Advocacy: We recognize that the critical moments following an accusation, even before formal charges are filed, can be decisive. Our team excels at early intervention, engaging with law enforcement or military investigative agencies (CID, OSI, NCIS, CGIS) to protect our clients’ rights, prevent self-incrimination, and present exculpatory evidence that can sometimes avert formal charges altogether. For instance, in a recent Coast Guard case involving a client in Florida, our immediate intervention during the investigative phase led to the CGIS and the OSTC declining to file charges after we presented evidence of an alibi.
• Evidence Preservation: We move swiftly to secure crucial evidence, such as digital communications, surveillance footage, and witness statements, which can be critical for establishing an alibi or contradicting accuser testimony.

2. Unrivaled Expertise in Both Civilian and Military Justice:

Many firms specialize in one or the other, but Gonzalez & Waddington possesses a unique and formidable strength: deep-seated expertise in both civilian sexual assault defense and military sexual assault defense under the UCMJ. This dual mastery allows us to offer comprehensive representation regardless of the jurisdiction.

• Civilian Sexual Assault Defense: Our civilian defense team is intimately familiar with state and federal sexual assault statutes, complex consent laws, the nuances of forensic evidence in civilian labs, and jury dynamics in civilian courts. We navigate the unique pressures of public opinion and media attention that often accompany high-profile civilian cases. Our experience spans various jurisdictions across the United States.
• Military Sexual Assault Defense (UCMJ): For service members, our understanding of the UCMJ is unparalleled. We comprehend the intricacies of command influence, Article 32 hearings, the unique nature of courts-martial panels, and the critical importance of protecting military careers and benefits. We are adept at engaging with military investigative agencies and navigating the specific procedural rules of military justice. This dual capability makes us a rare and powerful ally for any client facing sexual assault charges.

The complexities of sexual assault allegations demand legal counsel that is both sharp and empathetic. Gonzalez & Waddington embodies this duality, offering robust defense while understanding the immense personal toll these accusations take.” Michael Waddington

3. Meticulous Investigation and Forensic Savvy:

We do not rely solely on the prosecution’s narrative or evidence. Our firm employs a dedicated team of investigators and collaborates with leading forensic experts to conduct independent, thorough investigations. This includes:

• Independent Fact-Finding: Re-interviewing witnesses, uncovering new witnesses, and analyzing all available documentation and digital footprints.
• Challenging Forensic Evidence: Working with top-tier forensic scientists (DNA experts, toxicologists, digital forensics specialists) to scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence, challenge lab methodologies, identify potential contamination, or offer alternative scientific interpretations. In a recent case, we brought in an independent DNA expert who found critical flaws in the state lab’s analysis, leading to charges being significantly reduced for our client.
• Expert Witness Utilization: Strategically leveraging expert witnesses, including psychologists or memory experts, to provide context regarding the complexities of memory, false accusations, or the impact of trauma, which can be crucial for a jury’s understanding.

4. Aggressive Courtroom Advocacy and Negotiation:

Our lawyers are formidable in the courtroom. We are prepared to take every case to trial if that serves the client’s best interest, possessing a proven ability to:

• Masterful Cross-Examination: Our attorneys are skilled at conducting incisive yet respectful cross-examination to expose inconsistencies, biases, or untruths in accuser testimony, while maintaining credibility with the jury.
• Compelling Storytelling: We excel at transforming complex facts and legal arguments into a clear, compelling narrative that resonates with judges and juries, presenting a coherent and persuasive defense.
• Strategic Motion Practice: We aggressively file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or limit the prosecution’s arguments, often achieving significant victories before a trial even begins.
• Skilled Negotiation: While always prepared for trial, our firm also possesses exceptional negotiation skills. We engage with prosecutors from a position of strength, seeking charge reductions, alternative sentencing, or dismissals when appropriate, always prioritizing the client’s long-term well-being.

While client confidentiality is paramount, our firm is proud of a consistent record of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients in sexual assault defense cases. These successes are not accidental; they are the direct result of our focused expertise, rigorous preparation, and relentless advocacy. Our track record includes:

• Case Dismissals: We have successfully secured numerous dismissals of charges in both civilian and military courts, often at the pre-indictment or pre-trial stage. For example, in a complex military Army sexual assault case, our firm’s early intervention and presentation of compelling evidence to the Article 32 Investigating Officer resulted in a recommendation for dismissal, which the Convening Authority ultimately accepted.
• Acquittals at Trial: Our trial attorneys have a strong record of securing “Not Guilty” verdicts in challenging sexual assault cases, proving that a meticulous defense can overcome even the most formidable accusations. In a high-profile trial in Texas, our team’s cross-examination of the accuser and presentation of alternative theories led to a full acquittal for our client.
• Charge Reductions and Favorable Plea Agreements: When trial is not the best option, we have consistently negotiated significant reductions in charges and highly favorable plea agreements that have allowed clients to avoid the most severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences or mandatory sex offender registration. For instance, a client facing multiple aggravated sexual assault charges received a plea agreement for a non-sexual misdemeanor and avoided all sex offender registration requirements.

These outcomes are a testament to our firm’s dedication and our proven ability to navigate the unique challenges presented by sexual assault allegations. Explore more about our case results and client testimonials here.

The strength of Gonzalez & Waddington lies in our experienced and dedicated legal team. Each attorney brings a wealth of knowledge and a shared commitment to providing the highest caliber of defense. Our founding partners, Michael Waddington and Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington, bring decades of combined experience, particularly in military law, a foundation that informs our rigorous approach to all criminal defense cases. Our team extends beyond the partners to include a network of investigators and expert witnesses who are integral to our comprehensive defense strategy.

Our entire team operates with a unified vision: to provide aggressive, ethical, and effective defense, ensuring that every client receives the strongest possible advocacy at a time of immense vulnerability.