The War on Military Sexual Assault: What Article 32 Hearings Reveal
Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law is an elite military defense law firm led by top-rated civilian UCMJ lawyers Michael Waddington and Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington. With decades of courtroom victories across 12 countries, they are trusted by service members worldwide to defend serious court-martial cases.
Article 32: Front Line of the War on Military Sexual Assault
Article 32 hearings were originally designed to protect service members from weak or unfounded prosecutions. Today, they have become flashpoints in the military’s evolving campaign against sexual assault. As Congress, advocacy groups, and military leadership scramble to improve public perception, the rights of the accused often become collateral damage.
Episode Spotlight: Military Law News Network Analysis
In this powerful roundtable, Michael Waddington and Ernesto Gapasin explain how recent reforms have turned Article 32 into a prosecutorial tool, rather than a protective measure for the accused. They dissect how politics and media hysteria have reshaped military justice—and why innocent service members face greater risk than ever before.
How Article 32 Has Changed in the Sexual Assault Era
- JAGs now serve as Investigating Officers, offering legal guidance that benefits prosecutors
- Witnesses are locked into sworn testimony that can later be used—even if they recant or disappear
- Commanders face overwhelming political pressure to refer cases to trial, even when evidence is weak
- Victim advocates and media shape investigations from behind the scenes
Is the Military Justice System Built for Fairness—Or Optics?
Waddington warns that the military’s “War on Sexual Assault” is driven more by perception than principle. With documentaries like The Invisible War shaping congressional policy, reforms often respond to emotional pressure—not empirical justice.
This politicized environment creates a system where accusation equals guilt, careers are ruined by mere allegations, and due process is sacrificed for headlines.
From Advocacy to Industry
Michael Waddington explains how an entire industry of victim advocacy, media campaigns, and civil lawsuits has emerged around military sexual assault allegations—one that sometimes prioritizes profit and publicity over truth and fairness.
Why Choosing the Right Lawyer Is Critical
When facing a military sexual assault investigation, your freedom, career, and reputation are on the line. You need civilian military lawyers who:
- Understand how politics and media impact your case
- Have cross-examined hostile witnesses under pressure
- Know when to use Article 32 strategically—and when to waive
About Gonzalez & Waddington
- Over 20 years defending military sexual assault cases worldwide
- Respected trial lawyers with unmatched cross-examination skills
- Authors of top-ranked legal books used in military law education
- Featured in global media and military publications for courtroom victories
FAQs: Military Sexual Assault & Article 32 Investigations
- Can I be convicted based only on an allegation?
- Yes. If you don’t build a strong defense, uncorroborated claims can lead to charges, court-martial, and separation. You must act fast.
- What role does the Article 32 hearing play in these cases?
- It can shape the entire trial strategy—locking in witnesses, exposing weak evidence, or helping prosecutors fix mistakes. It must be handled with precision.
- Are Article 32 reforms helping or hurting justice?
- In many cases, they hurt justice by tipping the scale in favor of the government. Civilian defense counsel is your best protection.
- How do I get Gonzalez & Waddington on my case?
- Call 800-921-8607 or visit ucmjdefense.com to schedule a confidential strategy session.
Protect Yourself Before It’s Too Late
Download our UCMJ Survival Guide and learn how to take control of your military sexual assault defense before the system steamrolls your future.
