How to Find Top-Rated Military Defense Attorneys
Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law is a global military defense firm focused on high-stakes UCMJ matters: Article 32 hearings, courts-martial, administrative separation boards/Boards of Inquiry (BOIs), and NJP/Article 15. Officers and enlisted from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, and Coast Guard hire us when their rank, pay, retirement, reputation, and freedom are on the line. Speed, experience, and courtroom skill are decisive—especially when commands and investigators are already moving.
What “Top-Rated” Really Means in Military Justice
Star ratings and slogans won’t win your case. In military defense, “top-rated” means verifiable contested trials, credible BOI outcomes, and a record of excluding or neutralizing forensic evidence. It means fluency with Articles 120/120c (sexual offenses), 92 (orders violations), 93 (maltreatment), 107 (false statements), 112a (drugs), 128 (assault), and 134 (general article), plus mastery of digital forensics, SANE/DNA, and investigative procedures (CID/OSI/NCIS/CGIS). It also means operating effectively worldwide and building defense narratives that withstand cross-examination.
How to Vet a Military Defense Lawyer (Step-by-Step)
1) Demand Proven Trial & Board Results
Ask for a plain-English summary of recent contested courts-martial and BOIs (no client identifiers). What did the lawyer personally handle—motions, openings, expert impeachment, closings—and what were the outcomes?
2) Verify Forensics & Procedure Competence
Elite counsel explains how digital evidence, SANE/DNA, urinalysis, and chain-of-custody are collected, authenticated, challenged, and excluded—and can show examples from prior cases.
3) Assess Strategy at Article 32, NJP & BOIs
Top lawyers know when to fight early, when to reserve witnesses, how to influence charging decisions, and how to posture for trial or administrative alternatives while preserving appellate issues.
4) Measure Speed, Access & Communication
Serious cases move fast. Expect rapid intake, an early action plan, timelines, witness lists, and clear tasking for evidence preservation and defense investigation.
5) Confirm Global Reach
If you are OCONUS or frequently TDY, pick counsel who routinely travels and tries cases worldwide across all branches.
Why Choose Michael Waddington & Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington
- Decades of courtroom focus on felony-level UCMJ trials, Article 32 hearings, BOIs, and NJP across all branches.
- Published authors & trainers—books and lectures on cross-examination, impeachment, and military trial strategy used by practitioners.
- High-stakes results in complex cases: Articles 120/120c, 118, 128, 112a, 107, 93, and 134.
- Forensics fluency—digital artifacts, SANE/DNA, urinalysis science, and expert impeachment.
- Worldwide representation—tried and defended cases across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific.
- Relentless advocacy—tailored defense narratives, surgical motions practice, and disciplined trial execution.
Common Issues / Case Types We Handle
- Courts-martial involving sexual assault (Articles 120/120c), violent offenses (118/128), drugs (112a), false statements (107), maltreatment (93), and 134.
- Article 32 preliminary hearings: strategy, witness management, charging leverage.
- Administrative separation boards/BOIs: evidentiary rules, burdens, and rights.
- NJP/Article 15: mitigation, appeals, and collateral risks to your career.
- Digital forensics, SANE/DNA, urinalysis, chain-of-custody, and contamination challenges.
- Post-trial and appellate relief.
Pro Tips & Mistakes
- Do retain experienced counsel immediately—early moves shape outcomes.
- Do preserve messages, photos, device logs, social media, and witness info; keep a contemporaneous timeline.
- Do not speak to investigators or your chain about case facts without your lawyer.
- Do not rely on “the truth will come out.” Trials are won with preparation, narrative, and controlled cross-examination.
- Do verify contested trial history—not just pleas—and ask how the firm attacks forensics and credibility.
FAQs
What distinguishes a truly top military defense lawyer?
Verifiable contested results, mastery of UCMJ and forensics, and a record of trying cases worldwide.
Do Gonzalez & Waddington defend officers and enlisted?
Yes—across all branches, including Space Force and Coast Guard.
Can they represent me overseas?
Yes—the firm routinely defends clients in Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific.
When should I hire counsel?
Immediately—waiting risks lost evidence and tactical disadvantage.
What case types are most common?
Sexual offenses, violent crimes, drugs, BOIs/separations, NJP/Article 15, and complex forensics cases.
Do they publish and train other lawyers?
Yes—books and lectures on trial advocacy and impeachment are part of the firm’s track record.
Contact Gonzalez & Waddington
If you are facing a court-martial, Article 32 hearing, BOI/separation board, or military investigation, contact Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law now. We defend service members worldwide and respond urgently. Call 1-800-921-8607 or visit ucmjdefense.com for a confidential consultation.