Italy Military Defense Lawyers – Court Martial Attorneys

Dedicated UCMJ & Court-Martial Defense for U.S. Service Members in Italy

Italy hosts multiple U.S. military installations, including Aviano Air Base, Naval Support Activity Naples (home of the 6th Fleet), Naval Air Station Sigonella in Sicily, U.S. Army Garrison Italy in Vicenza (173rd Airborne Brigade), Livorno, Gaeta, and liaison posts across Rome, Turin, and Sardinia. These bases play critical roles in NATO operations, counterterrorism, intelligence collection, Mediterranean security, and humanitarian missions. Service members stationed in Italy operate under the U.S.–Italy SOFA, Italian law, and the UCMJ. As a result, allegations of misconduct can lead to dual investigations by Italian authorities and U.S. military commanders, with high stakes for your freedom, career, and reputation.

Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law has defended service members across Italy for more than 20 years. We understand the unique legal challenges of living under Italian law, navigating the Carabinieri and Italian court system, and fighting UCMJ charges in an overseas context. When accusations arise, we are ready to protect your rights.

Why Allegations Are Serious in Italy

Italy is a key NATO ally and a high-profile diplomatic partner. Commands move swiftly to preserve these relationships and satisfy host-nation expectations. Even small allegations can become major cases, with Italian media and political scrutiny influencing outcomes.

• Italian police (Carabinieri and Polizia) have authority to investigate and detain service members for off-base incidents
• Commands often impose immediate liberty restrictions, off-limits orders, and curfews to mitigate perceived risk
• Italian prosecutors can indict service members, while the U.S. can still pursue court-martial proceedings
• Administrative separations and Boards of Inquiry are used aggressively to remove accused service members
• Security clearances and flight statuses are suspended quickly for those in intelligence, aviation, and special operations roles
• Rumors and sensational media coverage in Italy can create a presumption of guilt

Without a skilled defense team, the combined pressure from Italian authorities and U.S. commanders can be overwhelming. We ensure your rights are defended.

Frequent UCMJ Offenses and Administrative Actions in Italy

Service members stationed in Italy often face allegations related to social interactions, alcohol consumption, and misunderstandings with Italian civilians. We defend against:

• Article 120 (Sexual Assault/Rape) – Allegations may arise from nights out in Italian cities; convictions carry severe penalties including imprisonment and mandatory registry
• Article 128b (Domestic Violence) – Domestic disputes are treated seriously; Italian police often respond to noise complaints and file reports that influence U.S. prosecutions
• Article 112a (Drug Use and Distribution) – Italy’s drug laws are strict and often result in combined Italian and U.S. cases
• Article 92 (Disobedience and Curfew Violations) – Off-post incidents, fraternization, and ignoring orders from commanders or the Carabinieri
• Article 121 (Larceny, Fraud, Misuse of Allowances) – Cases involving fraudulent BAH/OHA claims, misuse of government travel cards, or theft from DoD facilities
• Article 134 (General Misconduct) – Covers adultery, fraternization, online misconduct, indecent language, and other actions prejudicial to good order and discipline
• Administrative Separation Boards and Boards of Inquiry – Commands use them to remove service members swiftly, often based on hearsay
• Security Clearance Suspensions – Impacting those in sensitive roles such as intelligence, special operations, or nuclear operations

Defense Strategies and Legal Tactics in Italy

Our defense approach in Italy focuses on exposing the weaknesses of both the Italian prosecution and U.S. military investigators. We challenge evidence from Italian police and show how cultural differences and language barriers can lead to false allegations.

• Challenging the admissibility of evidence gathered by Italian police by demonstrating violations of SOFA rights
• Identifying inconsistencies in accuser statements and linking them to personal motives such as jealousy, monetary gain, or political pressure
• Using digital forensics to recover deleted texts, call logs, social media posts, and geolocation data that undermine the prosecution’s narrative
• Employing expert witnesses in forensic psychology, Italian criminal procedure, toxicology, or DNA analysis to discredit weak forensic evidence
• Highlighting cultural misunderstandings and differences in social norms between Americans and Italians
• Crafting persuasive rebuttals to GOMORs, separation board findings, and NATO clearance suspensions

Why Hire Gonzalez & Waddington in Italy

Service members across Italy choose our firm because of our unmatched experience defending UCMJ cases. We have defended troops at Aviano, Naples, Sigonella, Vicenza, Livorno, Gaeta, Catania, and Rome. Our trial lawyers understand Italian legal procedures and how to coordinate with local counsel when necessary.

• Two decades of successful UCMJ defense worldwide
• Former Army JAG attorney with extensive overseas trial experience
• Authors of authoritative books on cross-examination and trial advocacy
• Featured in global media outlets for major courtroom victories
• Known for strategic, aggressive defense tactics in high-pressure environments
• Fluent in navigating Italian police investigations, Carabinieri protocols, and SOFA rights

Contact Our Italy Military Defense Lawyers & Court Martial Attorneys

If you are under investigation or facing a court-martial in Italy, time is critical. Do not speak to Italian police or NCIS without counsel. Contact our team immediately to ensure your rights, career, and future are protected.

➤ Contact Gonzalez & Waddington for a Confidential Consultation

Italy Military Defense Lawyers – Court Martial Attorneys – Frequently Asked Questions