Japan Military Defense Lawyers – Court Martial Attorneys

Elite UCMJ & Court-Martial Defense for Service Members Stationed in Japan

Japan hosts some of the most strategically vital U.S. military installations in the world, including Yokosuka, Yokota, Misawa, Sasebo, Camp Zama, Kadena, Futenma, Camp Hansen, Camp Foster, and Camp Schwab. Because of Japan’s diplomatic sensitivity, Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) rules, and intense public scrutiny, U.S. service members in Japan face some of the strictest legal environments anywhere in the U.S. military.

If you are accused of misconduct in Japan, your case will be treated as a high-visibility matter. Even weak allegations can trigger NCIS, OSI, CID, MP, or host-nation investigations. Career-destroying administrative actions can begin before any evidence is verified. You need experienced military defense lawyers who understand Japan’s unique legal challenges and can take immediate action to protect your rights.

Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law has represented service members throughout Japan for over 20 years. Our global military defense team has defended UCMJ cases on nearly every major installation on the islands and understands how to counter aggressive investigations, cross-border complications, and command pressure.

Why UCMJ Allegations in Japan Are Especially Serious

Japan is one of the most politically sensitive host nations in the world. Incidents involving U.S. personnel receive intense media scrutiny, and Japanese police often investigate aggressively, even for minor allegations. The combination of Japanese criminal procedures and UCMJ prosecution makes Japan one of the toughest environments for accused service members.

• Japanese police may detain and interrogate service members under different legal standards
• NCIS, CID, OSI, and Security Forces coordinate closely with Japanese authorities
• Commands often take fast “protect the alliance” actions before facts are confirmed
• Liberty restrictions, curfews, and restrictive orders are common
• Security clearances are suspended immediately when allegations arise
• SOFA rules complicate jurisdiction, evidence, and rights during investigations

When a case arises in Japan, the command’s priority is international relations — not fairness. Having strong civilian legal defense is essential.

Common UCMJ Charges Faced by Service Members in Japan

Our firm defends the full range of UCMJ charges across naval, marine, air force, and army installations in Japan. Many cases originate from liberty incidents, nightlife, relationship conflicts, and misunderstandings with local nationals.

• Article 120 – Sexual assault, rape, aggravated sexual contact
• Article 128b – Domestic violence and partner disputes
• Article 112a – Drug use or possession (Japan has zero tolerance for controlled substances)
• Article 92 – Orders violations, alcohol restrictions, curfew violations
• Article 107 – False statements during NCIS/OSI/CID interviews
• Article 121 – Larceny, fraud, OHA/BAH investigations
• Article 134 – Indecent conduct, adultery, online misconduct, service-discrediting behavior
• Host-Nation Incidents – Off-base fights, traffic incidents, accusations by civilians

Administrative Actions in Japan’s Military Installations

Because of diplomatic sensitivities, many commands in Japan attempt to separate service members quickly to avoid perceived political risk. These actions often rely on minimal evidence and require strong, immediate pushback.

• Administrative Separation Boards – Fast-tracked overseas discipline
• Officer BOIs – Initiated for conduct concerns, security events, or loss of confidence
• GOMORs & Reprimands – Common in high-pressure units
• Security Clearance Suspensions – Often trigger career collapse even without charges
• Command-Directed Investigations – AR 15-6, JAGMAN, IG, EO, SHARP inquiries

Defense Strategies We Use Across Japan

Our firm brings deep experience dealing with host-nation police, NCIS/OSI investigative tactics, and cross-border evidence challenges. We build powerful defenses tailored to the realities of Japan-based UCMJ litigation.

• Expose contradictions in accuser and witness statements
• Challenge NCIS/CID/OSI investigative shortcuts and bias
• Use digital forensics to retrieve deleted texts, images, and metadata
• Highlight cultural misunderstandings common between U.S. personnel and Japanese civilians
• Counter unlawful command influence and political pressure
• Employ expert witnesses in psychology, digital forensics, and toxicology
• Construct narrative-driven defenses tailored for overseas courts-martial

Why Service Members in Japan Choose Gonzalez & Waddington

Our firm is known worldwide for winning high-stakes UCMJ cases. Service members throughout Japan — from Okinawa to Misawa — turn to us when their careers and freedom are on the line.

• 20+ years of global military trial experience
• Former Army JAG with extensive Asia-Pacific operations experience
• Recognized for aggressive, surgical cross-examination
• Authors of leading books on trial warfare and cross-examination
• Featured in international media for military defense victories
• Experienced with SOFA, host-nation coordination, and international legal conflicts

Contact Our Japan Military Defense Team

If you are stationed in Japan and face a UCMJ investigation, administrative separation, or host-nation involvement, act quickly. The command and investigators are already building their case. You need an elite civilian military defense team to protect your rights and future.

➤ Contact Gonzalez & Waddington for a Confidential Consultation

Japan Military Defense Lawyers – Frequently Asked Questions