Japan Military Defense Lawyers – Court Martial Attorneys
Elite UCMJ & Court-Martial Defense for Service Members in Japan
Japan hosts some of the most strategically important U.S. military installations in the world, including Yokosuka Naval Base, Yokota Air Base, Camp Zama, Sasebo, Misawa Air Base, Kadena Air Base, Marine Corps bases in Okinawa, and dozens of smaller facilities. The presence of the U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) under the U.S.–Japan Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) means that American service members live under both the Uniform Code of Military Justice and Japanese law. A single allegation can trigger parallel investigations by Japanese police and U.S. military authorities. Accusations of sexual assault, domestic violence, fraternization, or drug use can rapidly become life-changing events in this politically sensitive environment.
At Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law, we have represented Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, and Guardians across Japan for more than 20 years. From Okinawa to Yokohama, our military defense lawyers understand how fast Japanese investigations move, how commands react under diplomatic pressure, and how to protect your rights when you are thousands of miles from home.
Why UCMJ Allegations in Japan Are Extremely Serious
Allegations of misconduct in Japan are often treated as bilateral diplomatic issues rather than purely military matters. Commands fear negative media coverage, host-nation political backlash, and protests. As a result, they impose restrictions quickly and pursue maximum punishments, even with thin evidence.
- Japanese police may detain and interrogate service members for off-base incidents, and their interrogations can last days without counsel present
- Commands frequently presume guilt to avoid criticism and act swiftly to remove accused members from their unit
- SOFA requirements mean service members may face both Japanese criminal prosecution and UCMJ court-martial proceedings
- Liberty restrictions, curfews, and pretrial confinement are common during investigations
- Security clearances and career assignments are suspended immediately
- Public protest and local media coverage create pressure to “set an example”
Without experienced defense, you can quickly lose your freedom, rank, retirement, and reputation. A strong legal strategy is essential from the start.
Common UCMJ Charges and Administrative Actions in Japan
The Japanese legal environment intensifies certain allegations. We defend against every type of charge, but common cases in Japan include:
- Article 120 (Sexual Assault and Rape) – Allegations often stem from social gatherings, bars, or off-base relationships; convictions can mean life confinement, dishonorable discharge, and sex offender registration
- Article 128b (Domestic Violence) – Domestic incidents are handled aggressively due to command scrutiny and local interest
- Article 112a (Drug Use/Distribution) – Japan enforces zero-tolerance drug laws, and even small amounts lead to felony charges under UCMJ
- Article 92 (Failure to Obey Orders) – Curfew violations, fraternization, and disobedience of unit or SOFA rules are common charges
- Article 121 (Larceny and Fraud) – Cases often involve misuse of allowances, fraudulent housing claims, or wrongful appropriation of government property
- Article 134 (General Misconduct) – Covers adultery, indecent conduct, online misconduct, and other service-discrediting behavior
- Administrative Separation Boards and BOIs – Commands initiate separation boards quickly to remove members even without a criminal conviction
- Security Clearance Suspensions – Clearance revocations are almost automatic when allegations involve trust or security concerns
Legal Strategy and Tactics in Japan
Our firm builds an aggressive defense strategy for every case. We know how to expose weak evidence, challenge host-nation cooperation, and protect your rights under SOFA and UCMJ. Key tactics include:
- Demanding access to evidence gathered by Japanese police and ensuring it meets U.S. legal standards
- Identifying inconsistencies in accuser statements and uncovering hidden motives, such as jealousy, revenge, or political pressure
- Using digital forensics to recover deleted texts, location data, and metadata to establish timelines and challenge narratives
- Highlighting cultural misunderstandings and language barriers that affect witness testimony
- Calling expert witnesses in forensic psychology, toxicology, digital evidence, or linguistics to discredit flawed testimony
- Preparing detailed rebuttals for General Officer Memoranda of Reprimand (GOMORs), separation boards, and Boards of Inquiry
Why Hire Gonzalez & Waddington for Japan Cases
Our firm is recognized worldwide for winning court martial and administrative cases across Asia. We have defended service members at Kadena Air Base, Camp Foster, Torii Station, Yokosuka Naval Base, Yokota Air Base, MCAS Iwakuni, and Misawa. We bring unmatched trial experience and knowledge of Japanese law to every case.
- More than two decades of courtroom victories under the UCMJ
- Former Army JAG attorney with extensive overseas and combat-zone experience
- Authors of authoritative books on cross-examination and trial strategy
- Known for aggressive defense and effective cross-examination skills
- Featured in national and international media for high-profile defense work
- Deep understanding of the U.S.–Japan SOFA, local police procedures, and host-nation protocols
Contact Our Japan Military Defense Lawyers & Court Martial Attorneys
If you are stationed in Japan and facing a court-martial, administrative separation, or host-nation investigation, do not wait. Investigators and prosecutors are already building their case. You need experienced military defense lawyers to defend your rank, retirement, and freedom.
➤ Contact Gonzalez & Waddington for a Confidential Consultation
Japan Military Defense Lawyers – Court Martial Attorneys – Frequently Asked Questions
Should I speak to Japanese police or NCIS without a lawyer?
No. You should politely decline to answer questions and request a lawyer. Japanese police interrogations can last hours or days, and anything you say may be used against you in both host-nation and U.S. proceedings. Always consult a qualified military defense attorney first.
Do Japanese authorities have jurisdiction over U.S. service members?
Yes. Under the U.S.–Japan Status of Forces Agreement, Japanese police may arrest, detain, and prosecute service members for crimes committed off-base. However, U.S. authorities often retain jurisdiction for on-base incidents. Understanding SOFA rights is essential, and having a civilian attorney helps safeguard those rights.
What are typical punishments for UCMJ violations in Japan?
Punishments can include lengthy confinement, reduction in rank, forfeiture of pay, dishonorable or bad conduct discharge, and sex offender registration for sexual assault convictions. Commanders also impose pretrial confinement and no-contact orders. Without skilled representation, the consequences are severe.
Are administrative separations common in Japan?
Yes. Commands frequently initiate administrative separation boards to remove service members quickly when allegations arise. Unlike courts-martial, the burden of proof is lower, meaning your career can end without a criminal conviction. Skilled legal defense is critical to fight an administrative separation.
Who are Michael and Alexandra Gonzalez‑Waddington?
Michael Waddington, a former Army JAG attorney, and Alexandra Gonzalez‑Waddington are internationally respected military defense lawyers. They have defended U.S. service members in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and worldwide. Their firm is known for strategic cross-examination and for winning cases that others thought unwinnable.
