Kadena Air Base Japan Military Defense Lawyers

If you are a U.S. service member stationed at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, and are facing serious military criminal charges or an administrative action, securing experienced legal representation is paramount. The civilian military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington are dedicated to defending the rights and futures of U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard personnel.

Aggressive Court-Martial Defense for Service Members in Okinawa

Our law firm has a proven track record of successfully representing U.S. military personnel worldwide, including those serving in Japan. When your career, freedom, and reputation are on the line, you need a defense team that will fight relentlessly on your behalf.

We challenge allegations and compel the prosecution to prove their case, often taking accusations to contested court-martial trials rather than encouraging plea bargains.

Experienced Military Criminal Defense Counsel in Japan

Gonzalez & Waddington’s civilian defense attorneys have earned a strong reputation for protecting service members across Japan. We provide zealous defense for Kadena Air Base personnel, as well as those at Torii Station, Misawa Air Base, and Yokota Air Base. Our firm defends against a wide range of UCMJ offenses, including:

• Sexual Assault (Article 120, UCMJ)
• Manslaughter (Article 119, UCMJ)
• Indecent Viewing, Recording, or Distribution
• Conspiracy (Article 81, UCMJ)
• Contempt Toward Officials (Article 88, UCMJ)
• Theft
• Death or Injury of an Unborn Child (Article 119a, UCMJ)
• Forcible Pandering
• And many other offenses under military law.

Why Choose Gonzalez & Waddington for Your Kadena Case?

Unlike many appointed military defense attorneys, our approach is not to push for a quick plea deal. We believe in a robust defense, meticulously examining every detail of your case and challenging the prosecution at every turn.

Your trial will not be outsourced to another lawyer, and we will never pressure you into accepting a disadvantageous outcome. Our seasoned defense lawyers have extensive experience defending trials and administrative separation (ADSEP) proceedings both in the U.S. and globally.

Meet Our Leading Military Defense Attorneys

Our firm’s unparalleled experience stems from the expertise of our founding partners:

• Partner Alexandra González-Waddington: Ms. González-Waddington has defended countless American service members, including high-profile war crime cases from Iraq and Afghanistan. She is a co-author of best-selling trial advocacy guides, including “Pattern Cross-Examination for Sexual Assault Cases: A Trial Strategy & Resource Guide,” utilized by criminal defense lawyers worldwide. Her background as a Public Defender further enhances her trial acumen.
• Founding Attorney Michael Waddington: A graduate of Temple Law, Michael Waddington is a distinguished member of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers, a highly respected organization of top criminal attorneys. His cases have been featured in films like “The Kill Team,” and he regularly trains other defense counsel on effective closing arguments. Mr. Waddington’s extensive experience as a former U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) member provides invaluable insight into military legal proceedings.

Together, our experienced Kadena Air Base military defense lawyers leverage this comprehensive history to vigorously defend your court-martial or administrative separation case in Japan.

Understanding the UCMJ and Your Rights at Kadena Air Base

The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) governs all active duty, National Guard, Reserve, and retired armed forces personnel. If you or a loved one has been charged with a UCMJ crime while stationed at Kadena Air Base or elsewhere in Japan, it is critical to seek legal help immediately.

U.S. Military service members have the right to be defended by a civilian court-martial counsel. Do not hesitate to contact Gonzalez & Waddington to start fighting your accusation. Our counsel will handle your case from initial investigation to resolution.

Our Comprehensive Military Legal Services Include:

• Court-martial defense (General, Special, and Summary)
• Pre-charging investigation and representation
• UCMJ Article 120 sexual assault defense
• Officer Show Cause Boards
• Administrative Separation Boards (ADSEP)
• Article 15s and Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP)
• Article 32 investigations
• Appeals of court-martial convictions
• Discharge upgrades
• Correction of military records
• Administrative proceedings
• Letter of Reprimand rebuttals

Our services extend beyond Kadena Air Base and Japan, covering clients throughout the United States, Europe (Germany, Italy, England, Spain, Cyprus, Belgium, Turkey), the Middle East (Bahrain, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Qatar), and the Pacific Rim (Korea, Guam, Hawaii).

About Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan

Kadena Air Base (Wikipedia), established in 1945 towards the end of the Battle of Okinawa, is the largest U.S. Air Force combat wing in the Pacific. Located in Okinawa Prefecture, it serves as a critical strategic hub for U.S. airpower. Home to the 18th Wing, Kadena hosts a diverse community of over 18,000 American service members and 4,000 Japanese employees and contractors.

Historical Significance and Mission

Originally known as Yara Hikojo, a small airfield built by a local construction company, the site was requisitioned by U.S. forces during the Battle of Okinawa. Over the decades, it has evolved into a formidable base, supporting various critical missions.

The 18th Wing, stationed at Kadena since March 1968, maintains peace and stability in the region, operating a fleet including F-15C/D Eagles, KC-135R/T Stratotankers, and MC-130H Combat Talon II aircraft.

Kadena is also a significant logistics hub for Air Mobility Command and hosts detachments from the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and other Department of Defense units, forming “Team Kadena,” ready for operations in the Pacific.

Life at Kadena Air Base

The base provides a wide array of services and facilities for service members and their families, including retail, dining, cinemas, golf courses, fitness centers, and more. The temperate climate of Okinawa makes it suitable for outdoor activities for much of the year, with hot, wet summers and cool, clear winters.