Serving in the United States Army? Facing a court-martial, UCMJ action, Administrative Separation Board, or other Adverse Administrative Action? Call our experienced Army military defense lawyers at 1-800-921-8607 for a free consultation.
Our military defense lawyers are among the most experienced and hard-hitting in the world. With an unparalleled track record, we provide aggressive, strategic defense tailored to each client’s unique situation. Trust us to fight relentlessly for your rights and deliver the best possible outcome.” (Michael Waddington, Military Defense Lawyer)
“I consulted with Alexandra about an ongoing CID investigation that I had been dealing with for over a year. In my situation, I had an affair with a woman that became my stalker after I stopped returning her calls and texts. Given the current victim SHARP climate in the Army, I should have hired a lawyer much earlier instead of going with TDS. After my first conversation with Alexandra I decided to hire her firm. I am glad that I did. She gave me very realistic advice and listened to my side. Other lawyers I talked to we negative and judgmental. Alexandra gave me a sense of hope during a dark period of my life. Alexandra put together a plan of action for the court martial that was coming. We were able to do a cell phone extraction using Mr Roloff a digital expert that she recommended. Thankfully, we recovered a lot of helpful information, like photos and text messages from the woman falsely accusing me of sexual assault. Her advice and the info we got off of my cell phone were enough to get my false accuser to back down before charges were filed. I was able to continue with my life and career thanks to Alexandra. I recommend her for anyone that is falsely accused of a sex crime in the Army.” (US Army E-7).
“First, if you are reading this stop and email the Waddington’s NOW! It will immediately give you a fighting chance. Second not all lawyers on the internet are the same, so be careful, Do your research and don’t settle for a sub par lawyer. My story is from a distinguished senior NCO, that was preparing to return to the USA from Germany, When I was falsely accused of rape and assault of my former step daughter (7 years removed) in violation of 120b & 128. My world immediately stopped and I was LABELED A CHILD Rapist for 21 months even tho I was supposed to be presumed innocent. After a very biased and incomplete CID investigation I found my self standing before a jury. The Waddington’s flew to Germany prepared and ready to fight. Mr. Waddington destroyed the Governments case one element at a time, even making ALL THE WITNESSES, admit they LIED in some form of capacity. The Government even used my CID Interview against me, even tho the whole time (5hrs) I said I didn’t do it. After three long days and the worst case of booty shaking-nerves, the verdict of not guilty of all accounts was announced after a 40 min deliberation. Bet you are wondering how not guilty right. Well the Waddington’s was able to investigate and found out that my former step daughter had become out of control and when she found out I was coming back and that her mother wanted to get back together she said I raped her. Over 21 months the Government did nothing to vindicate me the target was painted and they had their man. The Waddington’s did the due diligence to show I was innocent. So in short what I am trying to say is give yourself a chance no matter what the case maybe. If you think their price is steep imagine loosing everything or spending life behind bars because you went with a subpar lawyer. And for heavens sake SHUT UP, DONT TALK TO ANYONE, because they can and will use everything you say against you, even tho it was you denying it all!!! Thank you Mr. & Mrs Waddington you saved my life from heinous accusations. I’ll forever be grateful.” (US Army E-7).
“Mr. Waddington and his team are a true powerhouse duo! I was facing three charges: Article 120, w/2x specifications, Article 128b, w/2x specifications, and Article 128, w/1x specification. All these charges combined was enough jail time for two lifetimes. I knew I needed a professional with experience under the laws of the UCMJ. My ex-wife is a master manipulator. She convinced several officers, OSI agents, adult protective services, child protective services and her entire prosecution team they had a solid case moving forward. Mr. Waddington helped me gather and analyze information that supported the case. His thinking outside the box created new ways to relay information to the court. Waddington and González have extensive knowledge in dealing with Article 120 cases and their expertise ensured the outcome was favorable. They recommended and hired key experienced doctors to examine evidence providing critical insight to the lies and manipulation being alleged. Three days into the court martial the prosecution realized based on the extensive evidence we compiled that it was in the best interest of my ex-wife to tell the truth before she severely perjured herself on the stand. My ex-wife decided not to participate resulting in all charges being dismissed. Waddington and González’s professional team have given me the opportunity to finish my last couple years in the Air Force and to retire without any repercussions to my career. Thanks to Mr. Waddington and his team justice was served. He saved my life.” (US Air Force E-7).
“I was an Army NCO and was about to be medically retired when my recently divorced ex-wife made serious allegations against me. I was terrified and didn’t know what to do. I spent a week trying to get a hold of TDS and received no response. I took my father’s advice and decided to find a civilian lawyer. I have to admit, I’ve never hired a criminal defense lawyer before, so I was a little bit overwhelmed by the number of lawyers out there. What caused me to choose Alexandra and her law firm was their videos and my initial consultation with her. She is the real deal. I was giving up hope, and she talked some sense into me. We came up with a plan, and she talked me through the process. She also took care of CID so they would stop harassing me. After a long investigation, the command took my wife’s side, even though her allegations were full of lies, and we had the proof. Knowing they would lose at a court-martial, the JAG persecutors tried to take me out with an administrative board, and they failed. Thanks to Gonzalez and Waddington, I won my board, and I’m now medically retired and living my best life.” (US Army E-7).
“From day 1 of talking to him over the phone and meeting him in person he always kept it light and answered any and all questions I had. He was amazing in trial with the cross examinations and reading the jury members even when we had information dumped on us last minute and witnesses change the statements they had made to NCIS. He gave me a second chance in a case that had been going on for over 3 years that the prosecution was intent on burning me for. Never once did I feel hopeless or discouraged. Hiring him was the best decision I have ever made.” (US Navy E-4).
“I had an excellent experience working with Alexandra. When my bitter ex-wife falsely accused me of abusing her and my children, my life almost came to an end. Immediately, the military turned on me and blocked me from seeing my kids. It took me almost two years to get justice. I could not have done it without Alexandra. From the start, she was incredibly attentive, kind, and knowledgeable. She took the time to explain everything to me until I understood fully. I deeply appreciated how honest she was about the laws, the facts of the case, and the many potential outcomes. She was trustworthy and had a good follow-through. I felt legally protected and had peace of mind for the first time in many months. Her advice was spot on, and she guided me through the military justice system and family advocacy process. Because of Alexandra, I saved my career, cleared my name, and got to see my children after a long 18 months. I had a very positive experience with her and the firm, and I strongly recommend Alexandra when the military and your command abandon you and you want justice.” (US Marine Corps E-7).
“Alexandra is an outstanding military defense lawyer and a wonderful person. My case was quite difficult because I had a 23-year career on the line and I was deployed. I felt like my command hung me out to dry. I needed a criminal lawyer that knew the Navy system and had the experience and wisdom to guide me through the landmines I faced. I also needed someone to get the command to back off and give me a fair investigation. I called Alexandra late one evening on a weekend and hired her the next day. She immediately went to bat for me and got me through this with full retirement and dignity intact. Thank you, Alexandra.” (US Navy O-5).
“I was falsely accused of abusive sexual contact while attending a military service academy. The investigation started the summer before my final year. During this time, I was in a very dark place. Although my commission and graduation were in jeopardy, I did not tell my parents until the holiday break. My parents wanted to look outside the military for a quality defense lawyer. We spoke with New York law firms and some lawyers we found online. We decided to hire Gonzalez and Waddington. A few other reviews mentioned that the Waddington’s were expensive. However, they were much less expensive than the New York lawyers that we talked to. They also had much more experience than the other law firms we interviewed. A few New York lawyers quoted my family over $150,000 for a trial, plus expenses. The Waddington firm cost much less, which surprised us a little. Trust me; they were well worth it. At first, I had faith in the system. Then, I realized the investigators assumed I was guilty when they did not interview many people who were favorable to me. When I heard from my friends that the investigators were trying to get my classmates to change their testimony, I knew they were gunning for me. After we hired them, Mr. Waddington worked closely with me to build a timeline, collect evidence, and assemble a list of witnesses. They gave me “homework,” which kept me active and engaged in my case. When I called, they listened to me and gave me hope. I could tell that they cared about me and my situation. Mr. Waddington explained that I was a key witness, so I documented as many details as possible. He guided me through the process, working together to build my defense. We decided to keep critical information hidden (texts, photos, statements) from the prosecution until the right time. Instead, we captured as much evidence as possible to use later. When the time came, Mr. Waddington used the information we gathered with great skill. He exposed the lies and holes in the prosecutor’s case. Finally, the Waddington’s cleared my name and reputation. Thankfully, I was commissioned and am on my way to a successful career. I owe my life and career to Michael and Alexandra. My family is forever grateful.” (US Army Cadet).
“This man understood that he has a son in the military & would never want this to ever happen to his son. He didn’t talk down to me he talked to me as if I was an equal to him as if he has been through life an understands that this can happen to anyone. I can honestly talk all day of the great person Mr. & Mrs Waddington are so happy A.H. introduced me to you an we got this taken care of I hope the best for you an your family thank you so much for everything.” (US Navy E-4).
“I want to start by saying I am extremely satisfied with the work of Michael and Alexandra, you guys are an amazing team and I am so thankful for you both. I (Staff NCO in the Army) waited until 1 week before the Article 39 hearing to schedule a consultation with Michael and Alexandra; I wish I had done so from the beginning. I was dealing with a lot of psychological issues from the allegations, unanswered questions, and uncertainties. Bringing them onto my team provided immediate relief, they helped me to think clearly and focus on the goal of winning my case. In the weeks leading up to my Court martial, the Waddingtons and my detailed attorney revealed numerous inconsistencies. All I had to do at this point was show up and explain what actually happened. Naturally, lies don’t make sense especially when the are compounding on each other. This all held true during the court proceedings. Long story short, my accuser got on the stand and gave her well rehearsed testimony for the prosecutor. When Michael got up there to do cross, he was calm and slowly started peeling apart her layers and layers of deceit. There were dozens of inconsistencies, the majority of which were blatant lies or cover-ups and even crimes which were highlighted for the panel to see. The Court room is truly Michael’s domain. In the end I was acquitted of all charges and specifications. I was able to have a nice dinner with my family and talk about the future without prefacing “depends on how this court martial goes but”; that feels amazing. Hiring Michael and Alexandra was the best decision of my life, if you are in a similar situation get them on the phone asap. Some additional tips for whoever finds themselves here: -If you are being investigated by CID for allegations of violating article 120, do not wait around. Be pro-active, retain a great attorney and get to work. The Army will not provide you an assigned attorney until you have actually been charged with a crime; What if there is something in your case that could curtail the entire process? You wouldn’t even know and that’s how the Government likes it. Because they have every intention of charging you even if it’s solely based on the word of you accuser. -DO NOT talk to CID, do not confide in you Chain of Command. Don’t even discuss the details of your case with Mom, Dad, or best friend. -Your CO will issue a Military Protective Order as a “standard” thing. This will deny you certain liberties like purchasing and owning a firearm since it gets submitted to the FBI. Make sure to ask the question why your CO is processing an MPO without an expiration date, or as a matter of fact without any evidence. Seems unlawful to me, but this is all in retrospect because I ignorantly signed it as I had no real legal representation at the time it was issued. -You’ll be flagged the entire time, no way around this. Just continue to do your best at work, show them how resilient you are and contribute to the growth of your Company. Do not give them any excuse to label you a dirt bag, or worse stack on additional charges. Good luck.” (US Army E-6).
The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) serves as the foundational legal framework governing the conduct of military personnel in the United States Army and other branches of the armed forces. Enacted to maintain discipline, order, and justice within the military, the UCMJ covers many offenses and procedural rules for handling violations. Army UCMJ and military defense lawyers play a crucial role in this system, ensuring that service members receive fair trials and legal representation.
The UCMJ was established by Congress in 1950, replacing earlier codes that varied between different military branches. It standardizes legal procedures and offenses across all branches, promoting uniformity and fairness. The UCMJ includes substantive laws defining criminal offenses and procedural laws outlining the steps for prosecuting and adjudicating these offenses. It applies to all active-duty military personnel, reservists, and, under certain circumstances, retired service members and civilians subject to military law.
Several common charges under the UCMJ can lead to court-martial proceedings, each varying in severity and potential consequences. Army court martial attorneys and military defense lawyers are essential in navigating these charges and defending the accused.
Sexual assault and rape are serious offenses under Article 120 of the UCMJ. These charges can encompass a range of behaviors, including non-consensual sexual acts, attempted assaults, and inappropriate contact. Convictions can result in severe penalties, including dishonorable discharge, confinement, and registration as a sex offender. Military defense lawyers work to challenge the evidence, establish consent, and ensure that the rights of the accused are protected.
Article 121 UCMJ deals with theft-related offenses, including larceny and wrongful appropriation of military or personal property. Convictions can lead to confinement, reduced rank, and forfeiture of pay. Court martial attorneys often scrutinize the evidence of ownership, intent, and value of the property involved to build a defense.
Assault charges under Article 128 can range from simple assault to aggravated assault involving a weapon or resulting in severe injury. Penalties can vary widely based on the circumstances and severity of the assault. Military defense lawyers focus on self-defense claims, the credibility of witnesses, and the intent behind the actions.
Drug-related offenses under Article 112a include the use, possession, distribution, or manufacture of controlled substances. Such charges can severely impact a service member’s career, leading to discharge and confinement. Court martial attorneys often challenge the procedures used in drug testing, chain of custody for evidence, and the intent behind possession or use.
Violations under Article 92 include the failure to obey lawful orders or regulations, dereliction of duty, and other acts of insubordination. These charges are crucial for maintaining military discipline and can result in significant penalties. Military defense lawyers aim to demonstrate compliance, miscommunication, or the unlawfulness of the order itself.
Article 134 serves as a catch-all for offenses not specifically covered elsewhere in the UCMJ but which are prejudicial to good order and discipline or bring discredit upon the armed forces. This can include conduct such as adultery, disorderly conduct, and fraternization. Court martial attorneys use their expertise to argue what constitutes prejudicial conduct or discredit.
Military defense lawyers and Army court-martial attorneys are critical in the military justice system, providing legal representation to service members facing UCMJ charges. These attorneys are well-versed in military law and procedures, ensuring that the rights of the accused are upheld throughout the investigative and judicial process. They conduct thorough investigations, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and develop defense strategies tailored to the specific circumstances of each case.
In Army court-martial proceedings, these lawyers challenge the prosecution’s evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and present exculpatory evidence. They also negotiate plea deals when appropriate and provide mitigation during sentencing to achieve the best possible outcome for their clients. The expertise and dedication of military defense lawyers are essential in maintaining the integrity of the military justice system and ensuring that service members receive fair and just treatment.
Gonzalez & Waddington is a law firm with extensive experience handling UCMJ cases. Their team of Miami, FL, military defense lawyers and court martial attorneys are committed to defending service members’ rights and achieving favorable outcomes in complex military legal matters. Whether facing charges under Article 120, Article 92, or any other UCMJ article, their expertise and dedication make them invaluable advocates for those who serve.