Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point Military Lawyers

If you are a U.S. service member stationed at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, North Carolina, and are facing serious military criminal charges, a court-martial, or an administrative action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), you understand the gravity of your situation.

Your military career, reputation, and personal freedom are all on the line. At Gonzalez & Waddington, LLC, our dedicated team of civilian military defense attorneys provides aggressive, experienced, and confidential legal representation for Marines, Sailors, Airmen, Soldiers, Coast Guardsmen, and all other U.S. armed forces personnel at MCAS Cherry Point and across the globe.

Leading Court-Martial Defense for Service Members in Eastern North Carolina

Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point (Official Site, ICAO: KNKT, FAA LID: NKT) is a critical United States Marine Corps aviation installation located in Havelock, North Carolina. As a major hub for Marine Corps aviation, it hosts the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (2nd MAW), which plays a vital role in supporting Fleet Marine Forces worldwide.

This dynamic environment, with its high operational tempo and diverse personnel, often gives rise to unique legal challenges that require specialized defense expertise.

The Strategic Importance of MCAS Cherry Point:

Commissioned by the U.S. Congress in 1941, MCAS Cherry Point was initially established as a pivotal training ground for Marine individuals and units preparing for service in the Pacific theater during World War II.

Throughout its illustrious history, the air station has consistently supported U.S. military operations globally, providing a steady stream of highly trained aviators, skilled crew members, and experienced maintenance and technical support personnel for conflicts ranging from the Korean War and the Vietnam War to Operation Desert Storm and the recent war in Afghanistan.

The continuous deployment and readiness requirements at Cherry Point mean that service members frequently operate under immense pressure, which can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or allegations of misconduct.

If you are a Marine, Sailor, Airman, Soldier, or Coast Guardsman at MCAS Cherry Point or in the broader Eastern North Carolina region and are under investigation or facing charges, proactive legal action is paramount.

Early intervention by an experienced military defense lawyer can significantly alter the trajectory and outcome of your case. Gonzalez & Waddington, LLC, draws upon decades of combined experience fighting complex court-martial cases, challenging administrative proceedings, navigating military separations, and defending against non-judicial punishment (NJP) for service members both stateside and overseas.

Comprehensive Military Legal Services for Cherry Point Personnel

Our team of dedicated military defense attorneys is exceptionally qualified to aggressively defend and represent clients from every branch of the U.S. armed forces stationed at MCAS Cherry Point and its surrounding areas. We specialize in a wide array of legal services meticulously tailored to the distinct needs of military personnel:

Court-Martial Defense: Providing elite, aggressive defense for General, Special, and Summary Courts-Martial, ensuring every legal avenue is thoroughly explored to protect your rights and reputation.
Pre-Charging Investigation & Representation: Offering crucial legal guidance and representation from the earliest stages of an investigation by NCIS, CID, OSI, or other military law enforcement agencies, even before formal charges are preferred. We advise on your absolute right to remain silent and ensure proper procedural safeguards are in place.
UCMJ Article 120 Sexual Assault Defense: Delivering specialized, sensitive, and tenacious representation for allegations involving sexual assault under Article 120 of the UCMJ. This area requires extensive knowledge of military law, forensic evidence, and victim advocacy dynamics.
Show Cause Boards: Vigorously defending officers facing involuntary separation proceedings due to alleged misconduct, substandard performance, or other reasons, aiming to preserve their careers, benefits, and future.
Administrative Separation Boards (ADSEP): Fighting relentlessly to prevent involuntary discharge or to secure an honorable discharge for enlisted personnel facing administrative separation, which can have profound implications for post-military life.
Article 15s & Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP): Providing expert counsel and representation for minor disciplinary actions that, while not criminal courts-martial, can still carry significant and lasting negative impacts on a service member’s career progression, rank, and reputation.
Article 32 Investigations: Guiding clients through these preliminary hearings, which serve as a crucial opportunity to challenge the government’s evidence and influence the decision to proceed to a court-martial.
Appeals: Pursuing appeals of court-martial convictions to higher military courts, such as the Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals (NMCCA) or the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (CAAF).
Discharge Upgrades: Assisting veterans in petitioning review boards to change the characterization of their military discharge (e.g., from Other Than Honorable to Honorable), which can restore lost benefits and improve civilian employment prospects.
Correction of Military Records: Helping service members and veterans rectify errors, injustices, or adverse information in their official military records through various administrative boards and processes.
Administrative Proceedings: Beyond ADSEP and Article 15s, we handle a broad spectrum of other administrative actions that can impact a service member’s status, pay, or privileges.
Letter of Reprimand Rebuttals: Crafting strong, persuasive written responses to official letters of reprimand to mitigate their long-term career implications and potential future use.

Our firm’s extensive global reach means that in addition to representing clients at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, our services are also available throughout the United States, Europe (including Germany, Italy, England, Spain, Cyprus, Belgium, Turkey), the Middle East (Bahrain, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Qatar), and the entire Pacific Rim (Korea, Guam, Hawaii, Japan), ensuring consistent and top-tier defense wherever you are stationed.

The Gonzalez & Waddington Advantage: Unrivaled Experience in Military Defense

When your freedom and future are at stake, selecting the right military defense attorney is the most critical decision you will make. At Gonzalez & Waddington, we distinguish ourselves through our aggressive advocacy, unparalleled experience, and a profound understanding of the intricacies of the military justice system. Our approach is built on the principle that every service member deserves a vigorous defense, and we are prepared to fight tirelessly on your behalf.

Unlike many military counsel or appointed defense attorneys who may face institutional pressures or limited resources that could lead to an inclination toward plea bargains, our firm operates with complete independence.

When we commit to representing an accused service member, our singular objective is to defend their rights rigorously and compel the prosecution to meet their burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. We meticulously scrutinize every piece of evidence, challenge all procedural missteps, and relentlessly explore every possible avenue of defense.

Our military defense attorneys are renowned for their willingness and ability to take cases to contested court-martial and to fight the allegations fiercely before a military judge or jury. We do not outsource your trial to an unknown or less experienced lawyer.

You will receive direct, personal representation from our seasoned legal team from the initial investigation through to the final verdict. We will never coerce you into accepting a plea deal that is not genuinely in your best interest, particularly at the critical eleventh hour of your case.

The extensive track record of our defense lawyers includes successfully defending trials and ADSEP proceedings not only within the continental U.S. but also across numerous complex international jurisdictions. This global experience underscores our consistent application of robust defense strategies and our capacity to navigate the diverse legal landscapes faced by service members worldwide.

With Gonzalez & Waddington, you gain a defense team that is intimately familiar with the unique challenges of military law and unwavering in its commitment to your success.

Meet Our Esteemed Leadership: Alexandra González-Waddington & Michael Waddington

The formidable reputation of Gonzalez & Waddington is directly attributable to the exceptional legal talents and unwavering dedication of our founding partners:

Alexandra González-Waddington: Partner Alexandra González-Waddington possesses a distinguished career marked by the vigorous defense of countless American service members. Her extensive experience spans a wide range of complex UCMJ crimes, including her leadership in defense efforts for some of the most challenging and high-profile war crime cases originating from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. Her profound expertise in military criminal defense is further underscored by her co-authorship of three best-selling trial advocacy guides: “Pattern Cross-Examination for Sexual Assault Cases: A Trial Strategy & Resource Guide,” “Pattern Cross-Examination for DNA and Biological Evidence,” and “Pattern Cross-Examination of Expert Witnesses.” These authoritative texts are not merely academic works; they are actively utilized as practical resources by criminal defense lawyers across the United States and internationally, solidifying her status as a recognized authority and thought leader in advanced trial strategy. Additionally, Ms. González-Waddington brings invaluable practical experience from her impactful tenure as one of the first Public Defenders for the Augusta Judicial Circuit, providing her with a comprehensive and unique perspective on effective criminal defense tactics and the challenges faced by those accused.
Michael Waddington: Co-founder Michael Waddington is a highly respected legal professional, an accomplished graduate of Temple Law, and a proud, current member of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers – one of the most prestigious legal organizations globally, comprising an elite group of the world’s most esteemed criminal attorneys. His groundbreaking work in military law has garnered significant attention, with some of his landmark cases even being adapted into feature films, such as “The Kill Team,” powerfully illustrating the profound impact of his legal victories. Mr. Waddington is also a sought-after instructor, regularly training other defense counsel on the art and science of delivering powerful closing arguments, sharing his strategic insights with the broader legal community. His invaluable background as a former member of the U.S. Army’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) provides him with critical insider knowledge of prosecution strategies, military investigative techniques, and internal legal processes, which he skillfully employs to anticipate opposing counsel’s moves and build robust defenses for our clients.

The combined experience, recognized leadership, and strategic insights of Gonzalez & Waddington’s military defense lawyers are meticulously applied to every case at MCAS Cherry Point. This ensures that you receive the highest caliber of legal representation for your court-martial or administrative separation case in North Carolina, empowering you to navigate the complexities of military law with confidence.

Important Considerations for Service Members at MCAS Cherry Point

Being stationed at a large, active base like MCAS Cherry Point means you are part of a vibrant military community, but it also means you are subject to the strict rules of the UCMJ and the constant vigilance of military law enforcement. Understanding specific aspects of legal proceedings unique to military service can be crucial.

What is the role of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (2nd MAW) in legal cases?

The 2nd MAW, as the host unit at MCAS Cherry Point, exercises command authority over its assigned personnel. While they do not directly prosecute cases, the command initiates investigations, prefers charges, and conducts administrative actions. Our attorneys frequently engage with various command elements and the Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) office to negotiate, advocate, and defend our clients’ interests at every stage of the process.

What are the common types of cases seen at MCAS Cherry Point?

Given the nature of aviation units and a large military population, cases at MCAS Cherry Point can range from minor disciplinary infractions (like Article 15s) to serious felony-level offenses under the UCMJ. Common categories include:

Drug offenses (e.g., possession, distribution, use of illegal substances)
Alcohol-related misconduct (e.g., DUI, underage drinking, public intoxication)
Assault and battery
Sexual assault (Article 120, UCMJ)
Theft and larceny
AWOL/Desertion
Dereliction of duty
Fraternization

Our firm has extensive experience defending against all these types of charges, developing tailored strategies based on the specifics of each case.

How does location impact my case (Havelock, North Carolina)?

While MCAS Cherry Point falls under military jurisdiction for UCMJ offenses, service members can also face civilian charges in Havelock, North Carolina, or surrounding Craven County. Understanding the interplay between military and civilian jurisdiction is critical. Our attorneys are adept at navigating these dual legal systems, ensuring your rights are protected in both military and civilian courts if necessary. We are familiar with the local legal landscape and how it may impact a military member’s case.

About Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point and Havelock, NC

MCAS Cherry Point is located just outside Havelock, North Carolina, a community that has grown intrinsically with the air station. The base and the town share a deep connection, with many service members and their families living in Havelock and surrounding areas.

Havelock, North Carolina: The Home of Cherry Point

Havelock is a city in Craven County, North Carolina, primarily characterized by its relationship with MCAS Cherry Point. It offers a range of services and amenities for military families, including schools, housing, and recreational facilities. The local economy is heavily influenced by the base, fostering a strong sense of community support for service members.

The Eastern North Carolina region, where Cherry Point is situated, boasts a unique coastal landscape with access to rivers, sounds, and the Atlantic Ocean. While the area offers outdoor recreation and a relaxed lifestyle, service members facing legal challenges need a defense team focused solely on their military case, distinct from the local civilian legal issues that might arise.

The continuous operation of the 2nd MAW and its associated units means that MCAS Cherry Point remains at the forefront of Marine Corps aviation. This dynamic environment can lead to high-pressure situations, making competent legal defense paramount when allegations arise.

Marine Corps Bases Where We Provide Defense:

Our military defense lawyers represent clients at numerous Marine Corps bases across the globe, handling court-martial cases, sexual assault allegations, and administrative actions, including but not limited to:

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Contact Our Havelock, NC Military Defense Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, are facing any military legal challenge – whether it’s an investigation, UCMJ charge, court-martial, or administrative proceeding – acting swiftly is paramount. Your choice of legal representation can be the decisive factor in protecting your rights, preserving your military career, and securing your future.

Do not hesitate to seek independent, aggressive defense counsel. Gonzalez & Waddington, LLC, provides the tenacious and knowledgeable representation you need to navigate the complexities of military law. We offer a free, confidential consultation to meticulously discuss the specifics of your situation and to begin crafting a powerful, personalized defense strategy.

Your future is too important to leave to chance. Contact our experienced MCAS Cherry Point military defense lawyers today to schedule your confidential consultation and take the critical first step toward safeguarding your rights and your career.