Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay Military Lawyers

For U.S. service members stationed at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, facing allegations under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) can be an incredibly stressful and daunting experience.

Whether you are under investigation, have been charged with a military crime, or are facing administrative separation, your future hangs in the balance. At Gonzalez & Waddington, LLC, our dedicated team of civilian military defense attorneys provides aggressive, experienced, and confidential legal representation for Marines, Sailors, and all other U.S. armed forces personnel at MCAS Kaneohe Bay and across the Hawaiian Islands.

Your Trusted Court-Martial Defense Team at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay (Official Site, ICAO: PHNG, FAA LID: NGF) is a vital component of Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH), situated approximately 3 kilometers northeast of Kaneohe on the island of Oahu.

While relatively smaller in land area at around 322 acres with a single runway, its strategic importance in the Pacific is undeniable. Home to approximately 10,000 active Navy and Marine Corps personnel, MCAS Kaneohe Bay is a dynamic operational environment.

Command and Operational Significance:

MCAS Kaneohe Bay operates under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 24 (MAG-24) and Navy Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 2. It houses critical aviation assets, including four Navy P-3 Orion patrol squadrons and an SH-60 Seahawk Anti-Submarine squadron. The high operational tempo and unique geographical setting of Hawaii can present distinct challenges for service members, making expert legal counsel indispensable.

A History of Service:

Originally commissioned by President Woodrow Wilson in 1939 as Naval Air Station (NAS) Kaneohe Bay, the airfield played a role in World War II, though specifics of its early operations are limited. It was later re-commissioned on January 15, 1952, as a crucial training site for combined air-and-ground forces. This long history underscores its enduring strategic value and the dedication of the personnel who serve there.

Regardless of your rank, branch, or the complexity of the charges against you, Gonzalez & Waddington is prepared to mount a robust defense.

We bring decades of combined experience fighting court-martial cases, administrative proceedings, military separations, and non-judicial punishment (NJP) for service members throughout the U.S. and around the globe. Our firm’s reputation for aggressive advocacy is well-established, providing peace of mind to those facing the immense pressures of the military justice system.

Comprehensive Military Legal Services for MCAS Kaneohe Bay Personnel

Our team of highly qualified military defense attorneys is dedicated to aggressively defending and representing clients across all branches of the U.S. armed forces stationed in Hawaii. We specialize in a wide range of legal services designed to address the specific needs of military personnel:

• Court-Martial Defense: Providing elite defense for General, Special, and Summary Courts-Martial, ensuring every legal avenue is explored to protect your rights.
• Pre-Charging Investigation & Representation: Crucial early intervention when you are under investigation by NCIS, CID, OSI, or other military law enforcement, before formal charges are preferred. We advise on your rights, including the right to remain silent, and ensure proper procedures are followed.
• UCMJ Article 120 Sexual Assault Defense: Offering specialized, sensitive, and aggressive representation for allegations of sexual assault, an area requiring extensive knowledge of military law and forensic evidence.
• Show Cause Boards: Defending officers facing involuntary separation due to allegations of misconduct or substandard performance, protecting their careers and benefits.
• Administrative Separation Boards (ADSEP): Vigorously fighting to prevent involuntary discharge or to secure an honorable discharge for enlisted personnel facing administrative separation.
• Article 15s & Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP): Providing counsel and representation for disciplinary actions that, while not courts-martial, can still have significant and lasting negative impacts on a service member’s career progression and reputation.
• Article 32 Investigations: Guiding clients through these preliminary hearings, which determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed to a court-martial, offering a critical opportunity to influence the case’s direction.
• 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 discharge (e.g., from OTH to Honorable), impacting benefits and civilian employment.
• Correction of Military Records: Helping service members and veterans rectify errors or injustices in their official military records through various 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.
• Letter of Reprimand Rebuttals: Crafting strong, persuasive responses to official letters of reprimand to mitigate their long-term career implications.

Our firm’s reach extends far beyond Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay. We regularly represent clients throughout the United States, Europe (including Germany, Italy, England, Spain, Cyprus, Belgium, Turkey), the Middle East (including Bahrain, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Qatar), and the entire Pacific Rim (Korea, Guam, and Japan), demonstrating our global capacity to serve military personnel wherever they are stationed.

The Gonzalez & Waddington Advantage: Why Your Choice of Counsel Matters

When facing the potentially life-altering consequences of a military legal proceeding, the choice of your defense attorney is paramount. At Gonzalez & Waddington, we offer a distinct advantage built on aggressive advocacy, unparalleled experience, and a deep understanding of the military justice system.

Unlike many military counsel who may be compelled by internal pressures or limited resources to seek plea bargains, our firm operates with complete independence. When we represent an accused service member, our primary objective is to vigorously defend their rights and compel the prosecution to meet their burden of proof. We meticulously examine every piece of evidence, challenge procedural missteps, and relentlessly pursue every avenue of defense.

Our military defense attorneys are known for their willingness to take cases to contested court-martial and fight the allegations fiercely in front of a military judge or jury. Your case will not be outsourced to an unfamiliar lawyer. We believe in direct, personal representation from start to finish. We will never coerce you into accepting a deal that is not in your best interest, especially at the critical eleventh hour.

Our defense lawyers have a track record of successfully defending trials and administrative separation proceedings not only within the U.S. but also in numerous complex international jurisdictions. This global experience ensures that no matter where you are stationed, including the unique environment of MCAS Kaneohe Bay, you will receive a defense grounded in extensive practical knowledge and strategic foresight.

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 has a distinguished career defending countless American service members. Her experience spans a wide range of complex UCMJ crimes, including leading defense efforts in some of the most challenging war crime cases from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. Her profound expertise in military criminal defense is further evidenced 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 just academic works; they are actively used by criminal defense lawyers across the United States and internationally, solidifying her status as a thought leader in trial strategy. Additionally, Ms. González-Waddington brings invaluable practical experience from her time as one of the first Public Defenders for the Augusta Judicial Circuit, providing her with a comprehensive and unique perspective on criminal defense tactics.
• Michael Waddington: Co-founder Michael Waddington is a highly respected legal professional, a graduate of Temple Law, and a current member of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers – one of the most prestigious legal organizations globally. His groundbreaking work in military law has even been the subject of feature films, such as “The Kill Team,” underscoring the impact of his cases. Mr. Waddington is also a sought-after instructor, regularly training other defense counsel on the art of powerful closing arguments. His 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 and military legal processes, which he skillfully employs to build robust defenses for our clients.

The collective experience and recognized leadership of Gonzalez & Waddington’s military defense lawyers are directly applied to every case at MCAS Kaneohe Bay, ensuring you receive the highest caliber of legal representation for your court-martial or administrative separation case in Hawaii.

Navigating the Military Justice System at MCAS Kaneohe Bay

Understanding the UCMJ and the military justice process is critical for any service member facing allegations. The stakes involved in a court-martial or administrative action can be severe, ranging from imprisonment and punitive discharge to loss of benefits and damage to one’s civilian career. Service members at MCAS Kaneohe Bay need to be aware of their rights and the procedural intricacies that apply specifically to military legal proceedings.

Your Rights Under the UCMJ:

• Right to Counsel: You have the right to be represented by a military defense attorney and, importantly, the right to retain civilian counsel at your own expense.
• Right to Remain Silent: Any statements you make can and will be used against you. It is crucial to invoke your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately upon questioning.
• Protection Against Unlawful Search and Seizure: Similar to civilian law, the Fourth Amendment applies to military personnel, offering protection against unreasonable searches.
• Right to a Fair Trial: This includes the right to confront witnesses, present evidence, and have a fair and impartial hearing.

The relentless military criminal defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington are here to help you assert these rights and build the strongest possible defense. We will explain your allegations in detail, outline the potential consequences, and develop a tailored strategy to fight your case from start to finish.

Life at Marine Corps Base Hawaii and Kaneohe Bay

Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) encompasses MCAS Kaneohe Bay and provides a full range of services and facilities for service members and their families in Hawaii. Located on the beautiful island of Oahu, the base offers a unique blend of military operations and island lifestyle.

Community and Environment:

Kaneohe Bay is known for its stunning natural beauty, including crystal-clear waters, lush landscapes, and iconic views of the Koolau Mountains. The base supports a thriving community with numerous recreational opportunities, including beaches, hiking trails, and water sports. This environment, while idyllic, also means that service members may face unique situations or jurisdictional complexities that require specialized legal knowledge.

The close-knit community on base and the broader Hawaiian culture contribute to a unique living and working environment. However, even in paradise, legal issues can arise. Whether it’s an alleged UCMJ violation, a DUI, or an administrative matter, having a legal team familiar with both military law and the local context is invaluable.

The base provides essential services, including housing, medical facilities, commissaries, MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) programs, and educational opportunities, all designed to support the well-being of military families.

Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay Google Map:

Call Our Hawaii Military Defense Lawyers Today for MCAS Kaneohe Bay

If you or a loved one stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, are facing any military legal challenge, time is of the essence. Early engagement with a skilled military defense attorney can profoundly influence the outcome of your case. Do not rely solely on detailed military counsel; seek an independent, aggressive defense team committed to your best interests.

Gonzalez & Waddington, LLC, stands ready to provide the tenacious and knowledgeable representation you need. We offer a free, confidential consultation to discuss the specifics of your situation and begin crafting a powerful defense strategy.

Your future and your military career are too valuable to risk. Contact our Kaneohe Bay military defense lawyers today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights.