Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Military Lawyers

If you are a U.S. service member stationed at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar, California, and find yourself facing serious military criminal charges, a court-martial, or any adverse administrative action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), the stakes are incredibly high. Your military career, personal freedom, and future reputation 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 Miramar, throughout San Diego, and worldwide.

Your Trusted Court-Martial Defense Team at MCAS Miramar, California

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar (Official Site, IATA: NKX, ICAO: KNKX, FAA LID: NKX) is a critical military aviation facility located approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles) north of downtown San Diego, California, in the community of Miramar. As the host to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW), it serves as the aviation element of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, playing a vital role in national defense and expeditionary operations.

A Rich History in Naval Aviation Excellence:

Formerly known as Naval Air Station (NAS) Miramar, this base has a storied history deeply intertwined with U.S. naval aviation. It was famously the former home of the Pacific Fleet fighter and previously housed iconic aircraft such as the F-4 Phantom II, the F-14 Tomcat, and the E-2 Hawkeye. MCAS Miramar was also the original site of the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School (NFWS), better known as the legendary TOPGUN training program (made famous by the movie of the same name). This legacy of elite combat aviation means that personnel at Miramar often operate in high-pressure, high-stakes environments, where even minor incidents can lead to serious allegations under the UCMJ.

For service members at MCAS Miramar who find themselves under investigation or facing charges, proactive legal action is paramount. Early intervention by an experienced military defense lawyer can significantly influence the trajectory and outcome of your case. Gonzalez & Waddington, LLC, brings 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 Miramar 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 Miramar and throughout the greater San Diego area. 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. This includes challenging evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and presenting a compelling case to the military judge or jury.
• 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, often influencing the charging decision or preventing charges altogether.
• 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 demands extensive knowledge of military law, forensic evidence, and victim advocacy dynamics, requiring a highly skilled and experienced defense team.
• Show Cause Boards: Vigorously defending officers facing involuntary separation proceedings due to alleged misconduct, substandard performance, or other reasons, aiming to preserve their careers, rank, and hard-earned benefits.
• Administrative Separation Boards (ADSEP): Fighting relentlessly for enlisted personnel to prevent involuntary discharge or to secure an honorable discharge, which can have profound implications for post-military life, benefits, and civilian employment opportunities.
• Article 15s & Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP): Providing expert counsel and representation for minor disciplinary actions. Though not courts-martial, these 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 critical opportunity to challenge the government’s evidence, cross-examine witnesses, 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), to overturn unjust outcomes or reduce harsh sentences.
• 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 significantly 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.
• Various Other Administrative Proceedings: Handling a broad spectrum of other administrative actions that can impact a service member’s status, pay, or privileges, such as GOMOR rebuttals, adverse fitness reports, and security clearance issues.
• 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 Miramar, our services are also available throughout the United States, Europe (including Germany, Italy, England, Spain, Cyprus, Belgium, and Turkey), the Middle East (Bahrain, Kuwait, Afghanistan, and Qatar), and the entire Pacific Rim (Korea, Guam, Hawaii, and Japan), ensuring consistent and top-tier defense wherever you are stationed.

The Gonzalez & Waddington Advantage: Unparalleled Advocacy for Service Members

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 and uncompromised defense, and we are prepared to fight tirelessly on your behalf.

Unlike many military-appointed counsel 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: A Legacy of Unyielding Military Defense

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 Miramar. This ensures that you receive the highest caliber of legal representation for your court-martial or administrative separation case in San Diego, California, empowering you to navigate the complexities of military law with confidence.

Common Questions About Military Justice at MCAS Miramar

What should I do if I am questioned by NCIS or other military police at Miramar?

If you are questioned by any military law enforcement agency (NCIS, OSI, CID, MPI), **immediately and unequivocally invoke your right to remain silent and your right to counsel.** Do not answer any questions, sign any documents, or provide any statements without first consulting with an experienced military defense attorney. What you say can and will be used against you, and early missteps can severely harm your case. Contact Gonzalez & Waddington immediately.

Can an alleged incident in San Diego be prosecuted by the military at MCAS Miramar?

Yes. Even if an alleged incident occurs off-base in San Diego, if you are a service member, the military can retain jurisdiction and prosecute you under the UCMJ. There are complex rules regarding concurrent jurisdiction between civilian and military authorities. Our attorneys are highly experienced in navigating these jurisdictional overlaps to determine the best course of action for your defense.

What kind of offenses are commonly seen at an Air Station like Miramar?

Given MCAS Miramar’s role as a major aviation hub and its location near a large metropolitan area like San Diego, common offenses can include:

• Alcohol-Related Misconduct: DUIs (driving under the influence), public intoxication, and other alcohol-related infractions.
• Drug Offenses: Possession, distribution, or use of illegal substances.
• Sexual Assault (Article 120 UCMJ): Allegations of sexual misconduct, which are aggressively pursued by the military.
• Assault: Including domestic violence allegations within the military community.
• Larceny and Theft: Both on-base and off-base.
• AWOL/UA: Unauthorized absences from duty.
• Damage to Military Property: Especially relevant given the expensive equipment housed at an air station.

Our firm has extensive experience defending against all these types of charges, developing tailored strategies based on the specifics of each case and the unique operational environment of MCAS Miramar.

About Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and San Diego

MCAS Miramar’s location just outside downtown San Diego provides a unique environment for service members. San Diego is a major coastal city in Southern California, famous for its mild climate, natural deep-water harbor, and extensive beaches. The city is home to a significant military presence, including large Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard installations, making it a critical strategic hub for the U.S. armed forces.

San Diego’s Military Community:

The presence of MCAS Miramar, along with other key bases like Naval Base Coronado, Naval Base San Diego, and Camp Pendleton (north of San Diego), fosters a vibrant military community. This interconnectedness means that legal issues can often span across different commands or even involve civilian authorities. Our firm’s deep roots in military defense allow us to effectively represent service members within this complex ecosystem.

Service members and their families at Miramar benefit from the extensive amenities on base and the diverse cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities in San Diego, known for its world-class attractions, beautiful neighborhoods, and strong economy. However, even in a thriving environment, legal challenges can arise, necessitating the counsel of attorneys who understand both military law and the local civilian legal landscape.

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Google Map:

Contact Our MCAS Miramar Military Defense Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, 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 Miramar military defense lawyers today to schedule your confidential consultation and take the critical first step toward safeguarding your rights and your career.