Norfolk Naval Base Military Defense Lawyers | UCMJ Defense

Aggressive Norfolk Naval Base, Virginia Military Defense Attorneys

Facing court-martial or UCMJ charges at Naval Station Norfolk? Our Norfolk Naval Base military defense lawyers specialize in UCMJ, Article 120, and other military law matters. Get a free consultation today.

Call Our Military Defense Lawyers at 1-800-921-8607

When You Need a Navy Court Martial Lawyer at Norfolk Naval Base

We have successfully defended and acquitted Navy sailors worldwide, including Norfolk Navy Base. Check out our case results to learn more.

The experienced Norfolk Naval Base military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington have developed a reputation for defending sailors at Navy bases such as Norfolk Naval Base. If you are stationed at Norfolk Naval Base and are suspected of a military crime, retaining the most experienced defense lawyer can be the difference between getting convicted versus winning your case or saving your career.

Our civilian criminal defense lawyers represent Norfolk Naval Base sailors in both UCMJ and administrative matters, including representing Navy sailors suspected of sexual assault, drug use, and other offenses under military law.

Military Defense at Naval Station Norfolk: Your Rights, Your Future

Naval Station Norfolk (NS Norfolk), the world’s most extensive naval base, is a hub of military activity. With that comes the potential for legal issues under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Whether you’re facing court-martial, non-judicial punishment, or administrative separation, having a skilled Naval Station Norfolk military defense lawyer by your side is crucial.

Why Naval Station Norfolk Demands Specialized Defense

Military law is distinct from civilian law, and NS Norfolk, with its unique culture and operational demands, presents its challenges. Our team of seasoned defense lawyers understands the intricacies of NS Norfolk and the specific pressures faced by service members stationed there. Our Norfolk Naval Base military defense lawyers leverage this local expertise to build the strongest possible defense for your case.

Navigating the UCMJ Maze: Your Advocate in Military Law

The UCMJ is a complex legal framework that governs the conduct of military personnel. Our Norfolk Naval Base military defense lawyers deeply understand the UCMJ and its application in various military justice proceedings. We stay abreast of the latest legal developments, ensuring that the most up-to-date information and strategies inform your defense.

Our Comprehensive Defense Services at Naval Station Norfolk:

Court-Martial Defense: We represent service members facing all types of court-martial charges, including Article 120 (sexual assault), drug offenses, theft, fraud, and violent crimes. We meticulously investigate the facts, challenge the evidence, and tirelessly advocate for your court rights.
Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP): Also known as Captain’s Mast, NJP is a disciplinary measure for minor offenses. We advise and represent service members during NJP proceedings, ensuring their rights are protected, and they receive fair treatment.
Administrative Separations: If you’re facing discharge due to misconduct or performance issues, our Norfolk Naval Base military defense lawyers can guide you through the administrative separation process. We fight to protect your military career and benefits.
UCMJ Appeals: We handle appeals of court-martial convictions and other adverse military justice decisions. Our goal is to overturn or mitigate the consequences of unfavorable rulings.
Article 120 Defense: Sexual assault allegations under Article 120 carry severe consequences. We have extensive experience defending service members against these charges and providing compassionate and strategic representation.

Finding the Right Civilian Naval Station Norfolk Military Defense Lawyer

If you’re facing UCMJ charges or potential legal action at Naval Station Norfolk (NS Norfolk), securing the right defense lawyer is crucial for protecting your rights and future. While military personnel can access military defense counsel, seeking out a civilian NS Norfolk military defense lawyer can offer unique advantages.

Here’s what to consider when searching for the right civilian defense lawyer in the Norfolk area:

Experience and Expertise of Norfolk Naval Base Military Defense Lawyers:

UCMJ Specialization: Look for Norfolk Naval Base military defense lawyers focusing exclusively on military law, particularly UCMJ cases. Such a lawyer should deeply understand military justice’s specific regulations, procedures, and nuances.
Naval Station Norfolk Experience: Norfolk Naval Base military defense lawyers familiar with the local command climate, legal personnel, and procedures at NS Norfolk can be a valuable asset. They may have established relationships and insights that can benefit your case.
Proven Track Record: Research the Norfolk Naval Base military defense lawyers’ past cases. Have they successfully defended clients facing similar charges at NS Norfolk? Do they have a reputation for aggressive advocacy and achieving favorable outcomes in military courts?

Reputation and References of Norfolk Naval Base Military Defense Lawyers:

Client Reviews: Read online reviews and testimonials from past clients represented by the Norfolk Naval Base military defense lawyers. Look for feedback on the lawyer’s communication skills, responsiveness, and effectiveness in handling military cases.
Peer Recognition: Have the Norfolk Naval Base military defense lawyers received any awards or recognition within the legal community for their work in military law, especially in the Norfolk area?
Referrals: Ask for referrals from other military personnel stationed at NS Norfolk or trusted sources with experience with Norfolk Naval Base military defense lawyers in the region.

Communication and Compatibility:

Clear Communication: Ensure the Norfolk Naval Base Military Defense Lawyers communicate clearly and explain complex legal concepts in a way you understand. Effective communication is key to building a strong attorney-client relationship.
Responsiveness: Choose a lawyer who is responsive to your calls and emails, promptly addresses your concerns, and keeps you informed about the progress of your case.
Personal Connection: You’ll work closely with your lawyer, so it’s essential to feel comfortable and confident in their ability to represent you effectively. Trust your instincts and choose someone you feel you can connect with

Value for Money with Norfolk Naval Base Military Defense Lawyers:

While cost is a factor, remember that a skilled and experienced Norfolk Naval Base military defense lawyer invests in your future and well-being. Don’t hesitate to invest in quality representation to protect your rights and career.

Resources for Finding a Civilian Naval Station Norfolk Military Defense Lawyer:

Online Directories: Many online directories specialize in military law, making it easy to search for lawyers by location (Norfolk, VA) and area of expertise.
Military Legal Aid Organizations: These organizations may offer free or low-cost legal assistance to service members facing UCMJ charges.
Referrals: Seek referrals from other military personnel at NS Norfolk, veterans’ organizations, or your base legal office.

Important Considerations:

Free Consultation: Most military defense lawyers offer free initial consultations. This is an invaluable opportunity to discuss your case, ask questions, and assess whether the lawyer fits you.
Act Promptly: The sooner you involve a lawyer, the better equipped they will be to protect your rights and develop a strong defense strategy.

By carefully considering these factors and conducting thorough research, you can find a civilian NS Norfolk military defense lawyer who fits your needs and will fight tirelessly to protect your rights, career, and future.

Core Areas of Practice:

Court-Martial Defense: This is the cornerstone of most Naval Station Norfolk military defense lawyers’ practice. They represent service members accused of violating the UCMJ, from minor offenses like unauthorized absence to serious crimes like assault, drug offenses, or even homicide. Their comprehensive services encompass:

Thorough Investigation: A meticulous examination of the charges, evidence, and witness statements to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Strategic Defense Planning: Developing a tailored defense strategy based on the specific facts and circumstances of the case, including potential motions to dismiss or suppress evidence.
Negotiation with Prosecutors: Engaging in pre-trial negotiations to seek reduced charges, alternative dispositions, or favorable plea agreements.
Trial Representation: Providing zealous advocacy in court, cross-examining witnesses, presenting evidence, and arguing for acquittal or the least severe sentence.
Sentencing Mitigation: If a conviction occurs, advocate for the most lenient sentence by presenting mitigating factors and character evidence.

Administrative Proceedings: Military defense lawyers also handle non-judicial actions that can significantly impact a service member’s career, including:

Administrative Separation Boards: Representing service members facing involuntary discharge due to misconduct, substandard performance, or other reasons. This involves preparing the service member for the board hearing, presenting evidence and arguments to challenge the separation, and advocating for the most favorable outcome, such as an honorable discharge.
Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP): Advising and representing service members during Captain’s Mast or other NJP proceedings. This includes preparing a defense statement, presenting mitigating evidence, and advocating for a lesser punishment or dismissal of the charges.

Article 120 UCMJ (Sexual Assault) Defense: These cases require specialized expertise due to their sensitive nature and the potential for severe consequences. Naval Station Norfolk military defense lawyers experienced in Article 120 defense provide:

Comprehensive Investigation: Thoroughly examining the evidence, interviewing witnesses, and identifying inconsistencies or biases in the accuser’s statements.
Expert Consultation: Consulting with experts in forensic science, psychology, and other relevant fields to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and build a strong defense.
Aggressive Advocacy: Zealously defending the accused’s rights and reputation, challenging the accuser’s credibility, and presenting a compelling case for innocence.
Sensitive Support: Providing compassionate support to the accused throughout the process, understanding the emotional toll of these allegations, and ensuring their rights are protected.

Appeals: If a service member is convicted at court-martial, a military defense lawyer can assist with the appeals process, potentially achieving:

Overturning of Conviction: Identifying legal errors or procedural violations that may warrant overturning the conviction.
Reduction of Sentence: Arguing for a lesser sentence based on mitigating circumstances, new evidence, or errors in the sentencing process.
Correction of Military Records: Seeking to correct any errors or injustices in the service member’s military records resulting from the conviction.

Examples of Fictitious UCMJ Cases Naval Station Norfolk military defense lawyers Commonly Handle and Potential Defenses:

Case 1: Article 120, UCMJ – Sexual Assault

Facts: Petty Officer Second Class (PO2) Smith is accused of sexually assaulting a fellow sailor during a party on base.
Possible Defense Strategies of Norfolk Naval Base military defense lawyers:
- Challenge the accuser’s credibility, highlighting inconsistencies in their statements or motives for making the accusation.
- Argue for consent, presenting evidence of a prior relationship or consensual interactions between the parties.
- Raise issues of mistaken identity or insufficient evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Case 2: Article 112a, UCMJ – Wrongful Use of Controlled Substance

Facts: Seaman (SN) Jones tests positive for marijuana during a random urinalysis.
Possible Defense Strategies of Norfolk Naval Base military defense lawyers:
- Challenge the chain of custody of the urine sample, raising doubts about its integrity or the accuracy of the test results.
- Argue for innocent ingestion, claiming accidental exposure to marijuana through secondhand smoke or contaminated food.
- Present evidence of a legitimate medical prescription for a marijuana-based medication.

Case 3: Article 86, UCMJ – Absence Without Leave (AWOL)

Facts: Lieutenant (LT) Brown fails to report for duty after a weekend leave and is discovered to be missing for five days.
Possible Defense Strategies of Norfolk Naval Base military defense lawyers:
- Argue for a defense of duress or necessity, claiming that the absence was due to an emergency or unavoidable circumstance.
- Present evidence of mental health issues or personal problems that contributed to the absence.
- Negotiate for a lesser charge or administrative discharge instead of court-martial.

Case 4: Article 121, UCMJ – Larceny/Wrongful Appropriation

Facts: Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Davis is accused of stealing money from a shipmate’s locker.
Possible Defense Strategies of Norfolk Naval Base military defense lawyers:
- Challenge the evidence against the accused, arguing for insufficient proof of intent to deprive the owner of their property permanently.
- Raise the possibility of mistaken identity or false accusation by the alleged victim.
- Negotiate for restitution or non-judicial punishment instead of court-martial.

Case 5: Article 92, UCMJ – Failure to Obey Order or Regulation

Facts: Seaman Apprentice (SA) Johnson refuses to comply with a direct order from their superior officer.
Possible Defense Strategies of Norfolk Naval Base military defense lawyers:
- Argue that the order was unlawful, conflicting with higher authority or constitutional rights.
- Present evidence of a misunderstanding or miscommunication regarding the order’s intent or scope.
- Negotiate for non-punitive measures like counseling or additional training.

Case 6: Article 134, UCMJ – General Article: Conduct Unbecoming an Officer and a Gentleman

Facts: Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Miller is accused of inappropriate relationships with subordinates.
Possible Defense Strategies of Norfolk Naval Base military defense lawyers:
- Challenge the vagueness of the “conduct unbecoming” standard, arguing that the alleged conduct does not meet the threshold for criminal liability.
- Argue for lack of evidence of a direct adverse impact on the military’s good order and discipline.
- Negotiate for an administrative sanction or non-judicial punishment instead of court-martial.

Case 7: Article 107, UCMJ – False Official Statement

Facts: Petty Officer First Class (PO1) Williams lies about a past drug arrest on their security clearance application.
Possible Defense Strategies of Norfolk Naval Base military defense lawyers:
- Argue for lack of intent to deceive, claiming a misunderstanding of the question or an honest mistake.
- Present evidence of mitigating circumstances, such as the age of the prior offense or rehabilitation efforts.
- Negotiate for a lesser charge or administrative action instead of court-martial.

Case 8: Article 133, UCMJ – Conduct Unbecoming an Officer

Facts: Commander (CDR) Thompson is accused of using abusive language and making derogatory comments toward junior officers.
Possible Defense Strategies of Norfolk Naval Base military defense lawyers:
- Challenge the accusations as exaggerated or fabricated by disgruntled subordinates.
- Argue for a cultural misunderstanding or a clash of personalities rather than intentional misconduct.
- Negotiate for leadership training or counseling instead of punitive measures.

Remember, these are just examples. Each case is unique, and the specific defense strategies employed will depend on the specific facts and circumstances involved.

Call our experienced Norfolk Naval Base military defense lawyers today for help finding the best civilian military attorneys for your case.

Unlike some civilian Norfolk Naval Base military defense lawyers or your assigned Navy lawyer, pleading guilty is an option of last resort. Our Norfolk court martial lawyers help the US Navy prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. We take nearly every case to trial and fight the allegations before a military panel.

Our Navy court martial outcomes speak for themselves. The suspected sailor and his or her well-being are our main concerns. Our Norfolk Naval Base military defense lawyers keep smaller caseloads than the average free Navy military defense lawyer so that we can concentrate on each trial individually. Your case will not be outsourced to a third party, and we will not force you into diving at the last minute. Our Norfolk Naval Base military defense lawyers have successfully contested Navy court-martial and administrative separation cases in the U.S. and worldwide.

Norfolk Naval Base Court Martial Attorneys

Our law firm’s founding partner, Michael Waddington, is a member of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers (ABCL), one of the most honored legal organizations and comprises some of the country’s most influential criminal defense lawyers.

Membership is by invitation only and is limited to highly experienced defense attorneys with a decade of experience defending criminal clients. During this time, they must have defended 50 or more felony trials and won 35 or more jury trials.

Also, Mr. Waddington was voted a “Super Lawyer” in Georgia and is rated Superb on AVVO.com. A few of Michael Waddington’s cases were made into documentary films, such as “Killings at the Canal,” a CNN documentary special that unveils what caused the murders of Iraqi terrorists by Army soldiers.

He also regularly instructs criminal defense attorneys on criminal defense. Our hard-hitting Navy military defense attorneys will use our history to fight your court martial or administrative separation (ADSEP) case at Norfolk Naval Base.

Call today to consult with experienced Norfolk Naval Base military defense lawyers.

Sailors working at Norfolk Naval Base deserve the Manual for Courts-Martial (2012)-court-martial-attorney-to-defend-you best military defense lawyers available to defend them at their court martial or ADSEP proceeding.

If you or a family member are stationed at Norfolk Naval Base and are accused of a military offense such as sexual assault, or if you are facing an administrative separation, NJP/Captain’s Mast, or a reprimand, then contact our Norfolk Naval Base military defense lawyers right away.

Don’t Settle for Anything but the Best Military Defense Lawyers Possible

Suppose you’re based at the Naval Station Norfolk and are currently charged with violating the UCMJ. In that case, it’s time to look for an experienced military defense lawyer who has fought and won cases at Norfolk Navy Base. Our Norfolk Naval Base military defense lawyers have fought and won numerous Navy cases at Norfolk. We have an impressive track record for winning Navy cases worldwide, including war crimes, white-collar crimes, sex crimes, violent crimes, and other criminal cases. Our hard-hitting, aggressive approach is what makes us so successful and well-respected.

The World’s Biggest Naval Station

Of course, Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia is located along the waterfront, which occupies approximately four miles. There are 11 aircraft hangers, 134 aircraft, 75 ships, and 14 different piers, making the base the biggest naval station in the country and worldwide.

There are hundreds of houses available across the base for the families to live in. From this base, naval operations for the Mediterranean, Atlantic, and Indian oceans are directed. There is another part of the base, which is the Air Operations. This section has a daily average of 275 flights that it is responsible for overseeing.

The base, commissioned in 1917, has been around for almost 100 years. After only one year of construction, it was home to over 34,000 enlisted men. It’s one of the rare bases that has grown on a pretty steady level since its creation. During World War I, it trained many naval aviators, and then in World War II, it grew again and played an important role in the war effort.

A Look at the Current Norfolk Navy Base

Today, the naval base is home to several ships, including cruisers, carriers, guided-missile destroyers, submarines, frigates, military sealift command, and amphibious assault. Thanks to its continued growth, it remains a significant naval base for the U.S. Armed Forces.

Over the years, the naval base has also been tied to a few “incidents,” with the most recent being last year (2014) when a shooting took place on the USS Mahan (DDG-72). This incident led to a civilian and a sailor dying. A civilian was alleged to have shot a sailor, which forced security personnel to shoot the civilian and kill that individual. The Defense Depot Norfolk Virginia (DDNV) is what this naval station supports.

Hiring Norfolk Naval Base military defense lawyers

Our Norfolk Naval Base military defense lawyers have defended Navy clients worldwide, and we do not shy away from high-profile cases. Even if charges haven’t been preferred, our Norfolk military defense lawyers can intervene when the investigation starts.