Former Army JAG and Senior Defense Counsel 25+ years defending service members Courts-martial defense worldwide
Reviewed by Michael Waddington, Founding Partner Updated October 7, 2026
Michael Waddington and Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington of Gonzalez & Waddington are civilian court-martial defense attorneys representing U.S. service members investigated or charged at RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, RAF Croughton, RAF Alconbury, RAF Molesworth, NSA Menwith Hill, and every other U.S. installation across the United Kingdom.
Gonzalez & Waddington provides aggressive civilian defense for Airmen, Sailors, and joint-service personnel facing UCMJ investigations and courts-martial at U.S. bases throughout England. The firm travels to UK installations and represents service members worldwide. AFOSI is the primary investigating agency for Air Force personnel; NCIS covers Navy personnel. Typical actions include Article 120 sexual assault allegations, assault, fraud, drug offenses, orders violations, and digital-evidence cases.
U.S. personnel at RAF Lakenheath, Mildenhall, and the broader UK network operate under both the UCMJ and UK law, governed by the NATO Status of Forces Agreement — a dual-jurisdiction environment that adds complexity to every investigation. Cases frequently involve off-post conduct in nearby Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, and Northamptonshire communities, civilian UK police, and oversight from multiple commands including the 48th Fighter Wing and the 100th Air Refueling Wing.
Contact Gonzalez & Waddington at 1-800-921-8607 for a free, confidential consultation before speaking to OSI, NCIS, or your command.
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If you are searching for a RAF Lakenheath military defense lawyer, a court-martial attorney UK U.S. Air Force, or a civilian military defense lawyer for a UCMJ case overseas, you are likely facing a serious military investigation. Service members stationed at RAF Lakenheath remain fully subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), and once allegations arise, investigations can escalate rapidly from command inquiry to preferral and referral of charges at a general or special court-martial.
Gonzalez & Waddington represents service members stationed at RAF Lakenheath and throughout the United Kingdom who face felony-level military charges and career-threatening allegations. The firm focuses exclusively on defending court-martial cases and serious UCMJ violations. Their attorneys defend Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Guardians, and Coast Guardsmen accused of high-risk offenses, including Article 120 sexual assault allegations, violent crimes, fraud, and complex digital or classified evidence cases. Every case is approached with a trial-first strategy designed to challenge the government’s case from the outset.
Service members at RAF Lakenheath frequently search for RAF Lakenheath court martial lawyer, military defense lawyer UK UCMJ, civilian military defense attorney England Air Force, and Article 120 defense lawyer overseas Air Force when they realize they are under investigation. Early legal intervention is critical in overseas commands where cases move quickly and command oversight is significant.
A court-martial is a federal criminal prosecution conducted under military law. It is not administrative. Convictions can result in confinement, punitive discharge, forfeiture of pay, and long-term consequences affecting both military and civilian life.
Each stage presents opportunities for a civilian military defense lawyer to intervene, preserve favorable evidence, and challenge the government’s case before it becomes fixed.
One of the most serious and aggressively prosecuted categories of cases at RAF Lakenheath involves Article 120 sexual assault allegations. These cases often rely heavily on credibility, digital communications, and conflicting witness accounts rather than physical evidence.
These cases require advanced trial strategy, including cross-examination, forensic analysis, and aggressive litigation of evidentiary issues.
RAF Lakenheath is one of the most important U.S. Air Force installations in Europe and serves as a major operational hub for fighter aircraft and combat readiness missions. The base hosts the 48th Fighter Wing, also known as the “Liberty Wing,” and supports U.S. and NATO operations across Europe and beyond. Because of its operational significance, allegations are often handled quickly and with significant command attention.
RAF Lakenheath, located in Suffolk, England, is a Royal Air Force station operated by the United States Air Force. It serves as a primary base for U.S. fighter aircraft in Europe and plays a central role in NATO defense operations. The installation has been a key part of U.S. military presence in the UK since World War II.
The base supports combat-ready aircraft, pilot training, and joint exercises with allied forces. Service members stationed at Lakenheath operate in a high-tempo environment with significant operational demands and international coordination.
Geographically, RAF Lakenheath is located in eastern England near several civilian communities and other U.S. installations, including RAF Mildenhall. Off-duty conduct, travel throughout the UK and Europe, and interactions governed by the U.S.–UK Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) often play a role in UCMJ investigations. These factors can add complexity to court-martial cases and require careful legal analysis.
Do not speak to OSI or your command without legal counsel. Request a lawyer immediately.
Yes. Civilian defense lawyers regularly travel worldwide to represent service members in court-martial proceedings.
Yes. Allegations involving off-duty conduct and interpersonal relationships are frequently investigated.
A court-martial is a federal criminal trial that can result in confinement, discharge, and long-term consequences.
Immediately—before any interview, written statement, or command action.
No. Article 31(b) of the UCMJ requires investigators to tell you what you are suspected of and that you have the right to remain silent, and you can ask for a lawyer before answering anything. An interview is evidence collection, and military investigators can title you as a subject on a low "credible information" standard that can follow you into background and clearance checks even if the case is dropped. Politely decline, ask for counsel, and call a military defense lawyer before you say anything.
This video explains what your rights are and how experienced criminal defense lawyers can make a difference.
Facing a military investigation, UCMJ allegation, or serious criminal charge? Gonzalez & Waddington provides trial-focused defense for high-stakes cases. Call 1-800-921-8607 or text 954-799-4019 for a confidential, no-cost consultation.
