Fort Belvoir Command-Directed Investigation Defense Lawyers
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A Command-Directed Investigation is an administrative inquiry, not a criminal case, but it can jeopardize a service member’s career by escalating into reprimands, separation actions, or even court-martial proceedings. At Fort Belvoir, Gonzalez & Waddington provide defense guidance; call 1-800-921-8607.
Watch the criminal defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington break down how they defend criminal cases and service members worldwide against Federal Charges, Florida State Charges, UCMJ allegations, CID/NCIS/OSI investigations, court-martials, Article 120 cases, administrative separations, and GOMORs. If you’re under investigation or facing charges, this video explains what your rights are and how experienced criminal defense lawyers can make the difference.
If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges or a criminal investigation by federal authorities, the military, or the State of Florida, early defense matters. Gonzalez & Waddington provide disciplined, trial-focused criminal defense for high-stakes cases involving serious allegations and complex evidence. To speak with experienced criminal defense lawyers and get confidential guidance, call 1-800-921-8607 or text 954-909-7407 to request a no-cost, confidential consultation.
Yes, administrative separation can occur without a court-martial if the command believes a service member no longer meets retention standards. This process is administrative rather than criminal and follows specific regulatory procedures.
A Board of Inquiry is an administrative hearing focused on a service member’s suitability for continued service. Nonjudicial punishment is a disciplinary tool for minor offenses and does not determine retention or discharge characterization.
The government generally must prove the basis for separation by a preponderance of the evidence. This means the board decides whether the allegations are more likely true than not.
A Board of Inquiry is typically composed of three commissioned officers senior to the service member. At least one board member is usually from the same branch or occupational field when possible.
The board may review documents, witness testimony, and official records relevant to the alleged misconduct or performance issues. Both the government and the service member may present evidence for the board’s review.
A BOI may consider a service member’s total record, which can influence whether the individual continues serving to reach retirement eligibility. Final decisions may affect retirement benefits depending on the characterization and timing of any separation.
The board reviews the service member’s overall record along with the specific allegations. It then recommends a characterization such as Honorable, General, or Other Than Honorable based on established regulatory standards.
Service members may retain a civilian attorney to represent them during the BOI proceedings. Civilian counsel can participate alongside the appointed military counsel within the rules governing the hearing.
Fort Belvoir sits in northern Virginia along the Potomac River, just south of Alexandria and within the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Its position places it near major federal agencies and transportation corridors, shaping its strategic importance. Surrounding communities such as Springfield and Lorton maintain close ties to the installation.
The installation is set within a humid mid-Atlantic climate marked by wooded terrain and waterways that support varied training conditions. Proximity to the nation’s capital influences mission coordination and interagency activity. This environment helps integrate military functions with civilian infrastructure.
Fort Belvoir hosts primarily Army units but also supports joint-service organizations with national-level responsibilities. Tenant commands include major logistics, engineering, and intelligence elements that anchor the installation’s purpose. These missions reinforce the post’s role in sustaining global operations.
Its mission centers on providing command, support, and specialized capabilities that enable worldwide readiness. The installation functions as a hub for technical expertise and operational support. Its activities extend across planning, sustainment, and interagency coordination.
The active-duty population is substantial, reflecting a mixture of deployable units, staff organizations, and technical specialists. Personnel include those focused on logistics, intelligence, medical systems, and engineering functions. The presence of rotational elements contributes to a steady operational rhythm.
Fort Belvoir maintains a consistent tempo driven by its support and command missions rather than large-scale field training. Regular exercises, joint coordination events, and specialized coursework shape daily operations. These activities connect the installation to ongoing global commitments.
Service members may encounter UCMJ processes tied to investigative activity, administrative actions, or disciplinary proceedings. The installation’s operational demands can influence how such matters emerge and progress. Units often coordinate closely with legal offices due to the post’s diverse mission set.
The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers stationed at or passing through Fort Belvoir. Their work underscores the need for informed support when navigating complex military justice issues. Many cases arise amid the installation’s dynamic operational environment.
Fort Belvoir is located in Northern Virginia along the Potomac River, just south of Alexandria and only a short distance from Washington, D.C. Its position within Fairfax County places it at the center of one of the nation’s most densely populated and interconnected military‑civilian corridors. The surrounding communities, including Springfield, Lorton, and Mount Vernon, are tightly linked to the installation through shared infrastructure, commuting routes, and an economy that relies heavily on federal and defense‑related activity. The terrain includes wooded areas, rolling hills, and riverfront environments that support a range of operational and training requirements. The proximity to the National Capital Region gives Fort Belvoir strategic relevance in intelligence, logistics, and command‑and‑control functions.
Fort Belvoir hosts a broad Army presence, along with multiple joint-service tenant organizations. The installation supports mission sets that include intelligence operations, engineering, logistics, medical services, and specialized technical capabilities. It is home to several high‑level headquarters and agencies that provide direct support to national‑level defense priorities. While it does not function as a traditional combat‑arms training post, its command centers, research elements, and operational support units play a central role in sustaining readiness across the force.
The active-duty population at Fort Belvoir is substantial and highly diverse, reflecting the installation’s mix of headquarters, medical facilities, and specialized commands. Personnel assigned here often engage in rotational support to global operations, intelligence missions, and homeland‑based contingency planning. Daily activity on the installation is shaped by a steady operational tempo tied to interagency coordination, technical training, and ongoing support to units preparing for deployment or returning from overseas assignments.
Given the complexity of missions conducted at Fort Belvoir, service members stationed or temporarily present on the installation may encounter a range of military justice issues. Investigations, administrative actions, non‑judicial punishment, courts‑martial, and separation proceedings can arise from workplace demands, security requirements, or the fast‑paced environment common to National Capital Region installations. The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers at Fort Belvoir facing these UCMJ challenges.
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A Command-Directed Investigation is an administrative inquiry ordered by a commander to gather facts about alleged misconduct, performance issues, or concerns affecting good order and discipline. It is not a criminal proceeding.
Yes, the scope of a CDI can be expanded if new allegations or issues arise during fact-finding. This is common in practice.
CDIs are often triggered by complaints, performance concerns, policy violations, interpersonal conflicts, or incidents that require command clarification.
Legal advisors typically review the CDI for sufficiency and compliance before command action is taken. However, the Investigating Officer is not the service member’s lawyer.
After completion, the Investigating Officer submits a written report with findings and recommendations. The command then decides what action, if any, to take.
