Fort Carson Command-Directed Investigation Defense Lawyers
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A Command-Directed Investigation is an administrative inquiry ordered by a commander to assess alleged misconduct or performance issues. Although not criminal, it can be career‑ending and may escalate into reprimands, separation, or even court‑martial. Gonzalez & Waddington assist service members facing CDI actions at Fort Carson. 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.
Answer: Yes, administrative separation can occur without a court-martial because it is a non-judicial personnel action. It focuses on service suitability rather than criminal guilt. The process follows regulatory procedures independent of the military justice system.
Answer: A BOI is an administrative hearing used to determine retention, characterization of service, or retirement matters. NJP is a disciplinary tool used by commanders to address minor misconduct. The two processes serve different purposes and follow separate procedures.
Answer: The burden of proof at a BOI is generally based on a preponderance of the evidence standard. This means the board considers whether the evidence shows an allegation is more likely than not. This standard is distinct from criminal court requirements.
Answer: A BOI typically consists of three commissioned officers. One officer serves as the board president, while the others participate in evaluating evidence and making findings. All members are expected to objectively review the case materials.
Answer: A BOI may review documents, witness statements, service records, and other relevant materials. The board determines what evidence is admissible based on regulatory standards. Both the government and the service member may present materials for review.
Answer: A BOI can evaluate whether a service member remains eligible to retire based on the circumstances of the case. The board’s findings may influence retirement-related administrative decisions. Final determinations follow applicable service regulations.
Answer: A BOI may recommend a characterization of service based on the evidence and the member’s record. The characterization reflects the board’s evaluation of overall performance and conduct. The final characterization follows command and regulatory approval steps.
Answer: Yes, a service member may choose to have a civilian lawyer represent them at a BOI. The civilian attorney participates alongside assigned military counsel if the member elects such representation. Their role is subject to the board’s procedural rules.
Fort Carson sits on the southern edge of Colorado Springs, Colorado, framed by the Front Range and the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Its proximity to Pueblo and smaller communities such as Fountain creates a regional corridor closely connected to the installation. The high-altitude climate and rugged terrain shape daily operations and training demands.
The post’s position along the Interstate 25 corridor enables rapid access to major transportation networks supporting deployment and logistics. The surrounding civilian communities provide essential workforce, housing, and infrastructure partnerships. Its terrain allows realistic training that mirrors conditions found in select overseas environments.
Fort Carson is primarily an Army installation known for its heavy, maneuver-focused presence. Aviation, sustainment, and medical elements support the broader operational mission. The combined structure strengthens readiness across multiple domains.
The installation supports large-scale training, mobilization, and deployment for brigade-level formations. Its ranges and training areas accommodate complex joint exercises. Command elements use the region’s terrain to maintain mission‑ready forces.
Fort Carson hosts a substantial active-duty population, including deployable combat units and support commands. Aviation, logistics, intelligence, and medical activities operate continuously to sustain readiness. Rotational training and deployment cycles keep the installation highly active.
The post maintains close economic, educational, and infrastructure ties with Colorado Springs and nearby towns. Community events, shared services, and regional planning initiatives strengthen this relationship. The integration enhances quality of life for military families.
Service members stationed at or transiting through the installation may encounter UCMJ matters ranging from investigations to administrative actions. The high operational tempo can influence how incidents occur and are addressed. Command structures handle cases in accordance with established military justice procedures.
The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers stationed at Fort Carson. Their work includes supporting personnel involved in UCMJ proceedings on the installation. They operate within the region’s unique military environment and mission demands.
Fort Carson sits on the southern edge of Colorado Springs in south-central Colorado, positioned along the Front Range where the Great Plains rise sharply into the Rocky Mountains. This location provides immediate access to rugged training terrain, from high-altitude forested slopes to rolling prairies ideal for maneuver exercises. The post is closely linked with nearby civilian communities such as Fountain, Security-Widefield, and Pueblo, creating a strong military–civilian connection supported by shared infrastructure, workforce ties, and regional economic integration. The installation’s placement along major transportation corridors, including Interstate 25, enhances rapid movement of personnel and equipment across the Mountain West.
Fort Carson hosts a significant U.S. Army presence and is best known as the home of a major infantry division and its supporting brigades. The installation’s mission centers on preparing ground forces for combat through combined arms training, integrated maneuver exercises, and sustainment operations. Aviation, medical, and support units operate across the post, contributing to a broad mission set that includes domestic response capabilities and overseas deployment readiness. Fort Carson’s proximity to diverse terrain allows units to conduct realistic field training that mirrors global environments where soldiers may be deployed.
The installation supports a large active duty population, including deployable brigade combat teams, aviation assets, and specialized support elements. Training cycles are frequent, with units rotating through ranges, live-fire complexes, and high-altitude training areas. Fort Carson maintains a steady deployment rhythm due to its role in global contingency operations, resulting in a mix of returning units, pre-deployment activities, and incoming personnel transitioning from other Army posts. Medical, logistics, intelligence, and command functions all operate on a substantial scale to sustain the installation’s operational tempo.
The intensity of training and deployment preparation at Fort Carson means that service members may encounter a range of military justice issues, including investigations, administrative actions, non-judicial punishment, courts-martial, or separation proceedings. Operational stress, complex training environments, and high readiness requirements can all influence how UCMJ matters arise and proceed. The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers stationed at Fort Carson, helping them navigate these legal challenges.
https://home.army.mil/carson/
The standard of proof is administrative, typically a preponderance of the evidence, meaning more likely than not. This is much lower than the criminal standard.
Yes, while a CDI itself does not impose punishment, its findings can lead to NJP, Letters of Reprimand, court-martial charges, or administrative separation.
The investigation is conducted by an appointed Investigating Officer, usually another service member, who is tasked with gathering facts and reporting findings to the command.
A Command-Directed Investigation is ordered by a commander with appropriate authority over the service member or unit involved. The decision is often made after consultation with legal advisors.
No, a Command-Directed Investigation is administrative, not criminal, but it can lead to criminal, disciplinary, or separation action based on its findings.
