Fort Greely Domestic Violence & Abuse Defense Lawyers
Table Contents
Article 128b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice defines and criminalizes acts of domestic violence, including physical assault, threats, intimidation, harassment, and other abusive conduct occurring within qualifying personal relationships. The provision encompasses both violent acts and non‑physical abuse when such conduct is intended to control, harm, or coerce a spouse, intimate partner, or household member.
The article applies when the alleged victim has a specific relationship to the accused, such as a current or former spouse, a cohabitant, someone with whom the accused shares a child, or an intimate partner. These relationship‑based elements distinguish the offense from general assault by linking criminal liability to the nature of the personal connection between the individuals involved.
Violations of Article 128b may carry felony‑level punitive exposure under the UCMJ, depending on the conduct, and can trigger a range of administrative actions. Possible administrative consequences include command‑directed restrictions, adverse paperwork, loss of qualifications, and potential impacts on career progression separate from any judicial action.
Unlike civilian domestic violence statutes, Article 128b is tailored to the military environment by incorporating service‑specific duties, expectations, and jurisdictional rules. Its scope and definitions differ from state laws, creating a separate framework that governs service members even when similar conduct would fall under civilian domestic violence codes outside the military justice system.
Under military law, domestic violence and abuse include assault, threats, or coercive control within intimate or familial relationships, defined and prosecuted under Article 128b, UCMJ. At Fort Greely, allegations can quickly escalate into administrative separation and court-martial actions. Gonzalez & Waddington provide 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.
At Fort Greely, domestic violence and abuse allegations move rapidly through official channels because military personnel and many civilian employees fall under mandatory reporting rules. Once a concern is raised, commanders, law enforcement, and designated support offices are required to document the information and initiate a response, which removes discretion and accelerates the process.
Initial actions often include no‑contact orders and, when applicable, temporary restrictions on access to firearms. These measures are designed to create immediate safety and stability while facts are gathered, but they can make the situation feel heightened because they take effect quickly and apply even before an investigation is complete.
Command risk management practices further contribute to the pace and visibility of these cases. Leaders are obligated to assess potential risk to individuals and the installation, coordinate with multiple agencies, and maintain transparent oversight, which increases the number of offices involved and speeds up each step of the response.
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.
Cases at Fort Greely often involve relationship disputes or household conflict where partners describe disagreements that escalated in ways later interpreted differently by those involved. These situations can include misunderstandings about intentions, conflicting accounts of what occurred, or concerns raised during moments of tension rather than clear, verified wrongdoing.
Another frequent pattern involves third-party reporting or welfare checks, where neighbors, friends, or on-base personnel contact authorities after hearing or observing something they believe may indicate distress. These reports may stem from limited information, leading to official responses based on perceived risk rather than confirmed events.
Alcohol use and emotional escalation are also commonly cited, particularly when individuals make statements during stressful incidents that may not fully reflect the circumstances once everyone has calmed. Such statements can influence initial assessments even though they may later require clarification or context to understand what actually happened.
Domestic violence investigations at Fort Greely rely on coordinated efforts between military and civilian authorities to document the circumstances surrounding an incident. These inquiries focus on gathering objective information that helps clarify what occurred and who was involved.
Evidence collected in these cases can come from multiple sources and is assembled to form a comprehensive record of the events. The materials below reflect the types of documentation commonly compiled during such investigations.
Service members at Fort Greely can face administrative separation based solely on domestic violence allegations, even when no criminal conviction occurs. Commanders may initiate action when they believe the alleged conduct is inconsistent with good order, discipline, or suitability for continued service.
These actions often involve a Board of Inquiry or show‑cause proceedings, where the service member must respond to the evidence presented and demonstrate why retention is warranted. The process is administrative in nature and uses a lower standard of proof than a court‑martial.
If separation is recommended, the command will also determine a characterization of discharge, which may range from Honorable to General (Under Honorable Conditions) or Other Than Honorable, depending on the circumstances and findings developed during the inquiry.
Allegations of domestic violence can also affect a service member’s eligibility to hold or renew a security clearance, which in turn can influence assignments, promotion opportunities, and long‑term career viability within the military.
Domestic violence allegations often trigger parallel criminal military investigations, which can lead to evidence collection, interviews, and potential referral for punitive action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. These criminal inquiries typically run alongside administrative reviews and can heavily influence the commander’s decisions on how to proceed.
In addition to criminal processes, commanders may initiate command-directed investigations to evaluate the service member’s conduct, fitness for duty, and compliance with military standards. Findings from these administrative inquiries can shape disciplinary outcomes, determine interim restrictions, and inform whether more serious legal actions should be considered.
Depending on the results of these investigations, service members may face Letters of Reprimand, which can significantly impact career progression, or be referred to Boards of Inquiry for potential separation. In more serious cases, the matter may escalate to court-martial proceedings, where formal criminal charges and judicial consequences are adjudicated.
Our team brings extensive experience handling relationship‑driven allegations that often arise in domestic violence and abuse cases, including situations where personal dynamics, communication patterns, and emotional conflict play a central role in how incidents are reported and understood. This background allows the firm to navigate the unique challenges these cases present within military environments such as Fort Greely.
The firm integrates criminal defense with administrative and regulatory considerations, recognizing that service members often face simultaneous inquiries from command, law enforcement, and administrative authorities. By addressing these components together, the defense strategy reflects the realities of military life and the multiple systems that may impact a soldier’s career.
Gonzalez & Waddington also rely on decades of military justice experience that include extensive cross‑examination of witnesses, accusers, and investigators. Their familiarity with military investigative procedures and courtroom practice helps ensure that testimony, evidence, and investigative steps are examined thoroughly within the boundaries of military law and professional standards.
Answer: Article 128b outlines offenses involving domestic violence, including assaults, violations of protective orders, and certain threats within domestic relationships. It defines specific acts that qualify as domestic violence under military law and sets the framework for how such cases are charged.
Answer: Yes, commanders may initiate administrative separation based solely on the underlying conduct. This process is separate from the judicial system and can occur even if no court-martial takes place.
Answer: No-contact orders are command directives restricting communication or proximity between parties. They are used to maintain safety and preserve good order while allegations are reviewed or investigated.
Answer: Certain domestic violence allegations may trigger restrictions on possessing or carrying firearms under federal or military policy. These restrictions can affect a service member’s ability to perform duties that involve weapons.
Answer: Evidence may include statements, physical observations, digital communications, and law enforcement reports. Investigators evaluate the totality of available information when determining what occurred.
Answer: Allegations can influence decisions on administrative actions such as flags, counseling, or adverse paperwork. These actions function independently from criminal proceedings but may rely on the same underlying facts.
Answer: Service members may consult or retain a civilian attorney in addition to military defense counsel. Civilian lawyers can participate in communications, document review, and preparation related to the case.
Fort Greely sits in interior Alaska, just south of the small town of Delta Junction and roughly 100 miles southeast of Fairbanks. The installation lies within a subarctic region characterized by long, severe winters, short summers, and expansive tundra and boreal forest terrain. Its isolated position along the Richardson Highway places it near civilian communities that support military families with essential services, while still maintaining enough distance to accommodate specialized operations that require significant land and airspace. The extreme climate and remote geography are integral to the base’s strategic importance, providing an environment suitable for missions that depend on cold‑weather reliability and wide‑area security.
Fort Greely supports the U.S. Army’s homeland defense mission, particularly through its role in the nation’s missile defense architecture. As a key location for ground‑based missile intercept capabilities, the installation hosts units and tenant organizations dedicated to aerospace defense, system maintenance, and operational readiness. Its infrastructure and positioning enable rapid coordination with commands across Alaska and the continental United States. While not a large, multi‑brigade installation, Fort Greely remains pivotal in deterrence and national protection, with personnel focused on both technical operations and mission assurance.
The active duty population at Fort Greely is relatively small compared to major Army posts, but the installation maintains a steady operational tempo due to its continuous missile defense responsibilities. Personnel often include soldiers, air defenders, security forces, and specialized support staff. Activity on the installation emphasizes system monitoring, readiness drills, cold‑weather sustainment, and coordination with rotational elements that travel to and from other Alaska and Pacific‑region commands. The tempo and technical nature of the mission create a tightly integrated community of service members and civilian specialists.
Service members stationed at or passing through Fort Greely remain subject to the UCMJ, and issues such as command investigations, administrative actions, Article 15 proceedings, courts‑martial, and separation actions can arise within this high‑visibility operational environment. The remote setting and demanding mission can influence how legal matters unfold, particularly when schedules, clearances, or sensitive duties are involved. The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers at Fort Greely, providing guidance and defense in matters related to military justice.
Yes, a Military Protective Order can be issued quickly and does not require charges or a court finding.
Article 31(b) requires investigators to advise you of your right to remain silent and to consult with counsel before questioning.
You are not required to speak to law enforcement or command investigators and may invoke your right to remain silent.
After a report, law enforcement investigates, command may issue protective orders, and administrative or criminal action can begin immediately.
Yes, a single incident can support an Article 128b charge if the elements of assault and the qualifying relationship are met.
