Homestead Command-Directed Investigation Defense Lawyers
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A Command-Directed Investigation is an administrative, non-criminal inquiry ordered by a commander to examine alleged misconduct or performance issues. Although administrative, it can seriously impact a service member’s career in Homestead and may escalate into reprimands, separation, or court‑martial. For guidance, contact Gonzalez & Waddington at 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, a service member can face administrative separation without ever going to a court-martial. This process is handled through command channels and follows administrative, not criminal, procedures.
A Board of Inquiry is a formal administrative board that reviews evidence to determine whether separation is appropriate. Nonjudicial Punishment is a disciplinary tool used by commanders and does not itself impose separation.
The government must prove the alleged misconduct or basis for separation by a preponderance of the evidence. This standard requires showing that the event was more likely than not to have occurred.
A Board of Inquiry typically consists of three officers senior in rank to the service member. These officers review the evidence, hear testimony, and make findings and recommendations.
The board may review documents, witness testimony, service records, and any other materials relevant to the allegations. Both the government and the member may present evidence for the board’s consideration.
A board’s findings can influence whether a member is allowed to continue serving until reaching retirement eligibility. The board may also make recommendations that affect retirement grade determinations.
The board reviews the service record and the circumstances surrounding the alleged conduct. Its recommendation helps determine whether the discharge will be Honorable, General, or Other Than Honorable.
Yes, a service member may retain a civilian attorney to participate in the proceedings. The civilian lawyer can question witnesses, present evidence, and address the board on the member’s behalf.
Homestead is situated at the southern end of Miami-Dade County, positioned between Biscayne Bay and the agricultural lands that lead toward the Florida Keys. Its proximity to Miami and the Everglades gives it a distinct coastal–tropical setting. The base’s location matters operationally because it supports missions that rely on access to Caribbean and Atlantic air corridors.
Homestead is closely tied to nearby civilian centers such as Florida City and the greater Homestead municipality. Service members interact routinely with these communities for housing, schools, and services. This integration influences the flow of personnel and resources moving between the base and the region.
The installation hosts Air Force and reserve aviation elements that support regional air defense and contingency response. These units contribute to homeland defense missions across South Florida and surrounding coastal approaches. Their presence reinforces the base’s strategic role along the nation’s southeastern perimeter.
Homestead supports air operations ranging from alert missions to joint training with federal and state partners. Its flightline and operational facilities are geared toward rapid response and regional security tasks. This activity aligns the installation with both national and hemispheric readiness objectives.
The active-duty and reserve population is moderate in size, with personnel rotating through for training, operational assignments, and specialized aviation work. The tempo varies throughout the year, especially during hurricane season and regional exercises. Aircrew, support staff, and mission-specific specialists form the core workforce.
Regular flying operations, alert status duties, and joint-agency coordination shape the daily rhythm. Training cycles involve both reservists and active personnel supporting air operations. These patterns create a dynamic environment where personnel responsibilities may shift rapidly.
Service members stationed at or passing through the installation may encounter UCMJ matters related to investigative actions, administrative reviews, non-judicial punishment, or courts-martial. The operational pace, including alert missions and joint engagements, can influence how such issues develop. Command expectations and mission demands often frame the context for legal proceedings.
The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers at Homestead. Their representation covers personnel involved in a range of military justice matters arising from the installation’s unique mission environment. This support extends to those engaged in both operational and training activities.
Homestead is located at the southern end of Miami-Dade County in South Florida, positioned between the metropolitan Miami area to the north and the agricultural communities stretching toward the Florida Keys. Its proximity to Biscayne Bay, Everglades National Park, and the Caribbean makes the region distinct in both climate and strategic relevance. The subtropical environment and open terrain around Homestead support year-round aviation operations and rapid-response missions. The installation sits alongside established civilian neighborhoods and agricultural zones, creating a close relationship with surrounding communities such as Florida City, Leisure City, and Cutler Bay. This regional connectivity allows the base to maintain strong logistical access to major transportation corridors and the Port of Miami.
Homestead hosts a significant Air Force presence, with missions centered on air defense, rapid mobilization, and hurricane response capabilities. The installation supports fighter operations, contingency readiness, and coordination with federal and state agencies during regional emergencies. Major tenant units contribute to air sovereignty missions over the southeastern United States and provide operational reach into the Caribbean. The base’s strategic location allows it to function as a forward-positioned asset for both homeland defense and support to international operations.
The active duty and reserve population at Homestead is moderate in size but highly specialized, with a focus on aviation, maintenance, intelligence, and support functions. Rotational forces and joint training activity increase operational tempo throughout the year, especially during hurricane season and regional mobilization exercises. Personnel operating from Homestead often support deployable air assets, participate in multinational training, and maintain readiness for short-notice missions extending into Central and South America.
The demanding mission profile at Homestead means that service members may encounter military justice issues connected to high-tempo operations, frequent inspections, or deployment readiness standards. Investigations, administrative actions, non-judicial punishment, courts-martial, and separation proceedings can arise for those assigned to or transiting through the installation. The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers at Homestead, providing legal support to those facing UCMJ-related challenges linked to the base’s unique operational environment.
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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.
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.
