Jacksonville Command-Directed Investigation Defense Lawyers
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A Command-Directed Investigation is an administrative inquiry into alleged misconduct or performance issues, commonly initiated in Jacksonville units. Although not criminal, it can still jeopardize a service member’s career and may escalate into reprimands, administrative separation, or even court-martial. Gonzalez & Waddington can be reached 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. Administrative separation can occur without a court-martial when the command believes a service member’s conduct or performance warrants review through nonjudicial channels. The process follows set regulations and allows the member to respond before a decision is made. NJP is a disciplinary process handled by a commander, while a Board of Inquiry is an administrative hearing that reviews whether a member should be retained. The BOI offers more formal procedures, including witnesses and documentary evidence. The command must show that the alleged misconduct or performance issues meet the required preponderance of the evidence standard. This means the board must find it more likely than not that the basis for separation occurred. A BOI typically consists of three officers senior in grade to the service member. They review evidence, ask questions, and ultimately make findings and recommendations. The board may review documents, service records, witness statements, and live testimony. Both the command and the member may submit materials relevant to the issues under review. The board’s findings may influence whether a service member remains eligible to reach or maintain retirement status. The impact depends on the final characterization and recommendation made by the board and subsequent command action. The board evaluates the member’s overall service record, performance history, and the circumstances of the alleged conduct. Their recommendation guides the command in assigning a characterization such as Honorable, General, or Other Than Honorable. Yes, service members may retain a civilian attorney at their own expense to assist during the BOI. The lawyer can help prepare materials and participate in the hearing according to board procedures.Can I be separated without a court-martial?
What is the difference between a Board of Inquiry and NJP?
What is the burden of proof at a Board of Inquiry?
Who sits on the Board of Inquiry?
What evidence is considered during a Board of Inquiry?
How can a Board of Inquiry affect retirement?
How is discharge characterization determined?
Can a civilian lawyer be involved in a Board of Inquiry?
Jacksonville sits in northeast Florida along the St. Johns River and the Atlantic coast, positioned near communities such as Orange Park, Atlantic Beach, and Ponte Vedra. Its access to deep-water ports and major highways shapes both civilian and military activity. This geography supports year-round operations due to the region’s mild climate and coastal terrain.
The city’s proximity to the ocean makes it a natural hub for maritime and aviation missions. Its position along vital transportation corridors allows efficient movement of personnel and equipment. These factors contribute to a strong operational relationship between the installations and surrounding civilian communities.
Jacksonville hosts significant Navy aviation and support commands centered around Naval Air Station Jacksonville and nearby facilities. These installations manage fleet readiness, aircraft maintenance, and integrated training. Their presence shapes the region’s identity as a major naval aviation center.
The mission revolves around sustaining naval aviation capabilities, supporting fleet deployment cycles, and maintaining operational readiness. Units focus on aircraft operations, logistics, and shore-based support. These responsibilities contribute to ongoing regional and global mission requirements.
The active duty population is substantial, with thousands of sailors, aircrew, and support personnel operating across multiple sites. Activity levels fluctuate with training rotations and deployment schedules. The area also supports civilian employees who integrate closely with military operations.
Personnel frequently engage in flight operations, aircraft maintenance, testing, and fleet support tasks. Training cycles remain steady throughout the year due to favorable weather conditions. Some units maintain close ties to overseas deployment patterns.
The high activity level can lead to UCMJ issues arising during training, deployments, or routine duties. Investigations, administrative actions, or courts‑martial may occur as part of maintaining discipline within aviation-focused units. Command structures handle these matters in coordination with regional legal offices.
Service members at Jacksonville may encounter inquiries, non‑judicial punishment, or separation proceedings stemming from the operational environment. Many seek assistance from outside defense counsel familiar with the region’s military justice landscape. The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent service members stationed in Jacksonville.
Jacksonville sits in northeast Florida along the St. Johns River and the Atlantic coast, forming one of the country’s largest military hubs with direct access to deep-water ports, maritime corridors, and major highway and rail networks. The city is bordered by communities such as Orange Park, Middleburg, and Atlantic Beach, which host many military families and civilian personnel supporting daily operations. Jacksonville’s subtropical climate and flat coastal terrain create ideal conditions for year‑round aviation, ship operations, and joint training. The close integration between the installations and the surrounding metropolitan area makes the region a critical logistical and operational connector for missions throughout the southeast and beyond.
Jacksonville’s military footprint includes major Navy installations such as Naval Air Station Jacksonville and Naval Station Mayport, as well as Marine Corps and Coast Guard elements that support maritime security, aviation, expeditionary operations, and maintenance activities. These facilities host pivotal fleet support commands, operational aviation squadrons, and deployable units that sustain readiness for Atlantic-based operations. The area’s combined mission profile blends anti‑submarine warfare, carrier strike group support, ship maintenance, and fleet logistics, making Jacksonville one of the Navy’s most strategically important hubs on the East Coast.
The active duty population in Jacksonville is sizable and includes aircrew, surface warfare personnel, logisticians, medical teams, and rotational units preparing for overseas assignments. The constant movement of ships, aircraft, and joint-service detachments creates a steady operational rhythm, with service members frequently engaged in flight operations, sea trials, deployment cycles, and interagency missions. The installations also support reservists, visiting commands, and training pipelines that bring additional personnel through the region each year.
Because of Jacksonville’s high operational tempo and mix of deployable and shore‑based units, service members may encounter UCMJ matters ranging from command investigations and administrative actions to non‑judicial punishment, courts‑martial, or separation proceedings. Training demands, deployment pressures, and joint-service coordination can all influence how legal issues arise and how swiftly they are addressed. The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers stationed in or traveling through Jacksonville, providing support for those facing the complexities of military justice within this dynamic operational environment.
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Yes, CDI results can be used to initiate administrative separation or a Board of Inquiry, even if no criminal charges are filed.
After completion, the Investigating Officer submits a written report with findings and recommendations. The command then decides what action, if any, to take.
Yes, digital evidence such as texts, emails, social media messages, and call logs are commonly reviewed during CDIs.
Yes, a CDI can proceed without live witnesses if sufficient documentary or digital evidence exists. Written statements are often used.
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.
