Joint Base Andrews Domestic Violence & Abuse Defense Lawyers
Table Contents
Article 128b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice defines and criminalizes domestic violence and related forms of abuse within the military justice system, addressing conduct such as physical harm, attempted harm, and certain coercive or threatening behaviors committed against intimate partners or household members.
The article applies specifically to relationship-based allegations, including current or former spouses, romantic partners, individuals who share a child, and others who fall within recognized domestic or familial categories under military law.
Violations under Article 128b can be charged at felony-level severity, and allegations may trigger significant administrative consequences such as loss of weapons authorization, reporting requirements, and potential impacts on career progression, independent of any court-martial proceedings.
Unlike civilian domestic violence statutes, Article 128b operates within the military justice framework, incorporating unique jurisdictional rules, service-specific definitions, and command-driven processes that differ from state criminal codes and civilian protective-order systems.
Under military law, domestic violence and abuse include assaults, threats, or coercive control addressed under Article 128b, UCMJ. At Joint Base Andrews, allegations can quickly trigger investigations, administrative separation, or court‑martial proceedings. Gonzalez & Waddington provide legal guidance for service members facing such actions; 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 Joint Base Andrews, domestic violence and abuse allegations move rapidly because military personnel and associated professionals are subject to strict mandatory reporting rules. Once an allegation is received by security forces, medical staff, supervisors, or Family Advocacy Program personnel, it must be relayed through official channels, prompting an immediate command response designed to ensure safety and compliance with Air Force policy.
Commanders often issue no-contact orders shortly after an allegation is reported, which can restrict communication and require temporary separation of the involved parties. In certain circumstances, firearms restrictions may also be applied, particularly when the service member’s duties involve access to weapons, ensuring that risk is minimized during the review period.
These matters escalate quickly as part of command risk management procedures, which prioritize rapid assessment and clear documentation. Because incidents involving service members are highly visible within the unit and to base leadership, commanders must act swiftly to maintain safety, mission readiness, and accountability while formal evaluations are conducted.
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 often involve relationship disputes or broader household conflict where partners or family members describe disagreements that escalate beyond what anyone intended. These situations may include competing accounts of what occurred, and reports typically note that interpretations of tone, behavior, or intent can differ significantly among those involved.
Another frequent pattern involves third-party reporting, such as neighbors, friends, or command personnel initiating welfare checks after hearing or observing something they perceive as concerning. These reports may stem from limited information, leading to official response even when the individuals directly involved describe the situation differently.
Alcohol use and emotional escalation are also commonly referenced, with participants or witnesses explaining that stress, frustration, or impaired judgment contributed to statements made during the incident. Such statements are often later reassessed in a calmer setting, and they may reflect momentary distress rather than a clear or consistent account of events.
Domestic violence investigations at Joint Base Andrews involve coordinated efforts by military and civilian authorities to document what occurred and determine the facts surrounding the incident. These inquiries follow established investigative procedures designed to gather reliable information from multiple sources.
Evidence collected during these investigations may come from physical observations, recorded statements, and digital records. The materials compiled help create a complete picture of events and are typically reviewed by command authorities and legal personnel.
At Joint Base Andrews, service members can face administrative separation based solely on domestic violence allegations, even when no criminal conviction exists. Commanders may initiate adverse administrative action when they believe the alleged conduct undermines good order and discipline, regardless of whether civilian or military courts pursue charges.
These cases often trigger a Board of Inquiry or show-cause proceedings, where evidence, witness statements, and command findings are reviewed to determine whether retention is appropriate. The service member has the opportunity to respond, present evidence, and challenge the basis for separation.
If separation is recommended, the process also evaluates the characterization of discharge. Depending on the circumstances and findings, the outcome may result in an Honorable, General (Under Honorable Conditions), or Other Than Honorable characterization, each carrying different administrative and professional consequences.
Allegations of domestic violence can also affect security clearances and long-term career prospects. Clearance adjudicators may assess the underlying conduct, the command’s documentation, and any perceived risk factors, which can influence eligibility for continued access to classified information and future assignment opportunities.
Domestic violence allegations in the military often trigger parallel criminal military investigations, which may be conducted by entities such as CID, NCIS, or OSI. These investigations determine whether sufficient evidence exists to pursue charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and frequently run alongside civilian inquiries when off‑base conduct is involved.
Command-directed investigations may also occur, focusing on a service member’s conduct, fitness for duty, and compliance with military regulations. These inquiries can proceed even when criminal investigations are ongoing, and their administrative purpose means they can rely on a lower evidentiary threshold when evaluating findings.
Depending on investigative outcomes, commanders may issue Letters of Reprimand, initiate Boards of Inquiry, or forward cases for court-martial proceedings. Each of these actions carries distinct consequences, and all can stem from the same domestic violence incident, making such cases uniquely complex within the military justice system.
Our team has extensive experience handling relationship‑driven domestic violence and abuse allegations, including cases where personal dynamics, digital communications, and family‑related stressors shape the government’s theory of the offense. We focus on understanding these complex relationships so we can accurately present context and challenge assumptions.
We integrate criminal defense with the administrative processes that often accompany domestic‑related allegations, such as command investigations, no‑contact orders, security‑clearance issues, and potential adverse actions. This coordinated approach helps ensure that each aspect of a service member’s situation is addressed in a unified defense strategy.
With decades of military justice experience, the firm is deeply familiar with cross‑examining witnesses, law enforcement personnel, and military investigators in cases involving intimate‑partner accusations. This background enables the defense to probe inconsistencies, evaluate investigative methods, and highlight facts that may otherwise be overlooked.
Answer: Article 128b of the UCMJ outlines offenses related to domestic violence, including assault, threats, and other qualifying acts against protected persons. It defines specific elements that commanders and investigators may review when evaluating an alleged incident. This article also provides the legal framework for how such cases are categorized within the military justice system.
Answer: Administrative separation may occur independently of a court‑martial process. Command authorities can initiate administrative actions based on the facts available to them. These processes follow military regulations and do not require a criminal conviction.
Answer: A military no‑contact order is designed to restrict communication or proximity between service members and specific individuals. Commanders can issue these orders quickly as a risk‑management measure. They remain in effect until modified or cancelled by command authority.
Answer: Federal law and DoD policies may limit firearm possession for individuals associated with certain domestic violence‑related conditions. Commanders and security offices review applicable rules when determining access to weapons. These restrictions can affect both personal possession and duty‑related arming authorization.
Answer: Investigators may review statements, digital communications, medical records, and physical evidence. They may also consider witness accounts and other corroborating information. The type and amount of evidence vary depending on the circumstances of the report.
Answer: Allegations can trigger administrative reviews, including evaluations of duty performance, suitability, or command‑directed processes. These actions operate separately from criminal procedures. Commanders use available information to determine whether administrative measures are appropriate.
Answer: Service members may choose to consult or retain a civilian attorney in addition to any military counsel they may be entitled to. Civilian lawyers can interact with military authorities within the limits of installation and legal protocols. Their involvement depends on the member’s preferences and the procedures relevant to the case.
Joint Base Andrews sits in Prince George’s County, Maryland, just southeast of Washington, D.C. Its proximity to the nation’s capital gives the installation a uniquely strategic role, with direct access to major federal agencies, national decision-makers, and critical air corridors. The base is closely tied to the surrounding communities of Camp Springs, Clinton, and Upper Marlboro, which provide housing, schools, and support services for military families. The region features a mid-Atlantic climate with four distinct seasons, influencing year-round operations and flight activity. Andrews’ position within the dense National Capital Region also means heightened coordination with civilian authorities and extensive integration with local infrastructure.
Joint Base Andrews is best known as the home of Air Force One and serves as a central hub for senior leader airlift operations. It hosts a significant Air Force presence, including key aviation, command, and support units responsible for transporting national leadership and conducting global mobility missions. The installation’s mission extends far beyond VIP transport, encompassing rapid response, national security support, and specialized aviation capabilities. Its joint environment ensures that multiple service components operate together, supporting both routine and high-visibility missions essential to the defense of the United States.
The base supports a large and diverse active duty population, with personnel engaged in aviation operations, logistics, medical services, communications, and mission support roles. Many units stationed at Andrews maintain high readiness levels due to the installation’s global mobility requirements and its continuous stream of distinguished visitor and contingency operations. While not a basic training location, Andrews frequently hosts rotational units, transient aircrews, and personnel preparing for or returning from overseas assignments, contributing to a steady operational tempo.
Because of its high activity level and strategic mission set, service members at Joint Base Andrews regularly encounter situations where the Uniform Code of Military Justice applies. Investigations, administrative actions, non-judicial punishment, and courts-martial may arise from duties connected to aviation operations, security responsibilities, or the unique pressures of working in the National Capital Region. The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers at Joint Base Andrews, providing support to those facing UCMJ actions or separation proceedings linked to the demands of this critical installation.
Yes, a single incident can support an Article 128b charge if the elements of assault and the qualifying relationship are met.
An intimate partner or family member is defined by marriage, dating relationship, cohabitation, shared child, or similar close domestic ties.
Physical injury is not required; offensive touching, attempted force, or credible threats can be sufficient.
Verbal arguments alone usually do not qualify, but threats combined with conduct, context, or fear of imminent harm can support charges.
Article 128 addresses general assault, while Article 128b applies when the alleged assault occurs within a domestic or intimate relationship defined by the statute.
