Joint Base Lewis-McChord Command-Directed Investigation Defense Lawyers
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A Command‑Directed Investigation is an administrative inquiry used by commanders at Joint Base Lewis‑McChord to examine alleged misconduct or performance issues. Although non‑criminal, its findings can jeopardize a service member’s career and may escalate into reprimands, separation actions, 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 independently of any court‑martial proceedings, as it is an administrative—not criminal—process. It focuses on a service member’s suitability for continued service rather than criminal guilt.
A Board of Inquiry is a formal administrative hearing that evaluates whether a service member should be retained. Nonjudicial Punishment is a command-level disciplinary tool that does not determine separation but may be referenced in later administrative actions.
The board applies a preponderance of the evidence standard. This means it considers whether the evidence shows it is more likely than not that the alleged conduct occurred.
A BOI typically consists of three commissioned officers senior in grade to the respondent. One member serves as the board president and oversees the conduct of the hearing.
The board may review documents, witness statements, testimony, and service records. It has wide discretion to consider materials relevant to the alleged misconduct or performance issues.
A BOI may examine a service member’s entire military record, including time in service relevant to retirement eligibility. Certain findings can influence whether the member continues service long enough to qualify for retirement processing.
The board can recommend a characterization of service such as Honorable, General, or Under Other Than Honorable Conditions. This characterization reflects the member’s overall performance and conduct as considered by the board.
Yes, a service member may be represented by a civilian attorney at their own expense. The civilian lawyer may present evidence, question witnesses, and participate fully in the hearing.
Joint Base Lewis-McChord sits in western Washington between Tacoma and Olympia, positioned near the southern end of Puget Sound. Its proximity to Mount Rainier and dense evergreen terrain shapes both training conditions and regional identity. The base is closely integrated with surrounding civilian communities such as Lakewood, Dupont, and Lacey.
The installation’s position on the West Coast supports rapid access to the Indo-Pacific region. Its terrain provides varied environments for year‑round exercises, including forest, wetlands, and mountain foothills. This geographic setting directly influences operational readiness and mission posture.
The base hosts both Army and Air Force components under a joint structure. Ground and air units work in tandem to support mobility, power projection, and training operations. This joint presence enhances coordination across multiple mission sets.
The base focuses on rapid deployment, sustainment, and comprehensive training support. Major tenant units conduct activities that prepare forces for combat operations, humanitarian missions, and global response tasks. The installation plays a central role in regional and international readiness efforts.
The population includes a substantial active-duty force supported by civilian employees and family members. Units cycle through intensive training schedules, aviation operations, and logistical support functions. Frequent rotational activity contributes to a dynamic base environment.
Ground maneuver training, airborne operations, and airlift missions occur throughout the year. Medical, intelligence, and command elements also maintain continuous operational rhythm. These activities support a broad range of deployable capabilities.
Service members at the base may encounter UCMJ matters such as investigations, administrative actions, non‑judicial punishment, and courts‑martial. The installation’s active operational tempo can shape how legal issues emerge and proceed. Command responsibilities and deployment demands often influence case timelines.
The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers stationed at or passing through Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Their work supports individuals confronting UCMJ proceedings connected to the base’s training and operational environment. Representation extends to various stages of military justice actions.
Joint Base Lewis-McChord sits in western Washington, positioned between Tacoma and Olympia and bordered by communities such as Lakewood, Lacey, DuPont, and Yelm. Its location near Interstate 5 places the installation at a strategic crossroads connecting the Puget Sound region to key military ports and transportation hubs. The area’s terrain—dense forests, rolling plains, and proximity to Mount Rainier—shapes both the training environment and the daily life of service members. The Pacific Northwest climate, known for cool temperatures and consistent rainfall, also influences year-round operations. JBLM’s integration with surrounding civilian communities is significant, with local businesses, schools, and infrastructure closely tied to the base’s workforce and activity.
Joint Base Lewis-McChord hosts both Army and Air Force elements, reflecting its role as one of the West Coast’s most important power-projection platforms. The base supports rapid-response missions across the Indo-Pacific and beyond, with major operational units focused on combat readiness, airlift capabilities, and mission command. Training ranges, airfields, and support facilities enable ground, aviation, and joint-force operations, reinforcing the installation’s reputation as a hub for deployment preparation and integrated exercises.
JBLM supports a large active-duty population, including soldiers, airmen, and a significant number of dependents and civilian personnel. Its units maintain a high operational tempo, with frequent rotational deployments, field exercises, aviation training, and logistics movements. The installation also houses medical, intelligence, and sustainment capabilities that support both stateside operations and overseas commitments. As a major West Coast staging point, service members assigned to JBLM routinely cycle through readiness events tied to Pacific theater requirements.
The size and activity level of Joint Base Lewis-McChord mean that service members often encounter legal issues related to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Investigations, administrative actions, non-judicial punishment, courts-martial, and separation proceedings can arise from the demanding training environment, deployment cycles, and operational stresses associated with JBLM’s mission. The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, assisting those who face the complexities of the military justice system while stationed at or passing through this critical installation.
https://home.army.mil/jblm/
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.
Yes, CDI findings are frequently used to support Letters of Reprimand or Non-Judicial Punishment. These administrative actions often rely heavily on the CDI report.
