Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point Command-Directed Investigation Defense Lawyers
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A Command-Directed Investigation is an administrative inquiry used to assess alleged misconduct; while not criminal, it can imperil a service member’s career through potential escalation to reprimands, separation, or court-martial. At Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, 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.
Answer: Yes, a service member at MCAS Cherry Point may face administrative separation without a court‑martial. This process is handled through command channels and follows administrative rules rather than criminal procedures. The outcome depends on the evidence presented and the applicable regulations.
Answer: A BOI is an administrative hearing focused on determining whether separation is warranted, while NJP is a disciplinary tool used by commanders for minor offenses. NJP does not automatically result in separation, though it may be referenced during a BOI. BOI proceedings provide more formal presentation of evidence.
Answer: The government typically must meet a lower burden of proof than what is required in criminal proceedings. The board evaluates whether the evidence supports the basis for separation under administrative standards. The threshold focuses on whether the alleged conduct occurred and meets regulatory criteria.
Answer: A BOI is generally composed of three officers who review the case. These officers are selected to provide an impartial assessment of the evidence. They are responsible for making findings and recommending whether separation is appropriate.
Answer: A BOI may review personnel records, investigative reports, witness statements, and other documentation relevant to the allegations. The board may also hear live testimony. All materials are evaluated under administrative evidentiary standards.
Answer: A BOI can consider a service member’s retirement eligibility when reviewing the case. The board’s findings may influence whether the member remains eligible to retire. Regulations guide how service time and characterization factor into retirement status.
Answer: The characterization is based on the service member’s overall record and the nature of the issues presented. The board reviews both performance and conduct to decide the appropriate level. Regulatory criteria outline the possible characterizations.
Answer: Yes, service members may have a civilian lawyer represent them during BOI proceedings. Civilian counsel works alongside or instead of military counsel, depending on the member’s preference. Participation is subject to access and scheduling rules at MCAS Cherry Point.
Q1: Where is Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point located?
A: Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point sits in eastern North Carolina near the town of Havelock and close to the Neuse River and Bogue Sound. Its coastal position places it within a network of regional military installations and small civilian communities. The surrounding waterways and flat terrain contribute to its aviation-focused mission.
Q2: How does the base fit into the broader regional context?
A: Cherry Point operates within a corridor linking military operations in the greater Craven and Carteret County areas. The base maintains close ties with nearby towns that support housing, workforce needs, and transportation access. This integration shapes daily life for service members and families.
Q3: What military presence defines Cherry Point?
A: The installation is a major Marine Corps aviation hub supporting fixed-wing and rotary-wing units. Tenant commands contribute to aircraft readiness, maintenance, and operational support. Its airfield and logistics capabilities make it central to regional Marine aviation missions.
Q4: What is the core mission of the installation?
A: Cherry Point enables aviation operations that support Marine Air-Ground Task Force requirements. The base provides infrastructure for training, deployment preparation, and sustainment. Its mission also extends to supporting East Coast operational commitments.
Q5: How large is the service member population?
A: The installation hosts a sizable active-duty community linked to aviation, maintenance, logistics, and command activities. Personnel rotate regularly through training cycles and deployment schedules. This constant movement contributes to a steady operational rhythm.
Q6: What types of activity occur on the base?
A: Aircraft operations, maintenance, and testing are daily features of the installation. Units conduct training that supports both stateside and forward missions. Medical, support, and administrative functions round out the base’s activity profile.
Q7: How does military law apply at Cherry Point?
A: Service members stationed or temporarily assigned here may encounter UCMJ processes such as investigations, NJP, administrative actions, or courts-martial. The aviation tempo and deployment cycles can influence how these matters arise. Command responsibilities and operational schedules shape how cases move forward.
Q8: Who represents service members facing UCMJ issues at Cherry Point?
A: The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. Their work includes supporting individuals connected to the installation’s operational and training environment. These services extend to those navigating the complexities of military justice on base.
Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point is located in eastern North Carolina, in Craven County near the coastal communities of Havelock, New Bern, and Morehead City. Positioned along the Neuse River and close to the Atlantic shoreline, the installation operates within a region defined by flat coastal terrain, tidal waterways, and a humid subtropical climate that supports year-round flight operations. Its proximity to maritime routes and other key military facilities along the North Carolina coast gives Cherry Point strategic value for both stateside and expeditionary aviation missions. The surrounding civilian communities maintain a longstanding relationship with the base, offering essential services, workforce support, and shared infrastructure that tie military and local life closely together.
Cherry Point serves as one of the Marine Corps’ most important aviation hubs, supporting Marine Aircraft Wing operations and hosting multiple aviation, logistics, and command units. The installation’s mission centers on enabling Marine aviation readiness, including aircraft maintenance, depot-level repair, airfield operations, and training for rotary-wing and fixed-wing platforms. Tenant commands contribute to domestic readiness and overseas deployments, making the base a key element in the Marine Corps’ ability to project airpower rapidly and sustain aviation assets globally.
The base supports a large active duty population composed primarily of aviation personnel, maintainers, support staff, and command elements. Daily activity includes flight training, maintenance cycles, rapid-response preparations, and rotational deployments that link the installation to forward operations across multiple theaters. Cherry Point’s operational tempo fluctuates with training schedules and deployment requirements, creating a dynamic environment for service members and their families stationed on or near the installation.
The high-paced aviation mission at Cherry Point means service members may encounter a wide spectrum of military justice issues, including investigations, administrative actions, non-judicial punishment, courts-martial, and separation proceedings. Operational demands, safety protocols, and the technical nature of aviation support can influence how UCMJ matters arise and are handled on the installation. The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point who are facing such challenges, providing guidance through each stage of the military justice process.
https://www.cherrypoint.marines.mil/
Service members retain certain rights, including Article 31(b) protections when suspected of an offense. These rights apply even though the investigation is administrative.
Yes, statements made during a CDI are often included in the investigative report and can be used in later administrative or criminal proceedings.
Yes, a CDI can escalate into a court-martial if the findings support criminal charges under the UCMJ. Commands may refer the case for prosecution after review.
The standard of proof is administrative, typically a preponderance of the evidence, meaning more likely than not. This is much lower than the criminal standard.
Yes, while a CDI itself does not impose punishment, its findings can lead to NJP, Letters of Reprimand, court-martial charges, or administrative separation.
