Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Command-Directed Investigation Defense Lawyers
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A Command-Directed Investigation is an administrative inquiry used by commanders at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar to assess alleged misconduct. Though not criminal, it can jeopardize a service member’s career and may escalate into reprimands, separation actions, or court‑martial. Gonzalez & Waddington provide defense guidance 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. The command may initiate separation based on alleged misconduct, performance issues, or other grounds under Marine Corps regulations. This process is administrative rather than criminal.
A Board of Inquiry (BOI) is an administrative fact‑finding process, while NJP is a disciplinary action under the UCMJ. NJP addresses minor misconduct and imposes limited penalties, whereas a BOI examines whether retention or separation is appropriate. The BOI focuses on suitability for continued service.
The burden of proof is generally a preponderance of the evidence. This standard requires showing that the alleged basis for separation is more likely than not. It differs from the higher criminal burden used in court‑martial proceedings.
The board typically consists of three commissioned officers. At least one member is usually senior to the service member, and all are expected to be impartial. Their role is to review evidence and make findings and recommendations.
The board may review documents, records, statements, and witness testimony. Both the command and the service member can present materials for review. The board determines what evidence is relevant and admissible under the governing regulations.
A BOI can review whether the service member should be retained, which can influence eligibility to reach retirement milestones. Findings or recommendations may affect future service status. Retirement impact depends on the administrative determinations made during the process.
The board evaluates the service record, alleged conduct, and overall performance. It then recommends a characterization based on regulatory standards and the evidence presented. The final characterization is determined through the administrative process.
Yes, a service member may hire a civilian attorney to participate in the BOI process. Civilian counsel can attend hearings and present matters on the member’s behalf. The member is also assigned a military attorney at no cost.
A1: Marine Corps Air Station Miramar sits in northern San Diego, California, bordered by the communities of Mira Mesa, Scripps Ranch, and University City. Its position within the coastal Southern California corridor places it near major transportation networks and urban centers. The semi-arid climate and varied terrain support year-round aviation operations.
A2: The base operates within a dense metropolitan region that blends military activity with civilian neighborhoods and businesses. San Diego’s strong defense presence shapes local infrastructure and community engagement. This setting allows seamless interaction between the installation and surrounding support services.
A3: MCAS Miramar is primarily a Marine Corps aviation hub. It hosts aircraft and personnel essential to Marine aviation missions on the West Coast. Air operations link directly to regional training ranges and Pacific-focused readiness efforts.
A4: The installation supports fixed-wing and rotary-wing aviation units that sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force requirements. Its mission emphasizes rapid deployment capability and integrated training cycles. The base also supports tenant commands that contribute to aviation logistics and operational planning.
A5: The installation hosts a substantial aviation-focused force, including pilots, aircrew, maintainers, and support personnel. Activity levels fluctuate as squadrons rotate for exercises or deployments. The operational rhythm reflects both domestic training demands and global commitments.
A6: Aviation training, logistics coordination, intelligence functions, and command operations occur daily. Frequent flight operations shape the tempo for both active units and supporting elements. The air station also facilitates transient aircraft and personnel moving through the region.
A7: Service members assigned to or rotating through Miramar may encounter UCMJ matters connected to its high-tempo aviation environment. Investigations, administrative actions, and non-judicial punishment can arise from duties tied to flight operations and support roles. Courts-martial and separation proceedings are handled in accordance with Marine Corps legal processes on base.
A8: The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. Their work includes assisting personnel involved in UCMJ proceedings originating from the installation’s operational demands. Representation extends to those temporarily assigned or passing through the air station.
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar is located in the northern portion of San Diego, California, positioned between the communities of Mira Mesa, Scripps Ranch, and Clairemont. This coastal Southern California setting provides a dry, temperate climate ideal for year‑round aviation operations. Its location near major highways and urban centers allows seamless interaction between the installation and surrounding civilian communities, where many service members and their families live, work, and attend school. The proximity to the broader San Diego military hub, including naval and Marine Corps facilities throughout the region, reinforces Miramar’s role within a concentrated network of defense activity.
MCAS Miramar is home to Marine Corps aviation units central to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force structure. The installation supports fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft and hosts key operational and support commands that contribute to aviation readiness, expeditionary capability, and West Coast deployment cycles. It serves as a major platform for flight operations, maintenance, training, and mission planning, enabling fast-response aviation support to Marine units across the Pacific and beyond. Tenant commands provide logistics, communications, and operational oversight to sustain Miramar’s high-tempo aviation environment.
The base supports a large active-duty population made up primarily of Marines and aviation personnel, along with supporting specialists in areas such as logistics, maintenance, intelligence, medical services, and command and control. Miramar experiences consistent flight activity, training evolution cycles, and deployment preparation for units assigned to Marine forces in the Indo-Pacific region. The installation’s operational tempo reflects the demands of sustaining a major aviation hub, with rotational forces, transient aircrews, and joint-service personnel frequently moving through the station.
The dynamic operational environment at MCAS Miramar creates circumstances where service members may encounter legal challenges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Issues involving investigations, administrative actions, non-judicial punishment, courts-martial, or separation proceedings can arise from aviation operations, training requirements, and deployment readiness. The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, providing advocacy for those facing UCMJ or administrative matters connected to the base’s demanding mission profile.
https://www.miramar.marines.mil/
The length of a CDI varies depending on complexity, number of witnesses, and command urgency. Some are completed quickly, while others may take weeks or months.
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.
