Miami Command-Directed Investigation Defense Lawyers
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A Command-Directed Investigation is an administrative inquiry, not a criminal process, used by commanders to assess alleged misconduct. Though administrative, it can jeopardize a service member’s career and may escalate to reprimands, separation, or court-martial. In Miami, Gonzalez & Waddington provide guidance; contact 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, a service member may face administrative separation without being tried in a court‑martial. This process uses administrative procedures rather than criminal prosecution to determine whether continued service is appropriate.
A Board of Inquiry is a formal administrative hearing that reviews allegations and service records to decide whether separation is warranted. Nonjudicial punishment is a disciplinary action handled by a commander and does not make decisions about retaining or separating a service member.
The burden of proof is typically a preponderance of the evidence, meaning the board evaluates whether the alleged conduct is more likely than not to have occurred. This standard is lower than the one used in a criminal court‑martial.
A Board of Inquiry is usually composed of three commissioned officers selected by the convening authority. These officers review evidence, hear testimony, and make findings based on the record presented.
The board may consider documents, witness testimony, service records, and other materials relevant to the allegations. The rules of evidence are more flexible than those applied in a court‑martial, allowing a broader range of information.
A board’s findings may influence whether a service member remains eligible to reach or retain retirement status. The outcome can affect creditable service and access to benefits associated with retirement.
Administrative separation may lead to an Honorable, General (Under Honorable Conditions), or Other Than Honorable characterization. The characterization reflects the board’s assessment of the service member’s overall performance and conduct.
A service member may choose to retain a civilian lawyer to assist during the proceedings. Civilian counsel can participate alongside assigned military counsel under the rules set by the service branch.
Miami sits on the southeastern tip of Florida, bordered by Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, with nearby communities such as Doral, Coral Gables, and Miami Beach. Its coastal position places it close to major air and sea routes. This geography shapes how military activities integrate with a dense and diverse civilian urban environment.
Miami serves as a gateway to the Caribbean and Latin America, giving it strategic value for regional coordination and monitoring. Its proximity to major ports and international airports enhances operational connectivity. These factors make the area important for missions involving hemispheric security and interagency cooperation.
The region hosts key commands, most notably U.S. Southern Command in Doral, which oversees operations across Central and South America. Supporting elements include joint and interagency partners working on regional security and coordination. This presence anchors Miami as a hub for theater-wide oversight rather than large-scale troop concentrations.
The mission centers on planning, coordinating, and supporting operations in the Western Hemisphere. Activities include intelligence collaboration, contingency planning, and partnerships with allied nations. These functions position Miami as a command-and-control center rather than a traditional training installation.
The active-duty population is relatively modest but consists of personnel with specialized command, analytical, and coordination roles. Many serve in joint billets or rotational assignments tied to global and regional operations. The tempo reflects steady mission requirements rather than large-unit movements.
Key activities include operational planning, intelligence analysis, and liaison functions with partner nations. Aviation and logistics support are present but on a smaller scale compared to major bases. Personnel often engage in multinational coordination linked to regional security objectives.
The environment involves constant coordination, classified work, and joint operations, all of which can give rise to UCMJ-related matters. Investigations, administrative actions, and courts-martial may stem from the unique demands of command-level assignments. The pace and sensitivity of tasks often influence how legal issues develop.
Personnel assigned or traveling through the area may encounter UCMJ proceedings tied to operational duties, deployments, or interagency work. Administrative reviews and non-judicial actions occur within a high-visibility command setting. The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers at Miami.
Miami sits at the southeastern tip of Florida, positioned between Biscayne Bay, the Atlantic coastline, and the Everglades. The city’s proximity to the Caribbean, Central America, and South America gives the area strategic value for regional monitoring, humanitarian coordination, and interagency operations. Nearby communities such as Doral, Coral Gables, and Miami Beach form a densely populated urban zone where military personnel work alongside civilian partners. This integration is especially visible around the headquarters of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) in Doral, which maintains strong ties with local law enforcement, international consulates, and academic institutions that support its regional mission.
Miami’s military footprint centers on SOUTHCOM, a unified combatant command responsible for security cooperation, counter-narcotics efforts, disaster response coordination, and partner-nation engagement across Latin America and the Caribbean. Although Miami is not a traditional base with large training ranges or airfields, its headquarters environment hosts joint-service personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, and Coast Guard. The mission emphasizes intelligence sharing, regional stability, and readiness to support both rapid-response operations and long-term strategic initiatives.
The active duty and civilian workforce in Miami is sizable but primarily headquarters-focused. Personnel rotate through joint billets, work in command-and-control roles, or support planning for operations conducted overseas. Activity levels shift based on international events, hurricane seasons, and partner-nation training cycles. Although Miami does not house large deployable units, the command plays a pivotal role in directing missions, coordinating multinational exercises, and maintaining situational awareness across a vast area of responsibility.
Service members assigned to or temporarily supporting operations in Miami remain subject to the UCMJ. Issues may arise from joint-duty stress, international travel requirements, high operational tempo, or command-level responsibilities. Investigations, administrative actions, non-judicial punishment, courts-martial, and separation proceedings can all occur in this environment. The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers at Miami, assisting those facing UCMJ challenges connected to the unique demands of a major combatant command headquarters.
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The investigation is conducted by an appointed Investigating Officer, usually another service member, who is tasked with gathering facts and reporting findings to the command.
A Command-Directed Investigation is ordered by a commander with appropriate authority over the service member or unit involved. The decision is often made after consultation with legal advisors.
No, a Command-Directed Investigation is administrative, not criminal, but it can lead to criminal, disciplinary, or separation action based on its findings.
A Command-Directed Investigation is an administrative inquiry ordered by a commander to gather facts about alleged misconduct, performance issues, or concerns affecting good order and discipline. It is not a criminal proceeding.
Many service members choose to hire civilian military defense lawyers during a CDI because early involvement can affect how statements, evidence, and findings are documented and later used.
