Naval Station Everett Domestic Violence & Abuse Defense Lawyers
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Article 128b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice establishes criminal liability for domestic violence and abuse committed by service members, defining prohibited conduct that includes physical harm, attempted harm, threats, and other abusive acts directed at individuals in domestic or intimate partner relationships. The article captures patterns of coercive or controlling behavior as well as discrete violent acts, emphasizing the military’s interest in addressing misconduct that undermines good order and discipline.
The statute is relationship‑specific, applying only when the alleged victim fits within defined categories such as a spouse, intimate partner, dating partner, or immediate family member. This relationship element distinguishes Article 128b from general assault provisions and requires proof of the qualifying relationship in addition to proof of the underlying conduct.
Violations can trigger felony‑level exposure at court‑martial, including confinement and punitive discharge, and may also result in administrative actions such as separation proceedings, loss of career opportunities, or restrictions on access to weapons or duty assignments. These consequences stem from the military’s dual focus on criminal accountability and force readiness.
Article 128b differs from civilian domestic violence law by incorporating military‑specific standards, jurisdictional rules, and evidentiary procedures, and by placing the conduct within a disciplinary framework unique to the armed forces. Its definitions and prosecutorial mechanisms do not always mirror those used in state or federal civilian systems, creating distinctions in elements of proof, available charges, and potential collateral effects on military service.
Under military law, domestic violence and abuse include assault, threats, or coercive control against a spouse or partner, prosecuted under Article 128b, UCMJ. At Naval Station Everett, allegations can quickly escalate into administrative separation and court-martial actions. Gonzalez & Waddington can be reached at 1-800-921-8607 for guidance.
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.
Allegations involving domestic violence or abuse often move rapidly because military personnel and associated professionals are subject to mandatory reporting requirements. Once a concern is raised, commanders must respond promptly, triggering formal procedures designed to ensure safety, comply with policy, and document all actions taken.
Early steps frequently include issuing no‑contact orders and initiating firearms restrictions when appropriate. These measures are preventive rather than punitive, and they are used to reduce immediate risk while the situation is evaluated through established channels.
Command leadership also employs structured risk‑management processes that prioritize visibility and accountability. This means that once an allegation is reported, multiple offices—such as command leadership, security, and support services—may become involved quickly, creating the appearance of escalation even though the steps reflect standard policy and oversight requirements.
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.
Reports frequently involve relationship disputes or household conflict in which partners or family members describe disagreements that escalate into concerns about safety. These situations are often conveyed as allegations or perceptions of conflict rather than verified events, and service members may seek assistance due to tension within shared living spaces.
Another recurring pattern involves third‑party reporting, such as neighbors, command representatives, or security personnel initiating welfare checks after hearing concerning sounds or observing unusual behavior. These reports typically reflect the observations or concerns of others and do not establish that misconduct occurred.
Alcohol use and high emotional stress can also contribute to volatile interactions, with individuals sometimes making statements during moments of frustration or fear that later require clarification. Such statements are often interpreted within the broader context of stress, duty‑related pressures, or misunderstandings rather than definitive evidence of wrongdoing.
Domestic violence cases at Naval Station Everett involve coordinated investigative efforts between military authorities and, when applicable, civilian agencies. These investigations focus on gathering factual information to understand the events leading to the reported incident and to create a clear record of what occurred.
Evidence collected in these cases is used to document the circumstances, support administrative processes, and ensure that all relevant information is available to the appropriate authorities. The types of evidence commonly gathered include the following:
Service members at Naval Station Everett can face administrative separation based solely on domestic violence allegations, even without a criminal conviction. Commands may initiate this process when they believe the underlying conduct undermines good order, discipline, or fitness for continued service.
Depending on rank and circumstances, the member may be routed to a Board of Inquiry or show-cause proceedings, where evidence is reviewed under an administrative, rather than criminal, standard. These proceedings allow the command to consider police reports, witness statements, and command investigations.
If separation is recommended, the discharge characterization—whether Honorable, General (Under Honorable Conditions), or Other Than Honorable—is determined by the board or separation authority. That characterization becomes a permanent part of the service record and may affect post‑service benefits.
Domestic violence allegations can also influence career exposure, including impacts on security clearance eligibility, assignment opportunities, and prospects for promotion or retention. Even unresolved or unproven allegations can trigger command-level scrutiny that shapes long-term career trajectories.
Domestic violence allegations often trigger both criminal military investigations and command-directed investigations, creating simultaneous inquiries into the same conduct. Criminal military investigations focus on potential violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, while command-directed efforts assess the service member’s fitness, safety concerns, and unit impact.
Depending on the findings, commanders may issue administrative measures such as Letters of Reprimand, which can become permanent and negatively affect promotion, assignment eligibility, and overall career trajectory. These actions can occur even when no criminal charges are filed.
More serious or substantiated domestic violence cases can escalate to Boards of Inquiry or court-martial proceedings, where the service member faces the risk of separation, loss of benefits, or punitive outcomes. As a result, a single domestic violence case can ripple across multiple military legal channels simultaneously.
The firm’s background in handling relationship-driven allegations allows its attorneys to evaluate the dynamics that commonly shape domestic violence and abuse cases arising within military communities. Their approach reflects an understanding of how communication patterns, partner interactions, and contextual factors influence both the allegations and the evidentiary record.
Gonzalez & Waddington integrate criminal defense strategy with the administrative processes unique to the military system, ensuring that actions such as command inquiries, notifications, and potential career impacts are addressed alongside the legal case. This combined perspective helps service members navigate the multiple tracks of military justice that may run simultaneously.
With decades of involvement in military justice matters, the firm’s attorneys apply practiced methods for cross-examining witnesses, law enforcement personnel, and investigators. Their familiarity with investigative procedures and evidentiary standards helps them probe the accuracy, reliability, and context of the government’s claims.
Answer: Article 128b addresses domestic violence offenses involving physical harm, threats, or violations of protective orders. It defines specific misconduct within domestic relationships for criminal consideration. It also outlines elements required for prosecution under the UCMJ.
Answer: A service member may face administrative separation proceedings independent of any court-martial. Commands can initiate these actions based on allegations or substantiated findings through administrative processes. These proceedings operate under different standards than criminal trials.
Answer: A no-contact order is a command-issued directive restricting communication or proximity between parties. Its purpose is to maintain safety and good order within the unit during an investigation. Violation of such an order can result in separate disciplinary action.
Answer: Certain civilian and military rules may restrict firearm possession when domestic violence allegations or protective orders are involved. These restrictions can limit access to duty-related or personal firearms. Commands may adjust a service member’s duties to comply with applicable regulations.
Answer: Evidence can include statements, digital communications, medical records, and physical documentation. Investigators may also review witness accounts or law enforcement reports. The relevance and credibility of evidence are evaluated under military rules.
Answer: Allegations can trigger a range of administrative reviews separate from disciplinary processes. These may involve evaluations of duty status, privileges, or overall suitability for continued service. Administrative actions operate on different standards than criminal proceedings.
Answer: A service member may consult or retain a civilian lawyer to support them during military investigations or proceedings. Civilian counsel can work alongside appointed military defense counsel when permitted. Their involvement is subject to military rules governing representation.
Naval Station Everett is located in northwestern Washington along the shores of Port Gardner Bay, approximately 25 miles north of Seattle. The installation sits within the Puget Sound region, an area known for its dense evergreen forests, cool maritime climate, and rugged coastline. Everett, Marysville, and Mukilteo form the primary surrounding civilian communities, all closely linked to the installation through shared infrastructure, workforce ties, and local economic support. The base’s position on deep, naturally protected waters provides a strategic advantage for hosting Pacific Fleet vessels and supporting rapid deployment across the northern Pacific and Arctic approaches.
Naval Station Everett is a U.S. Navy installation designed to homeport surface combatants and support operationally ready forces for the Indo-Pacific region. The base hosts a mix of guided‑missile destroyers and other fleet assets, along with key tenant commands involved in port operations, maintenance, and regional logistics. Its mission centers on sustaining forward‑deployed naval power, maintaining fleet readiness, and providing efficient, secure waterfront support. The installation’s modern pier facilities and direct access to Puget Sound enable rapid sortie capability, enhancing the Navy’s ability to project presence and respond to emerging missions across the Pacific.
The active duty population at Naval Station Everett is modest compared to larger naval hubs, but the base maintains a steady operational rhythm due to ship deployments, maintenance cycles, and rotational crew activity. While the installation does not train new accession sailors, it supports deployable units, port operations specialists, logistics teams, and command staff who coordinate fleet readiness. Deployment cycles often tie the base’s personnel to missions spanning the Western Pacific, Arctic routes, and joint maritime security operations.
Service members assigned to or transiting through Naval Station Everett may encounter UCMJ matters, including command investigations, non‑judicial punishment, administrative separations, or courts‑martial. The high operational tempo, shipboard environments, and frequent deployments shape how military justice issues arise and how quickly they must be addressed. The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers at Naval Station Everett who require experienced counsel when facing these challenges.
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.
