Naval Station Mayport Command-Directed Investigation Defense Lawyers

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Naval Station Mayport Command-Directed Investigation Defense Lawyers

A Command-Directed Investigation is an administrative inquiry, not a criminal process, but it can still jeopardize a service member’s career. At Naval Station Mayport, such investigations may escalate into reprimands, separation, or even court-martial. Gonzalez & Waddington provide defense guidance; call 1-800-921-8607.

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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.

Contact Our Criminal Defense Lawyers

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.

Can I be separated without a court-martial?

Yes, administrative separation can occur independently of a court-martial. The command may initiate this process when certain grounds are met, even if no criminal charges are pursued. The procedure follows administrative rules rather than criminal ones.

What is the difference between a Board of Inquiry and Nonjudicial Punishment (NJP)?

A Board of Inquiry is a formal administrative hearing, while NJP is a disciplinary action imposed by a commanding officer. NJP addresses minor misconduct, whereas a BOI evaluates whether separation is appropriate. The two processes operate under different authorities and procedures.

What is the burden of proof at a Board of Inquiry?

The burden of proof at a BOI is typically a preponderance of the evidence. This means the board evaluates whether the alleged misconduct or basis for separation is more likely than not. It is a lower standard than is used in criminal trials.

Who sits on a Board of Inquiry?

A BOI is usually composed of three commissioned officers. These officers are appointed to review the evidence, hear testimony, and make findings. They act as the decision-making body for the proceeding.

What evidence is considered during a Board of Inquiry?

The board may review documents, witness testimony, personnel records, and other relevant materials. Evidence rules are less restrictive than in criminal courts. The board determines what information is appropriate to consider.

How can a BOI affect my retirement?

A BOI may review whether a member is eligible to continue service up to retirement. Its findings can influence whether the member remains on active duty long enough to qualify for retired status. The board does not, however, calculate or award retirement benefits.

How is my discharge characterization determined in this process?

The board evaluates the member’s service record and the basis for separation when recommending a characterization. Possible characterizations include Honorable, General (Under Honorable Conditions), or Other Than Honorable. The final decision is made by the separation authority.

Can a civilian lawyer participate in a Board of Inquiry?

A service member may retain a civilian attorney to assist with the BOI. The civilian lawyer can present evidence, question witnesses, and make statements on behalf of the member. This participation is in addition to any assigned military counsel.

Q1: Where is Naval Station Mayport located?

Naval Station Mayport sits on the northeastern coast of Florida within the Jacksonville metropolitan area, positioned between the St. Johns River and the Atlantic Ocean. Its proximity to Jacksonville Beach and the coastal waterways shapes daily operations and community interaction. The surrounding civilian communities maintain close ties to the installation through shared services and regional infrastructure.

Q2: Why is Naval Station Mayport’s location strategically important?

The base’s deep-water harbor and direct ocean access support rapid deployment capabilities for naval vessels. Its coastal setting enables efficient transit routes for Atlantic and Caribbean operations. This geography reinforces its role as a key maritime hub in the Southeast.

Q3: What military branches are present at Naval Station Mayport?

The installation is primarily a U.S. Navy base, hosting surface ships, aviation assets, and select joint-service elements. Tenant commands operate across maritime operations, helicopter squadrons, and regional support activities. These units sustain the Navy’s fleet readiness along the Atlantic seaboard.

Q4: What is the overall mission of Naval Station Mayport?

The base supports fleet operations through ship maintenance, aviation training, and deployment preparation. It functions as a homeport for multiple vessels and rotary-wing units. Its mission centers on sustaining operational readiness for missions extending across the Atlantic and Caribbean theaters.

Q5: How large is the active duty population at the base?

Naval Station Mayport hosts a substantial active duty community tied to ship crews, aviation squadrons, and support personnel. The population fluctuates depending on deployment cycles and rotational activity. This dynamic environment reflects the installation’s forward-leaning operational posture.

Q6: What types of activities occur on the installation?

The base conducts shipboard training, flight operations, logistics coordination, and regional command functions. Persistent movement of ships and aircraft contributes to a steady operational tempo. Many units cycle through pre-deployment preparations and post-deployment resets.

Q7: How does military law relate to personnel at Naval Station Mayport?

Service members stationed or transiting through Mayport may encounter UCMJ issues involving investigations, administrative actions, or courts-martial. The high operational pace can influence how incidents are reported, reviewed, and processed. Command structures on the waterfront and flight line shape the handling of these matters.

Q8: Who provides legal defense representation for service members at Mayport?

The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers stationed at Naval Station Mayport. Their work connects directly to the installation’s distinctive maritime setting and mission demands. They engage with cases arising from the base’s operational and training environment.

Location & Regional Context

Naval Station Mayport sits on the northeastern coast of Florida at the mouth of the St. Johns River, adjacent to the Jacksonville Beaches communities of Mayport, Atlantic Beach, and Neptune Beach. Its position along the Atlantic shoreline provides direct access to deep-water channels, making it one of the Navy’s most strategically valuable East Coast ports. The surrounding region blends military activity with civilian neighborhoods, fishing villages, and maritime industries. The warm, coastal climate supports year-round operations and training, while the proximity to Jacksonville—one of Florida’s largest cities—creates a close connection between the installation and the broader civilian workforce, support services, and transportation networks.

Military Presence & Mission

Naval Station Mayport hosts a significant U.S. Navy presence and serves as a major hub for surface ships, littoral combat ships, and embarked commands that operate throughout the Atlantic and Caribbean. The installation supports a range of tenant commands involved in fleet readiness, maintenance, and tactical operations. Its aircraft facilities and harbor infrastructure enable rapid deployment and sustainment missions, reinforcing its role as a key component of the Navy’s Atlantic Fleet posture. The base also integrates joint and interagency operations, reflecting its importance in maritime security and coastal defense.

Service Member Population & Activity

The active duty population at Naval Station Mayport is sizable and diverse, including sailors assigned to homeported ships, aviation detachments, and operational support units. The base manages a steady rotation of ships deploying to and returning from overseas missions, creating a dynamic operational tempo. Training cycles, maintenance periods, and pre-deployment preparations shape daily activity. While primarily a fleet-focused installation, Mayport also supports logistics, communications, and administrative functions that sustain both permanent personnel and transient forces.

Military Law & UCMJ Relevance

Because of its high operational tempo and concentration of deployable units, Naval Station Mayport regularly encounters UCMJ matters involving investigations, non-judicial punishment, administrative separation actions, and courts-martial. Operational demands, shipboard environments, and deployment pressures can all influence how legal issues arise and are adjudicated. Service members stationed at or passing through the base often require guidance as they navigate the military justice system. The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers at Naval Station Mayport, providing support across the full spectrum of UCMJ actions.

https://www.cnic.navy.mil/Mayport/

Is a Command-Directed Investigation kept in my permanent record?

The CDI report itself is not always permanently filed, but its findings and resulting actions often become part of the service member’s administrative record.

Can a CDI lead to administrative separation or a Board of Inquiry?

Yes, CDI results can be used to initiate administrative separation or a Board of Inquiry, even if no criminal charges are filed.

What happens after a Command-Directed Investigation is completed?

After completion, the Investigating Officer submits a written report with findings and recommendations. The command then decides what action, if any, to take.

Can digital evidence like texts and emails be used in a CDI?

Yes, digital evidence such as texts, emails, social media messages, and call logs are commonly reviewed during CDIs.

Are witnesses required for a CDI to proceed?

Yes, a CDI can proceed without live witnesses if sufficient documentary or digital evidence exists. Written statements are often used.

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