Naval Station Norfolk Domestic Violence & Abuse Defense Lawyers
Table Contents
Article 128b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice establishes criminal liability for acts of domestic violence and abuse within the armed forces, covering physical harm, attempted harm, or threats of harm committed against a qualifying intimate partner or family member. It codifies misconduct that previously fell under general assault provisions, creating a specific offense category tied to domestic contexts.
The article applies when allegations arise within defined relationship categories, including spouses, former spouses, intimate partners, cohabitants, and individuals with whom the accused shares a child. These relationship‑based criteria determine whether conduct that might otherwise be treated as a standard assault is instead charged as domestic violence under military law.
Conviction under Article 128b can result in felony‑level exposure, including the potential for confinement, punitive discharge, and long‑term criminal record implications. Separate from court‑martial consequences, the military may impose administrative actions such as adverse evaluations, loss of credentials, or separation proceedings based on substantiated domestic violence allegations.
Unlike civilian domestic violence statutes, Article 128b is tailored to the military environment: it incorporates military‑specific jurisdiction, command authority, and collateral administrative frameworks, while also defining qualifying relationships and abusive conduct in ways that may diverge from state‑level domestic violence definitions and procedural requirements.
Domestic violence and abuse under military law, defined by Article 128b UCMJ, include assaultive or coercive conduct against a spouse, partner, or family member. At Naval Station Norfolk, allegations can quickly trigger administrative separation and court-martial proceedings. Gonzalez & Waddington provide legal representation; call 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.
At Naval Station Norfolk, allegations of domestic violence or abuse move rapidly because military personnel are subject to mandatory reporting rules. When an incident is brought to the attention of supervisors, medical staff, military police, or other designated professionals, it must be reported to the command. This triggers an immediate command response aimed at ensuring safety and compliance with Navy policy.
Commands often issue no‑contact orders to separate the individuals involved while the situation is assessed. Service members may also be temporarily restricted from possessing firearms in accordance with federal and military guidelines. These steps are preventive measures designed to stabilize the situation and protect everyone while information is gathered.
Because the command is responsible for risk management, any allegation receives prompt attention and oversight. The Navy places a high value on safety, accountability, and unit readiness, so leadership closely monitors these matters until the appropriate investigative, legal, or support processes are complete. This structured visibility contributes to the speed and seriousness with which such cases are handled.
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.
Cases often involve relationship disputes or household conflict where partners, spouses, or cohabitants report rising tension, disagreements, or misunderstandings that may be interpreted as signs of potential harm. These situations frequently involve competing accounts, and the initial reports may reflect confusion or incomplete information rather than verified conduct.
Allegations may also arise from third-party reporting, such as neighbors, friends, or command personnel requesting welfare checks after hearing arguments or observing concerning behavior. These reports typically rely on impressions rather than firsthand knowledge, and service members may find themselves confronted with law enforcement involvement based on limited or indirect observations.
Alcohol use and emotional escalation are commonly referenced in statements made during stressful incidents, both by the individuals involved and by those who respond. Such statements—often made in moments of heightened emotion—can be inconsistent or later reconsidered, contributing to allegations that require careful review rather than being treated as established fact.
Domestic violence investigations at Naval Station Norfolk typically involve coordinated efforts between military and civilian authorities to gather reliable information about the incident. These inquiries focus on establishing an accurate account of events through structured procedures and official documentation.
During these investigations, personnel collect various forms of evidence to evaluate the circumstances surrounding the report. The materials gathered help create a detailed record that can be used by command authorities or other entities responsible for reviewing the situation.
Service members at Naval Station Norfolk can face administrative separation based solely on domestic violence allegations, even when no civilian or military conviction exists; commands may initiate this process when they conclude that the underlying conduct conflicts with good order and discipline.
These actions commonly proceed through a Board of Inquiry or show-cause proceedings, where an officer panel evaluates the available evidence and determines whether the alleged misconduct meets the threshold for separation under Navy regulations.
If separation is recommended, the characterization of discharge—honorable, general under honorable conditions, or other than honorable—will depend on the documented conduct, service history, and the findings of the administrative board.
Domestic violence allegations can also affect security clearance eligibility and future career opportunities, as adjudicators may review the incident for concerns involving judgment, reliability, or personal conduct, regardless of the outcome of any related criminal case.
Domestic violence allegations in the military frequently trigger criminal military investigations, which determine whether the conduct violates the Uniform Code of Military Justice and whether charges should be pursued. These investigations run parallel to civilian inquiries when local authorities are involved, often resulting in overlapping legal exposure.
In addition to criminal processes, commanders may initiate command-directed investigations to assess fitness for duty, evaluate patterns of misconduct, or address risks to good order and discipline. Findings from these inquiries can influence administrative actions even if criminal charges are not ultimately filed.
Adverse administrative measures, including Letters of Reprimand, may follow, and more serious cases can escalate to Boards of Inquiry or even court-martial proceedings. As a result, a single domestic violence allegation can generate multiple, simultaneous military legal actions, each carrying distinct consequences for a service member’s career and freedom.
Gonzalez & Waddington bring decades of military justice experience to domestic violence and abuse cases arising at Naval Station Norfolk, providing informed guidance in matters where relationship dynamics often shape the underlying allegations. Their background helps them assess interpersonal contexts, communication patterns, and the unique pressures of military life that frequently influence these cases.
The firm integrates both criminal and administrative defense considerations, recognizing that service members must navigate not only potential court-martial exposure but also command actions, administrative inquiries, and collateral military consequences. This combined perspective allows them to address the full spectrum of procedural and regulatory issues that accompany domestic violence allegations within the military system.
Their experience includes rigorous cross-examination of witnesses and investigators, focusing on the accuracy, reliability, and completeness of the government’s evidence. By examining investigative steps, interview methods, and documentation, they work to ensure that contested facts are fully explored within the military justice process.
Article 128b addresses offenses related to domestic violence within the Uniform Code of Military Justice. It outlines prohibited conduct involving harm, threats, or certain coercive actions toward an intimate partner. The article also defines specific elements the government must consider when evaluating such allegations.
A service member may face administrative separation proceedings even if no court-martial occurs. These proceedings follow a different process and standards than criminal cases. Commands may initiate them based on available information and personnel regulations.
No-contact orders are command-directed measures intended to prevent communication between involved parties. They are administrative tools, not criminal punishments. Their purpose is to maintain safety and good order while an issue is reviewed.
Certain laws and regulations can restrict a service member’s ability to carry or access firearms during domestic violence investigations. These restrictions may apply even before any formal finding is made. Commands follow DoD and federal requirements when implementing them.
Investigators may review statements, physical items, digital communications, and medical records when evaluating an allegation. The specific materials considered depend on the circumstances. Each investigative agency follows its own protocols for gathering and assessing information.
Commands can initiate administrative actions separate from any criminal process. These actions may include counseling, restrictions, or evaluations based on the situation. They are handled through command channels and do not require judicial findings.
Service members may consult or retain civilian counsel in addition to any assigned military defense attorney. Civilian lawyers can assist with communication and document review. They operate independently of the military chain of command.
Naval Station Norfolk sits on the northwest corner of Norfolk, Virginia, at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, where the Elizabeth and James Rivers meet. This coastal location places the installation at the center of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, closely tied to the civilian communities of Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, and Chesapeake. The region’s temperate climate, deep-water harbors, and extensive maritime infrastructure make it one of the most strategically valuable naval hubs in the world. The base is fully woven into the surrounding cities through shared transportation corridors, shipyard and port activity, and a large military family presence that shapes the region’s economy and culture.
Military Presence & Mission
As the largest naval base on the planet, Naval Station Norfolk hosts the U.S. Navy’s Atlantic Fleet and supports a broad range of ships, aircraft, and operational commands. Its mission centers on enabling fleet readiness by providing pier services, aviation facilities, logistics support, and command-and-control capabilities for carrier strike groups and expeditionary forces. The installation also works closely with nearby joint commands and shipbuilding centers, reinforcing the East Coast’s role in national defense and global maritime operations.
Service Member Population & Activity
The base supports a significant active duty population, including sailors assigned to surface ships, aircraft squadrons, carrier units, and operational staffs. High rotational activity is typical, with crews preparing for deployment cycles, completing workups, or returning from overseas missions. Aviation activity from nearby Chambers Field, extensive ship maintenance schedules, and joint training events contribute to a fast-paced operational environment that directly shapes daily life for service members and their families.
Military Law & UCMJ Relevance
The tempo at Naval Station Norfolk means that service members often face military justice issues arising from deployment stress, shipboard duties, liberty incidents, or administrative requirements tied to readiness. Investigations, non‑judicial punishment, administrative separations, and courts‑martial occur regularly as commands enforce standards essential to fleet operations. Because of this, many service members stationed at or transiting through Naval Station Norfolk seek the support of experienced defense counsel. The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers at Naval Station Norfolk, providing guidance and advocacy when UCMJ actions or investigations arise.
Article 31(b) requires investigators to advise you of your right to remain silent and to consult with counsel before questioning.
You are not required to speak to law enforcement or command investigators and may invoke your right to remain silent.
After a report, law enforcement investigates, command may issue protective orders, and administrative or criminal action can begin immediately.
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.
