Panama City Command-Directed Investigation Defense Lawyers
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A Command-Directed Investigation is an administrative review ordered by command to address alleged misconduct or performance issues. Although not criminal, it can end a career and may escalate to reprimands, separation actions, or even court‑martial proceedings. Service members in Panama City can contact Gonzalez & Waddington 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.
1. Can I be separated without a court-martial?
Yes, administrative separation can occur without a court-martial. A command may initiate separation proceedings based on alleged misconduct, substandard performance, or other qualifying factors. A court-martial is not required for this administrative process.
2. What is the difference between a Board of Inquiry (BOI) and Nonjudicial Punishment (NJP)?
A BOI is an administrative hearing focused on evaluating whether separation is warranted. NJP is a disciplinary process used by commanders to address misconduct without a formal trial. The two processes serve different purposes and operate under different procedural rules.
3. What is the burden of proof at a BOI?
The government must meet a specified administrative standard of proof to support the basis for separation. This standard is lower than what is required in a criminal trial. The board uses this threshold to determine whether the evidence supports separation.
4. Who sits on the board during a BOI?
A BOI typically consists of three officers selected by the command. These officers review the evidence, listen to presentations, and make findings based on the case. Their role is to act as impartial fact-finders within the administrative process.
5. What evidence is considered at a BOI?
The board may review documents, witness statements, and other materials relevant to the alleged basis for separation. Both the government and the service member may present evidence for consideration. The board evaluates the totality of the information provided.
6. How can a BOI affect military retirement?
A BOI may address issues related to a service member’s eligibility to continue serving, which can affect retirement prospects. Findings may impact whether the member reaches the service threshold needed for retirement. Any final decision depends on the administrative process and command authority.
7. What does a BOI determine about discharge characterization?
A BOI can recommend a discharge characterization based on the evidence and the circumstances of the case. Characterization reflects the member’s overall service record. The final characterization decision follows administrative regulations and review procedures.
8. Can a civilian lawyer be involved in a BOI?
Service members may be represented by a civilian attorney at their own expense during a BOI. The civilian lawyer can participate alongside any assigned military counsel. Their role is subject to the procedures and rules governing administrative hearings.
Panama City sits on Florida’s northwestern Gulf Coast, positioned between Pensacola and Tallahassee along St. Andrews Bay. Its waterfront geography shapes both civilian maritime activity and military operations in the region. Surrounding communities such as Lynn Haven and Callaway maintain close ties with the installation’s workforce.
The area’s warm Gulf climate, shallow coastal waters, and access to diverse underwater terrain make it valuable for research and maritime readiness. These conditions support year‑round testing, diving operations, and coastal training. Local infrastructure also enables strong integration between the base and the broader Bay County community.
Naval Support Activity Panama City hosts Navy commands focused on diving, underwater systems, and explosive ordnance development. The installation provides specialized support to fleet units that rely on coastal and subsea capabilities. Its mission extends into joint research partnerships and operational testing.
The base contributes to maritime readiness by supporting technology development, fleet sustainment, and specialized training pipelines. Its commands assist in shaping the Navy’s approach to littoral and mine‑countermeasure operations. This role places the installation within a strategic coastal corridor along the Gulf.
The active duty population is moderate in size, reflecting its emphasis on technical missions rather than large combat formations. Personnel include divers, engineers, EOD specialists, and staff supporting research and evaluation. The mix of military and civilian professionals creates a steady operational rhythm.
The base regularly hosts training cycles, equipment testing events, and temporary detachments tied to fleet requirements. These rotations bring varied units through the installation for short‑term missions. Overseas deployment connections arise through the fleet units supported by the base’s technical programs.
Personnel assigned to or transiting the installation may encounter UCMJ matters such as investigations, administrative reviews, or non‑judicial proceedings. The technical and training environment can generate situations where regulatory compliance is closely monitored. Command responsibilities and mission demands influence how cases progress.
The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers stationed at Panama City in matters involving potential UCMJ actions. Their work includes supporting individuals connected to the installation’s operational and training activities. This representation extends to those navigating complex administrative or judicial processes.
Panama City sits along the northwestern Gulf Coast of Florida, positioned on St. Andrew Bay and directly adjacent to the communities of Panama City Beach, Lynn Haven, and Callaway. This coastal environment is defined by warm Gulf waters, barrier islands, and extensive shoreline that supports year‑round maritime operations. The location is strategically important because Naval Support Activity Panama City (NSA Panama City) relies on the region’s clear, shallow coastal waters for research, diving operations, mine warfare testing, and littoral mission development. The installation is closely integrated with the surrounding civilian community, drawing support from local ports, academic institutions, and a skilled workforce connected to the region’s maritime industries.
The primary military presence at Panama City is centered on the U.S. Navy, with tenant commands focused on mine countermeasures, explosive ordnance disposal, diver training, and coastal research. The base hosts specialized operational and technical units that develop and test equipment designed for shallow‑water and coastal missions. Its mission supports fleet readiness through advanced training, underwater systems development, and joint-service experimentation. The installation plays a critical role in shaping capabilities essential to littoral warfare and expeditionary operations.
Panama City supports a modest but highly specialized population of active duty personnel, including divers, EOD technicians, engineers, and technical support staff. Training courses bring a steady flow of rotational students, while operational detachments frequently deploy for mine countermeasures missions and joint exercises. Because of its focus areas, the base maintains an active training tempo that combines classroom instruction, controlled underwater environments, and open-water operations across the Gulf Coast. This creates a dynamic operational rhythm marked by frequent testing cycles, certification events, and coordination with fleet units.
The base’s mission profile and high‑risk training environment contribute to a range of military justice issues, including command investigations, administrative actions, non‑judicial punishment, and courts‑martial involving operational safety, training incidents, or professional standards. Service members assigned to or training at Panama City may require legal support as these matters arise. The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers at Panama City, providing counsel for UCMJ matters connected to the installation’s unique operational demands.
https://www.pcgov.org/
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.
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.
Yes, CDI results can be used to initiate administrative separation or a Board of Inquiry, even if no criminal charges are filed.
