Gonzalez & Waddington Law Firm

Legal Guide Overview

METC Fort Sam Houston Texas Military Defense Lawyers – UCMJ Attorneys

Gonzalez & Waddington are civilian military defense lawyers representing service members stationed at METC Fort Sam Houston Texas in UCMJ investigations, court-martial cases, and administrative actions. Their practice is exclusively military justice, providing worldwide defense support against CID, NCIS, and OSI investigations and command-driven allegations.

METC Fort Sam Houston Texas Military Defense Lawyers – UCMJ Attorneys

Gonzalez & Waddington are civilian military defense lawyers representing service members stationed at METC Fort Sam Houston Texas in UCMJ investigations, court-martial charges, administrative separation, Article 15 punishment, and Boards of Inquiry, with an exclusive focus on military justice and worldwide defense involving CID, NCIS, OSI, and command-directed investigations.

The operational tempo and command climate at METC Fort Sam Houston Texas create increased exposure to allegations such as Article 120 sexual assault, domestic violence, fraternization, drug offenses, and other misconduct. Because military justice is command-controlled, adverse actions can rapidly impact rank, benefits, promotions, and retirement eligibility.

Their approach emphasizes early intervention, pre-statement legal advice, and challenging unlawful investigations while maintaining a trial-ready litigation strategy for court-martial and administrative proceedings worldwide. This aligns with the needs of those searching for a METC Fort Sam Houston Texas military defense lawyer or UCMJ attorney.

  • UCMJ investigations and court-martial defense
  • Article 120 sexual assault and high-risk allegations
  • CID investigations and command-directed inquiries
  • Administrative separation boards and adverse actions

METC Fort Sam Houston Texas Military Defense Lawyers – UCMJ Attorneys

METC Fort Sam Houston Texas Military Defense Lawyers

Overview of METC Fort Sam Houston Texas

The Medical Education and Training Campus (METC) at Fort Sam Houston, Texas serves as one of the Department of Defense’s primary hubs for joint medical training. METC Fort Sam Houston Texas brings together students from multiple military branches to train in dozens of medical specialties essential for operational readiness. The campus plays a vital role in preparing enlisted medical personnel who will support missions both stateside and across deployed environments. Its presence strengthens the broader San Antonio military community and contributes substantially to regional medical expertise and workforce development.

Because METC Fort Sam Houston Texas consolidates medical training for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, it fosters joint interoperability crucial to modern military operations. The campus provides classroom, laboratory, and clinical instruction that equips service members to function effectively within disciplined healthcare teams. Its programs directly support the military’s ability to deliver patient care in garrison, humanitarian relief missions, and combat zones. METC Fort Sam Houston Texas also maintains strong relationships with nearby medical institutions, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of military medicine.

Legal Risks for Service Members Stationed at METC Fort Sam Houston Texas

Service members training or assigned at METC Fort Sam Houston Texas face a range of legal risks that can arise from both military and off-duty activities. As a joint training environment with rigorous academic and professional standards, violations related to academic integrity, professional conduct, or violation of training requirements may result in administrative or disciplinary actions. The intense tempo and structured environment may also lead to allegations of misconduct under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, including Article 120 sexual assault allegations, fraternization issues, or accusations stemming from interpersonal conflicts.

Given its location within a major metropolitan area, service members at METC Fort Sam Houston Texas may also encounter legal challenges related to off-base incidents, including alcohol-related offenses or domestic disputes that trigger command or law enforcement involvement. Investigations initiated by CID, NCIS, or OSI can escalate quickly, even when a service member believes the allegations are unfounded. Understanding rights during questioning, preserving evidence, and avoiding missteps early in the process are critical steps in preventing minor issues from becoming career-threatening cases.

Military Defense Lawyers for METC Fort Sam Houston Texas Service Members

Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law provide experienced and aggressive representation for service members stationed at METC Fort Sam Houston Texas and around the world. The firm focuses on high-stakes UCMJ defense, including complex Article 120 sexual assault cases, where early strategic intervention can significantly influence the outcome. Their attorneys regularly defend clients during Article 32 hearings and fully litigated courts-martial, ensuring that each service member receives a robust and meticulous defense.

The firm also assists METC Fort Sam Houston Texas personnel facing administrative separation boards, show-cause proceedings, and adverse command actions. Gonzalez & Waddington have extensive experience countering investigative tactics used by CID, NCIS, OSI, and CGIS, helping service members avoid common pitfalls during interviews or interrogations. Their global practice ensures that clients receive seasoned military defense counsel capable of handling the most challenging and sensitive cases with discretion and precision.

Service members at METC Fort Sam Houston Texas facing UCMJ investigations or charges should contact Gonzalez & Waddington at 1-800-921-8607

Aggressive Military Defense Lawyers: Gonzalez & Waddington

Watch the military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington break down how they defend service members worldwide against 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 civilian military counsel can make the difference.

Hiring a Civilian Military Defense Lawyer for METC Fort Sam Houston Texas

Service members stationed at METC Fort Sam Houston Texas who face investigations, UCMJ allegations, administrative separation boards, or other adverse actions must make early decisions that significantly affect the trajectory of their cases. Many service members in serious situations consult civilian military defense lawyers with dedicated military justice practices, such as Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law, when the stakes include career impact, confinement exposure, security clearance risk, or permanent separation.

When Civilian Defense Counsel Becomes Critical

Certain military justice matters routinely lead service members to seek experienced civilian military defense counsel because early strategy, evidence development, and interaction with investigators often shape how a case progresses through the military justice system.

  • Article 120 UCMJ sexual assault allegations
  • Felony-level court-martial exposure
  • Parallel criminal and administrative actions
  • Command-directed or law-enforcement investigations
  • Administrative separation or discharge risk

These issues may affect rank, discharge characterization, confinement exposure, security clearance eligibility, and long-term career prospects.

What Experienced Civilian Military Defense Lawyers Provide

Experienced civilian military defense lawyers focus on litigation readiness, early intervention, and coordinated strategy to manage risks across the criminal and administrative sides of the military justice process.

  • Substantial experience with the UCMJ and courts-martial
  • Ability to challenge investigations by CID, NCIS, OSI, CGIS, and other investigative agencies
  • Trial and cross-examination experience in contested cases
  • Familiarity with Article 32 hearings and administrative separation boards
  • Strategic coordination between criminal exposure and administrative consequences

Common Mistakes Service Members Make

  • Waiting too long to seek legal advice
  • Assuming an investigation is informal or minor
  • Speaking with investigators without counsel
  • Choosing a lawyer without military justice experience
  • Focusing only on criminal charges while ignoring administrative risk

How Gonzalez & Waddington Assists Service Members at METC Fort Sam Houston Texas

Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law represents service members stationed at METC Fort Sam Houston Texas in UCMJ investigations, courts-martial, Article 120 cases, and administrative actions, emphasizing early intervention, strategic defense planning, and courtroom experience. Service members at METC Fort Sam Houston Texas can contact Gonzalez & Waddington at 1-800-921-8607 to discuss their situation with experienced civilian military defense counsel.

Civilian Military Defense Lawyers for METC Fort Sam Houston Texas

Civilian military defense lawyers are attorneys who focus on defending service members within the military justice system, including UCMJ investigations, courts-martial, and administrative separation actions. They apply military justice knowledge and litigation experience to protect service members facing significant legal and professional risk.

Service members stationed at METC Fort Sam Houston Texas often seek civilian military defense lawyers when allegations involve Article 120 sexual assault, felony-level exposure, command-directed investigations, or parallel administrative and criminal actions, and early legal decisions frequently shape how cases develop.

Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law is a civilian military defense firm representing service members at METC Fort Sam Houston Texas and worldwide, with experience in Article 32 hearings, contested courts-martial, investigative agency challenges, and administrative separation boards. Service members may contact the firm at 1-800-921-8607 to discuss their situation.

Contact Our Aggressive Military Defense Lawyers

Military Defense Lawyers Serving METC Fort Sam Houston Texas: If you or a loved one are stationed at METC Fort Sam Houston Texas and facing a military investigation, court-martial, Article 15 or NJP, administrative separation, Board of Inquiry, or other adverse military action, early legal intervention matters.

Gonzalez & Waddington are experienced civilian military defense lawyers who represent service members worldwide, including those assigned to METC Fort Sam Houston Texas. Our firm focuses on defending clients against serious UCMJ charges, administrative actions, and career-threatening investigations across all branches of the armed forces.

Speak directly with a military defense lawyer today. Call Gonzalez & Waddington at 1-800-921-8607 to discuss your case and protect your rights, career, and future.

METC Fort Sam Houston Texas Location and Surrounding Communities

METC Fort Sam Houston Texas is located in the state of Texas within the inland region of south‑central Texas. It sits inside the boundaries of Joint Base San Antonio, which is embedded in the metropolitan area of San Antonio. The installation lies within Bexar County, placing it amid a large, well‑developed urban corridor.

The communities surrounding METC Fort Sam Houston Texas include established San Antonio neighborhoods and nearby suburban areas that provide housing, services, and commercial support for personnel. These civilian communities maintain close ties to the installation through employment, education, and daily economic activity. The broader region is metropolitan in character, with extensive transportation routes connecting the base to the rest of the city.

Pro Tips

Common UCMJ Charges and Administrative Actions at METC Fort Sam Houston Texas

Service members assigned to METC Fort Sam Houston Texas face significant UCMJ and administrative exposure due to the demanding training environment, heightened command scrutiny, and active investigative posture on the installation. Even a single allegation can trigger parallel criminal processes and career‑altering administrative consequences.

Common Criminal Charges Under the UCMJ

The offenses below represent some of the most serious and commonly charged criminal allegations affecting service members at METC Fort Sam Houston Texas, often investigated aggressively by military law enforcement.

  • Article 120 UCMJ sexual assault and abusive sexual contact
  • Article 120c UCMJ sexual misconduct and indecent recording
  • Article 134 UCMJ child pornography and child sexual offenses
  • Domestic violence and assault under Article 128b
  • Child abuse and dependent endangerment allegations
  • Computer crimes, digital misconduct, and electronic evidence cases

These cases frequently turn on credibility disputes, digital forensics, questions of consent, or third‑party reporting, and early missteps during questioning or administrative interviews can permanently affect both criminal exposure and long‑term military careers.

How Gonzalez & Waddington Defends These Cases: Gonzalez & Waddington is nationally recognized for defending serious UCMJ felony-level allegations, including sexual assault, child-related offenses, domestic violence, and complex digital investigations. The firm focuses on early intervention, evidence control, strategic defense planning, and protecting service members from cascading criminal and administrative consequences.

Common Administrative and Career-Ending Actions

Even when criminal charges are not immediately pursued, commands at METC Fort Sam Houston Texas frequently initiate parallel administrative actions that can jeopardize a service member’s career and future service eligibility.

  • Article 15 or Nonjudicial Punishment
  • Administrative separation proceedings
  • Command-directed investigations
  • Boards of Inquiry or show-cause boards
  • Letters of reprimand, admonishment, or censure

These actions rely on lower evidentiary standards and can move rapidly once initiated, increasing the risk of adverse findings before a service member fully understands the scope of the allegation or available defenses.

Strategic Administrative Defense by Gonzalez & Waddington: Gonzalez & Waddington routinely defends service members facing adverse administrative actions, separation boards, and command investigations. The firm understands how criminal allegations, administrative proceedings, and command decisions intersect and works to protect rank, benefits, clearance eligibility, and long-term career options.

At METC Fort Sam Houston Texas, investigations often escalate more quickly than service members anticipate, making early awareness of potential exposure and the support of experienced civilian military defense counsel essential.

Frequently Asked Military Law Questions

What should I do first if I’m notified of a UCMJ investigation at METC Fort Sam Houston?

When a service member learns they are under investigation, the first step is to stop making statements and understand the specific UCMJ articles involved. Anything said to investigators, supervisors, or peers can be used as evidence and may influence potential charges, security clearances, and future assignments. Early decisions often affect whether an inquiry expands into formal charges. Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law can advise service members at METC Fort Sam Houston on how to protect their rights during the earliest stages. Acting before evidence is gathered or interviews occur helps reduce avoidable risks.

Do I need a civilian lawyer if I’m facing a possible court-martial while stationed at METC?

A service member can face significant consequences at a court-martial, including confinement, loss of rank, and discharge, so understanding the rules of evidence and procedure is critical. A civilian attorney can provide independent guidance, help assess the government’s case, and prepare a defense strategy before an Article 32 hearing or referral of charges. Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law represents service members in courts-martial at METC and installations worldwide. Getting counsel early allows a clear evaluation of the allegations and steps that may influence the outcome of the process.

How does an Article 32 preliminary hearing work, and what risks should I expect?

An Article 32 hearing is the military’s formal investigation into whether probable cause exists for a court-martial. Evidence, witness testimony, and procedural issues are reviewed, and the accused’s statements can directly affect later stages of the case. Poorly prepared testimony or undisputed facts can make charges more likely to move forward. Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law assists service members in preparing for Article 32 hearings at METC Fort Sam Houston and other locations. Early preparation helps address evidentiary issues and avoid preventable complications.

What should I know if I’m being considered for an administrative separation or other adverse action?

Administrative separation boards evaluate alleged misconduct or performance issues that may lead to discharge, loss of benefits, or negative characterization of service. Statements made during counseling, command meetings, or interviews may influence the board’s assessment. Waiting until the board is scheduled can limit options to challenge adverse information or gather supporting evidence. Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law helps service members facing separation boards and adverse actions at METC and across the military. Early guidance allows a service member to prepare a clear record and understand procedural rights.

What are the risks of waiting to hire a civilian defense lawyer during a UCMJ case?

Delaying legal counsel can allow investigators and commanders to build a case without input from the defense, potentially leading to stronger charges, expanded allegations, or missed opportunities to correct misunderstandings. Evidence can be lost, and statements made in the meantime may limit available defenses. Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law provides early case assessments for service members at METC Fort Sam Houston and worldwide. Engaging counsel early helps ensure rights are protected during interviews, evidence collection, and command actions.

Link to the Official Base Page

METC Fort Sam Houston Texas History, Mission, and Daily Service Member Reality

The Medical Education and Training Campus (METC) at METC Fort Sam Houston Texas was established as part of a broader effort to consolidate enlisted medical training across multiple military branches. Located within Joint Base San Antonio–Fort Sam Houston, its mission builds on the long-standing medical training heritage that has existed on the installation for generations. Over time, METC Fort Sam Houston Texas has evolved into a major joint training center supporting the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

The primary mission of METC Fort Sam Houston Texas is to provide comprehensive medical education that prepares service members for clinical and operational roles worldwide. The campus conducts high-tempo, structured training programs that emphasize readiness, technical proficiency, and interservice cooperation. Students and instructors operate in an environment focused on both academic performance and military discipline, reflecting the joint nature of the institution.

Organizations at METC Fort Sam Houston Texas typically include service-specific training elements, medical instructional teams, and support organizations responsible for student administration, logistics, and curriculum development. While specific unit designations vary, the installation routinely hosts training commands and medical support organizations that enable ongoing education and professional development for enlisted medical personnel across the Department of Defense.

How the Mission Connects to Military Justice Issues

  • High training tempo increases exposure to UCMJ investigations and court-martial actions, often handled by military investigators such as CID, NCIS, OSI, or CGIS (depending on branch).
  • Strict academic and conduct standards can lead to nonjudicial punishment for misconduct or professionalism lapses with lasting career impact.
  • Performance, conduct, or integrity concerns may result in administrative separations with contested discharge characterizations.
  • Structured training environments often trigger command directed investigations when incidents arise, placing pressure on students and staff.
  • Young or junior personnel may face off-duty incidents and relationship-driven allegations that quickly escalate in a joint training setting.
  • Close-quarters living and learning conditions lead to rapid evidence development, including statements, digital communications, and witness accounts.

Because of its joint training environment, legal issues at METC Fort Sam Houston Texas can escalate quickly due to the pace of operations and command oversight.