Military Sexual Harassment Defense Lawyers | UCMJ Attorneys
Military Sexual Harassment Defense Lawyers | UCMJ Attorneys for Career-Threatening Allegations
Military sexual harassment allegations are often treated as presumptively true, aggressively investigated, and resolved through administrative punishment long before any meaningful defense occurs. While many cases never result in criminal charges, the real danger lies in adverse administrative action, loss of rank, career derailment, and forced separation. These cases are driven by command pressure, evolving policy standards, and vague definitions that allow ordinary workplace conduct to be reframed as misconduct. Effective defense requires experienced UCMJ attorneys who understand how sexual harassment allegations are investigated, charged, and weaponized inside the military system.
What Constitutes Sexual Harassment Under the UCMJ
Sexual harassment in the military is broader and more subjective than in civilian employment law. It is defined primarily through regulations and policy rather than traditional criminal statutes, though it can overlap with punitive articles of the UCMJ.
Context, intent, tone, prior relationships, and workplace culture are frequently ignored once an allegation is made.
How Military Sexual Harassment Allegations Begin
Most sexual harassment cases do not begin with law enforcement. They begin administratively and escalate rapidly.
Equal Opportunity complaints
Chain of command reports
Anonymous complaints
Third-party reporting
Retaliation or relationship-based complaints
Once reported, the command is expected to act immediately, often before the accused is even notified.
Command-Directed Investigations and Harassment Cases
Sexual harassment allegations are commonly investigated through command-directed investigations or AR 15-6 inquiries rather than criminal probes.
No rules of evidence
No cross-examination
Heavy reliance on hearsay
Investigators answer to the command
Findings often pre-determined by policy pressure
Statements made during these investigations are frequently reused for punishment or separation.
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.
The Danger of “Administrative-Only” Harassment Cases
Service members are often told sexual harassment allegations are “not criminal” and therefore harmless. This is false.
Digital evidence is often incomplete, selectively preserved, or mischaracterized.
Article 92 and Other UCMJ Exposure
While sexual harassment itself is often administrative, it can be charged criminally through other UCMJ provisions.
Article 92 – failure to obey a lawful regulation
Article 93 – maltreatment
Article 133 – conduct unbecoming an officer
Article 134 – service-discrediting conduct
What begins as an EO complaint can quietly become a criminal case.
Military Investigation & Defense Practice Areas
The following links provide focused, in-depth guidance on the most common military investigations, disciplinary actions, and court-martial related matters faced by service members. Each page addresses a specific phase or category of military justice exposure.
Defense planning must anticipate separation from the start.
Why Experience in Military Harassment Defense Matters
Sexual harassment cases are not simple HR matters. They require:
Understanding of military culture and command dynamics
Experience with EO and AR 15-6 investigations
Knowledge of UCMJ charging pathways
Strategic administrative defense skills
Immediate Steps If You Are Accused of Sexual Harassment
Do not give statements without legal advice
Preserve all communications and messages
Do not attempt to “explain” informally
Avoid discussing the case with coworkers
Contact an experienced UCMJ defense attorney immediately
Worldwide Military Sexual Harassment Defense
Sexual harassment allegations occur worldwide, including overseas installations where cultural differences, SOFA issues, and remote commands complicate defense. Experienced UCMJ attorneys must be prepared to defend these cases globally.
Speak With a Military Sexual Harassment Defense Lawyer
Sexual harassment allegations are often the first step toward separation, loss of clearance, or career collapse. Early, informed defense action is the only way to control the damage and protect your future.
Military Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers by U.S. State & Jurisdiction