Netherlands Military Defense Lawyers – Court Martial Attorneys
Elite UCMJ & Court-Martial Defense for U.S. Service Members in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is a major NATO hub with critical U.S. military operations at Joint Force Command Brunssum, U.S. Army Garrison Benelux–Brunssum, the Eygelshoven APS site, Vlissingen port operations, and numerous liaison, intelligence, and air operations positions. U.S. personnel also regularly support NATO Cyber Command initiatives, multinational training events, and diplomatic-military programs in Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, and Eindhoven.
If you are under investigation or facing UCMJ charges in the Netherlands, your legal situation is highly sensitive. Even minor allegations can escalate quickly due to Dutch law enforcement involvement, NATO visibility, SOFA requirements, and command efforts to prevent diplomatic complications. You need military defense lawyers with deep experience defending clients in complex international environments.
Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law has defended U.S. service members throughout the Benelux region, Europe, and NATO commands for more than 20 years. We know how to navigate Dutch police procedures, NATO oversight, and U.S. military investigations occurring simultaneously.
Why UCMJ Allegations in the Netherlands Are Extremely Serious
The Netherlands has a strong rule-of-law culture, strict policing, and high diplomatic visibility. Allegations involving U.S. service members are often treated as international issues rather than isolated incidents.
- Dutch police may investigate and detain U.S. personnel for off-base incidents
- U.S. commands may assume guilt early to preserve NATO relationships
- Security clearances are suspended rapidly in intelligence, cyber, or liaison billets
- Administrative actions move quickly in politically sensitive environments
- Rumors spread fast in small, tight-knit Benelux military communities
- NATO headquarters oversight increases pressure on commands to “act swiftly”
Service members must act quickly to protect their rights against both U.S. and Dutch legal pressures.
Common UCMJ Charges Faced by U.S. Personnel in the Netherlands
Often, UCMJ accusations arise from interactions with Dutch civilians, nightlife in Amsterdam and Rotterdam, or incidents in small NATO work environments.
- Article 120 – Sexual assault, rape, unwanted touching allegations
- Article 128b – Domestic violence or partner disputes
- Article 112a – Drug use or possession (the Netherlands’ reputation for tolerance does NOT protect U.S. personnel under UCMJ)
- Article 92 – Orders violations, fraternization, conduct unbecoming
- Article 121 – Larceny, OHA/BAH fraud, misuse of government funds
- Article 107 – False statements during U.S. or Dutch investigations
- Article 134 – Indecent conduct, online misconduct, adultery
- Host-Nation Conflicts – Bar disputes, accidents, or allegations from Dutch civilians
Administrative Actions in the Netherlands
Commands often pursue administrative punishment instead of courts-martial to quickly eliminate perceived risk in NATO-sensitive locations.
- Administrative Separation Boards – Often based on minimal or unverified evidence
- Boards of Inquiry (BOIs) – Common for officers assigned to NATO, cyber, or diplomatic posts
- GOMORs & Reprimands – Frequently issued to “document concerns” to satisfy foreign partners
- Security Clearance Suspensions – Devastating for intelligence and liaison personnel
- Command Investigations – AR 15-6, IG, EO, SHARP, NATO legal reviews
Defense Strategies We Use for Netherlands-Based Cases
Our defense strategies address the multinational nature of cases in the Netherlands, including Dutch legal norms, SOFA rules, and NATO influence.
- Expose contradictions in accuser or witness testimony
- Challenge errors in CID, NCIS, OSI, or Dutch police investigations
- Use digital forensics to recover deleted messages and metadata
- Highlight cultural misunderstandings with Dutch civilians
- Counter unlawful command influence triggered by NATO pressure
- Use expert witnesses in forensics, psychology, and cyber investigations
- Build narrative-driven defenses tailored to overseas court-martial panels
Why Service Members in the Netherlands Choose Gonzalez & Waddington
Our global defense experience and deep understanding of NATO missions make us the top choice for U.S. service members facing allegations in the Netherlands.
- 20+ years of global UCMJ trial experience
- Former Army JAG with extensive European & NATO experience
- Authors of leading books on cross-examination and trial strategy
- Reputation for aggressive and strategic courtroom advocacy
- Proven success in Benelux, Germany, the Baltics, and across NATO jurisdictions
Contact Our Netherlands Military Defense Lawyers & Court Martial Attorneys
If you are stationed or assigned in the Netherlands and face UCMJ allegations, administrative action, or host-nation involvement, contact us immediately. Diplomatic, multinational, and political pressures move fast — you must act faster.
➤ Contact Gonzalez & Waddington for a Confidential Consultation
Netherlands Military Defense Lawyers – Court Martial Attorneys – Frequently Asked Questions
Can Dutch police investigate U.S. service members in the Netherlands?
Yes. Dutch authorities may investigate crimes committed off-base, and their findings are often shared with U.S. military prosecutors. Early legal representation is critical in these cases.
Should I speak to CID, NCIS, or OSI without a lawyer while in the Netherlands?
No. Politely decline and request a lawyer. In multinational settings, investigators often assume guilt early to avoid damaging relations with host nations.
Is marijuana legal for U.S. service members in the Netherlands?
No. Even though cannabis is tolerated in Dutch law, U.S. service members remain fully bound by the UCMJ. Any drug use or possession will result in UCMJ action and likely separation.
Can administrative actions end my career without a court-martial in the Netherlands?
Yes. Commands frequently use administrative separations, BOIs, and clearance suspensions in politically sensitive regions. These actions can permanently damage your career if not aggressively defended.
Who are Michael and Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington?
They are internationally recognized military defense lawyers with decades of experience defending complex UCMJ cases throughout Europe and NATO partner nations. Their aggressive courtroom approach and global expertise make them the top choice for service members in the Netherlands.
