Our seasoned military defense lawyers deliver aggressive, strategic representation in Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard court-martial cases worldwide.
Our experienced court-martial defense attorneys focus on defending military sexual assault, Article 120 UCMJ, Article 120b, Article 120c, Internet Stings, false sexual assault accusations, and computer crimes. Having been involved in some of the highest-profile criminal cases from the “War on Sexual Assault” and the “War on Terror,” our military defense attorneys have been fighting difficult court-martial cases for over twenty years.
Michael Waddington is widely recognized as one of the leading military defense lawyers in the United States, with more than 25 years of experience defending service members in court-martial and UCMJ cases worldwide.
A former U.S. Army JAG officer, he is a lifetime member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, serves on its Military Law Committee, and has been selected as a Super Lawyers honoree and a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers organization. He is also a selected member of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers, an elite, invitation-only organization limited to the top criminal defense attorneys nationally.
A best-selling author of nine books on criminal defense, cross-examination, trial strategy, sexual assault defense, and the UCMJ, he serves as an adjunct professor of law at Florida International University College of Law and his expertise has been featured by major outlets including CNN, 60 Minutes, the BBC, and ABC News.
Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington is widely regarded as one of the top female military defense lawyers in the United States, with 23 years of experience defending service members in high-stakes court-martial and UCMJ cases worldwide.
A founding partner of Gonzalez & Waddington, she has led major military sexual assault and war-crimes defenses arising from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts and has represented hundreds of clients accused of violent crimes, sexual assault, and white-collar offenses.
She is bilingual and fluent in Spanish, a best-selling author and the author of six books on trial advocacy, UCMJ law, sexual assault defense, and digital forensics and DNA cross-examination, and her work has been featured by major outlets including 60 Minutes, CNN, the BBC, ABC News, and Rolling Stone.
Service members worldwide trust our UCMJ defense attorneys because we combine extensive military law experience with an unwavering commitment to protecting your rights and career. Our legal team understands the high stakes of military justice proceedings and provides specialized defense for all branches—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force, and Coast Guard. From complex court-martial cases to non-judicial punishment (Article 15) proceedings, we deliver strategic defense tailored to the unique demands of military law, ensuring every service member receives the robust representation they deserve regardless of rank or location.
Our track record speaks for itself—we’ve helped countless service members achieve favorable outcomes in their darkest legal moments, from avoiding dishonorable discharges to winning complete acquittals at court-martial.
UCMJ Survival Guide: The Complete Military Justice Manual for Service Members & Families: Whether you’re facing an investigation, court-martial, Article 15 (NJP), or administrative separation, UCMJ Survival Guide is your essential resource for navigating the military justice system. Written by two of the most experienced and respected military defense lawyers in the field—Michael and Alexandra Waddington—this comprehensive guide delivers clear, actionable strategies to protect your career, reputation, and future. Michael and Alexandra are among the top military defense lawyers and recognized as some of the most experienced sexual assault defense attorneys in the country. They have successfully defended service members in high-profile Article 120 UCMJ sexual assault cases, complex court-martials, and administrative separation proceedings across all branches of the U.S. military.
There is no shortcut to identifying the best military defense lawyer for your case. What matters is not advertising, slogans, or paid awards, but verifiable indicators of experience, trust, and accountability.
The criteria below reflect how experienced defense lawyers evaluate each other and how clients can distinguish real expertise from marketing.
The Eight Criteria That Matter Most:
A meaningful reputation is built within the defense community, not through self-promotion. Membership and leadership in respected, peer-vetted organizations such as national criminal defense groups (ABCL) signal professional trust and recognition.
Lawyers who teach at law schools, military legal institutions, or formal training programs have been trusted to explain the law accurately and responsibly. Teaching reflects scrutiny, mastery, and the ability to articulate strategy, not just claim it.
It is essential to confirm that the lawyer you consult with is the lawyer who will write the motions, develop strategy, and stand next to you in court. Be cautious of arrangements where cases are passed to subcontractors or “of counsel” attorneys.
Writing real books or serious legal publications used by other lawyers requires years of experience and professional credibility. This type of work demonstrates contribution to the field, not just participation in it.
Lawyers who are invited to train other defense attorneys at national conferences have earned the respect of their peers. These opportunities are based on proven ability, not marketing.
The ability to communicate clearly with clients and families is critical, especially in high-stress cases. Language fluency and cultural awareness can significantly affect trust, understanding, and accuracy.
Additional Factors That Can Further Distinguish Experience:
When evaluating a military defense lawyer, focus on what can be verified. Experience, teaching, professional trust, and accountability cannot be purchased or manufactured. Those factors are the most reliable way to identify the right lawyer for your case.
Defending Service Members Across Every Theater and Installation
The González & Waddington Law Firm’s global reach sets them apart from regional military defense attorneys. With active cases spanning from Fort Bragg to forward operating bases in combat zones, from Norfolk Naval Station to remote Air Force installations, their practice truly encompasses the worldwide nature of modern military service.
War Crimes, Sexual Assault, Violent Crimes, and White-Collar Defense
The most serious charges under the UCMJ require the most experienced defense attorneys. The González & Waddington Law Firm has built its reputation by successfully defending service members against the gravest allegations—cases where the stakes couldn’t be higher and the margin for error is virtually nonexistent.
Featured on CNN, 60 Minutes, BBC, and Major News Outlets
The legal expertise of Michael Waddington and Alexandra González-Waddington has garnered attention from the world’s most prestigious media outlets, a testament to their standing as leading authorities in military criminal defense. This media recognition reflects not only their legal acumen but also their ability to handle high-stakes cases under intense public scrutiny.
