Portugal Military Defense Lawyers – Court Martial Attorneys

Elite UCMJ & Court-Martial Defense for U.S. Service Members in Portugal

Portugal plays a crucial role in U.S. and NATO operations across the Atlantic. With major U.S. operations out of Lajes Field in the Azores, frequent stopovers for air mobility missions, intelligence cooperation in Lisbon, and rotational military exercises with the Portuguese Armed Forces, American service members operate in a strategically significant environment. Because of the diplomatic importance of Portugal’s alliance with the U.S. and NATO, even minor allegations can escalate quickly.

If you are facing a UCMJ investigation, administrative action, or court-martial in Portugal, your case may involve U.S. military authorities, Portuguese police, NATO headquarters, and embassy oversight. Commands often act aggressively to protect diplomatic relations, meaning fairness is not guaranteed. You need experienced civilian military defense lawyers who understand military justice, host-nation involvement, and NATO politics.

Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law has over two decades of experience defending U.S. service members in Europe, NATO countries, and overseas environments. We know how to fight — and win — complex cases in politically sensitive locations like Portugal.

Why UCMJ Allegations in Portugal Are Extremely Serious

Portugal maintains close ties with U.S. diplomatic, intelligence, and NATO operations. Allegations involving U.S. service members receive immediate attention from both American and Portuguese authorities.

• Portuguese police may investigate off-base allegations under SOFA agreements
• Commands often assume guilt early to avoid damaging relations with Lisbon
• Security clearances may be suspended immediately, especially for intelligence or air operations roles
• Rotational units create rumor-heavy environments that hurt the accused
• Administrative actions move quickly and often without full evidence review
• NATO visibility intensifies pressure on both U.S. and Portuguese officials

Service members in Portugal cannot afford to wait. Overseas cases move fast — you must move faster.

Common UCMJ Charges for U.S. Personnel in Portugal

Common UCMJ cases stem from interactions with Portuguese civilians, nightlife in the Azores or mainland cities, military-to-military interactions, and cultural misunderstandings.

• Article 120 – Sexual assault, rape, unwanted touching
• Article 128b – Domestic violence or partner disputes
• Article 112a – Drug use/possession (Portugal’s drug policies do NOT reduce UCMJ penalties)
• Article 92 – Violating orders, curfews, liberty rules, fraternization
• Article 121 – Larceny, fraud, OHA/BAH issues
• Article 107 – False official statements
• Article 134 – Online misconduct, indecent conduct, adultery
• Host-Nation Conflicts – Altercations or allegations involving Portuguese civilians

Administrative Actions in Portugal

Administrative punishment is often used when commanders want to act quickly without going through a full criminal process.

• Administrative Separation Boards – Often rushed and based on limited evidence
• Boards of Inquiry (BOI) – Common for officers serving in NATO or diplomatic roles
• GOMORs & Reprimands – Issued to resolve allegations without a trial
• Security Clearance Suspensions – Devastating for air operations, intel, and cyber personnel
• Command-Directed Investigations – AR 15-6, IG, EO/SHARP, and JAGMAN inquiries

Defense Strategies We Use in Portugal

Our defense strategies account for NATO oversight, Portuguese law enforcement involvement, cultural factors, and SOFA agreements.

• Identify contradictions in accuser and witness testimony
• Challenge flawed investigations by CID, NCIS, OSI, or Portuguese police
• Use digital forensics to restore deleted communications and metadata
• Highlight cultural misunderstandings between U.S. personnel and Portuguese civilians
• Expose unlawful command influence tied to diplomatic pressure
• Use forensic, psychological, and cyber experts to challenge government evidence
• Build narrative-driven defenses that resonate with overseas court-martial panels

Why Service Members in Portugal Choose Gonzalez & Waddington

Our global trial experience, deep understanding of NATO operations, and proven record of winning overseas UCMJ cases make us the top choice for service members in Portugal.

• 20+ years of global UCMJ defense victories
• Former Army JAG with extensive European and NATO mission experience
• Authors of leading books on cross-examination and trial warfare
• Known for aggressive, strategic courtroom advocacy
• Experienced with SOFA compliance, diplomatic issues, and host-nation investigations

Contact Our Portugal Military Defense Lawyers & Court Martial Attorneys

If you are stationed or deployed in Portugal and face UCMJ allegations, administrative actions, or host-nation involvement, contact us immediately. Political pressure and host-nation involvement often overshadow fairness — your defense must be stronger than the system working against you.

➤ Contact Gonzalez & Waddington for a Confidential Consultation

Portugal Military Defense Lawyers – Court Martial Attorneys – Frequently Asked Questions