South Korea Military Defense Lawyers – Court Martial Attorneys

Elite UCMJ & Court-Martial Defense for Service Members Stationed in South Korea

South Korea is one of the most strategically significant U.S. military theaters in the world. With installations such as Camp Humphreys, Osan Air Base, Camp Casey, Camp Walker, Camp Carroll, Yongsan, Kunsan Air Base, and numerous forward-deployed units, the Korean peninsula operates under high alert and intense political scrutiny. When a U.S. service member is accused of misconduct in South Korea, the consequences can be immediate and severe.

Whether you are in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, or Space Force, facing a UCMJ investigation in South Korea means that Host Nation laws, SOFA agreements, command messaging, and geopolitical pressure will shape your case. Commands act quickly to avoid diplomatic issues, and investigators often presume guilt before you say a word. You need civilian military defense lawyers with real-world overseas experience and a long history of beating UCMJ cases in Korea.

Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law has defended service members across Korea for more than 20 years. From high-profile sexual assault cases in Camp Humphreys to domestic allegations at Osan and off-base incidents in Itaewon, we know exactly how courts-martial and investigations unfold on the peninsula.

Why UCMJ Allegations in Korea Are Extremely Serious

South Korea is one of the most complex legal environments for U.S. service members. Because of political and cultural sensitivities, allegations — even weak or false ones — are often escalated rapidly.

• Korean National Police often investigate before U.S. military authorities
• Curfews, alcohol restrictions, and liberty rules are strictly enforced
• CID, OSI, and Security Forces assume guilt early due to diplomatic pressure
• Commands frequently impose immediate restrictions, relocations, or revocation of privileges
• Security clearances are suspended as soon as allegations arise
• Host-nation media coverage can inflame the case and influence command decisions

Allegations in Korea can escalate overnight, making early defense representation essential.

Common UCMJ Charges in South Korea

We defend service members across Korea facing allegations arising from barracks life, nightlife, relationships, off-base incidents, and misunderstandings with local nationals.

• Article 120 – Sexual assault and rape
• Article 128b – Domestic violence, partner disputes, barracks altercations
• Article 112a – Drug allegations (Korea has zero tolerance and aggressive enforcement)
• Article 92 – Curfew violations, alcohol restrictions, orders violations
• Article 107 – False official statements to investigators
• Article 121 – BAH/OHA entitlements fraud and larceny
• Article 134 – Adultery, online misconduct, indecent conduct, or service-discrediting behavior
• Off-Base Incidents – Accusations by local nationals, bar fights, traffic incidents

Administrative Actions Affecting Service Members in Korea

Commands in Korea often initiate administrative actions before full investigations are complete. These actions can permanently damage careers even without criminal charges.

• Administrative Separation Boards – Often “fast-tracked” at overseas commands
• Officer BOIs – Triggered by allegations, command displeasure, or loss of confidence
• GOMORs & Reprimands – Used widely in Korea to document alleged misconduct
• Security Clearance Suspensions – Common for those in intelligence, aviation, or joint operations
• Command-Directed Investigations – AR 15-6, JAGMAN, EO, IG complaints

Defense Strategies We Use Across Korea

Successfully defending UCMJ cases in Korea requires full understanding of Host Nation involvement, cultural differences, investigative shortcuts, and overseas courtroom dynamics. We use tailored defense strategies based on the realities of Korean-based litigation.

• Highlight contradictions in accuser and witness statements
• Challenge flawed CID/OSI/SF investigative assumptions
• Use digital forensics to uncover deleted messages and metadata
• Expose misunderstandings with local nationals due to cultural differences
• Counter improper command influence and political pressure
• Leverage expert forensic, psychological, or toxicology testimony
• Build compelling narrative defenses tailored to Korean courts-martial

Why Service Members Across Korea Choose Gonzalez & Waddington

Our firm is recognized worldwide for winning complex military cases. Service members across Korea — Camp Humphreys, Osan, Kunsan, Casey, Walker, Carroll, and beyond — turn to us because we know the system and how to beat it.

• 20+ years of global military trial experience
• Former Army JAG with Asia-Pacific operations background
• Known for aggressive, high-level cross-examination
• Authors of leading legal books on trial warfare and cross-examination
• Featured globally for major courtroom victories
• Deep understanding of SOFA law and Korean investigative practices

Contact Our South Korea Military Defense Team

If you are stationed anywhere in South Korea and facing UCMJ charges, administrative actions, or host-nation involvement, contact us immediately. The command and investigators are already building their case — you need an elite civilian defense team to protect your future.

➤ Contact Gonzalez & Waddington for a Confidential Consultation

South Korea Military Defense Lawyers – Frequently Asked Questions