Spain Military Defense Lawyers – Court Martial Attorneys
Elite UCMJ & Court-Martial Defense for U.S. Service Members in Spain
Spain hosts some of the most strategically important U.S. and NATO missions in Europe. From Naval Station Rota — a critical hub for maritime operations, missile defense, and Africa/Europe transit — to Morón Air Base, intelligence cooperation units, rotational Marine forces, and NATO maritime operations in the Mediterranean, Spain plays a central role in U.S. global power projection.
Because of this high visibility, any misconduct allegation involving a U.S. service member in Spain becomes a diplomatic, political, and military issue. Commands react aggressively, Spanish authorities may become involved immediately, and even minor accusations can escalate into career-ending UCMJ cases. You need experienced military defense lawyers who know how to defend service members in sensitive international environments.
Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law has over 20 years of proven experience defending U.S. troops stationed throughout Europe, including Spain, NATO regions, and high-risk overseas postings. We understand Spanish law enforcement procedures, SOFA agreements, and the unique pressures faced by U.S. personnel in Spain.
Why UCMJ Allegations in Spain Are Extremely Serious
Spain’s military and political significance means that U.S. commands in Rota, Morón, and other locations take allegations extremely seriously — often assuming guilt to avoid diplomatic friction.
- Spanish police (Guardia Civil or Policía Nacional) may investigate incidents involving U.S. personnel
- Commands often impose immediate restrictions based on allegations alone
- Security clearances are suspended quickly for intelligence, aviation, or maritime roles
- Rumors spread quickly in the close-knit Rota and Morón communities
- Administrative actions move fast to avoid host-nation criticism
- NATO oversight intensifies command pressure to “act” before facts are known
Without aggressive civilian defense representation, you may be overwhelmed by the system long before a trial.
Common UCMJ Charges in Spain
Cases in Spain often arise from off-base liberty incidents, nightlife, misunderstandings with Spanish civilians, and conflicts within small-unit environments.
- Article 120 – Sexual assault, rape, unwanted touching
- Article 128b – Domestic violence or interpersonal disputes
- Article 112a – Drug use/possession (Spain’s laws do NOT exempt U.S. personnel)
- Article 92 – Orders violations, fraternization, liberty restrictions
- Article 121 – Larceny, entitlements fraud, financial misconduct
- Article 107 – False statements to military or Spanish authorities
- Article 134 – Online misconduct, indecent conduct, adultery
- Host-Nation Conflicts – Bar incidents, altercations, traffic disputes
Administrative Actions in Spain
Commands at Naval Station Rota, Morón Air Base, and diplomatic posts often use administrative actions to remove perceived risk quickly, especially in politically sensitive cases.
- Administrative Separation Boards – Often rushed and based on little evidence
- Boards of Inquiry (BOIs) – Common for officers serving in NATO or deployed roles
- GOMORs & Letters of Reprimand – Used aggressively when Spanish authorities are involved
- Security Clearance Suspensions – Devastating to careers in intelligence, cyber, naval, and aviation roles
- Command-Directed Investigations – AR 15-6, EO/SHARP, IG, JAGMAN, and NATO inquiries
Defense Strategies We Use for Spain-Based Cases
Our defense strategies are designed specifically for overseas cases involving SOFA challenges, Spanish law enforcement, and NATO oversight.
- Expose lies, inconsistencies, and contradictions in witness testimony
- Challenge flawed CID/NCIS/OSI investigations and police reports
- Recover deleted texts, photos, videos, and metadata through digital forensics
- Highlight cultural misunderstandings with Spanish civilians
- Counter improper command influence tied to diplomatic pressure
- Use forensic psychologists, cyber experts, and toxicology experts as needed
- Build powerful narrative defenses tailored for overseas court-martial panels
Why Service Members in Spain Choose Gonzalez & Waddington
We are known across Europe and the world for winning high-stakes military cases in difficult overseas environments like Spain. Our firm delivers unmatched defense experience and a long track record of success.
- 20+ years of global UCMJ defense victories
- Former Army JAG with extensive NATO and European experience
- Authors of top-tier books on cross-examination and trial strategy
- Renowned for dismantling weak government cases through aggressive advocacy
- Deep experience with SOFA law, NATO procedures, and host-nation involvement
Contact Our Spain Military Defense Lawyers & Court Martial Attorneys
If you are stationed or deployed in Spain and face UCMJ charges, administrative action, or Spanish police involvement, contact us immediately. Overseas cases move fast — and political pressure often outweighs fairness. You need elite defense counsel to protect your rights.
➤ Contact Gonzalez & Waddington for a Confidential Consultation
Spain Military Defense Lawyers – Court Martial Attorneys – Frequently Asked Questions
Can Spanish police investigate U.S. service members in Spain?
Yes. Spanish authorities may investigate crimes under SOFA agreements, especially off-base incidents. Their reports often influence U.S. military prosecutions. Early civilian counsel is essential.
Should I talk to NCIS, CID, or OSI without a lawyer in Spain?
No. Politely decline and request a lawyer. Investigators in international locations often assume guilt early, especially when host-nation authorities are involved.
Are UCMJ cases common for U.S. personnel in Spain?
Yes. The most common involve sexual assault, domestic disputes, drug allegations, larceny, online misconduct, and conflicts with Spanish civilians. Liberty incidents in Rota, Cádiz, and Seville frequently lead to allegations.
Can I be separated administratively without being court-martialed in Spain?
Absolutely. Commands often use administrative separations, BOIs, and clearance suspensions to remove service members quickly — even when the evidence is weak. Strong legal defense is required.
Who are Michael and Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington?
They are internationally recognized civilian military defense attorneys with decades of experience winning UCMJ cases in Europe, Spain, NATO regions, and challenging overseas environments. Their aggressive courtroom strategies have protected service members around the world.