Turkey Military Defense Lawyers – Court Martial Attorneys

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

Turkey hosts several key U.S. and NATO military missions, including operations at Incirlik Air Base, Ankara support detachments, and various joint command elements. Because of Turkey’s strategic geopolitical location, NATO coordination, and complex regional security concerns, U.S. service members stationed here operate under intense scrutiny from both American and Turkish authorities.

If you face a UCMJ investigation, administrative action, or court-martial in Turkey, you must understand that your case will unfold in a politically sensitive environment. Even minor incidents can escalate rapidly due to host-nation expectations, diplomatic concerns, and heightened media or political interest. You need experienced civilian military defense lawyers who understand Turkey’s legal climate and the unique challenges of serving under a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) in a critical NATO country.

Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law has represented U.S. service members throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Turkey for more than two decades. We know the investigative tactics used by OSI, NCIS, CID, and Turkish authorities, and we understand how to fight back when the stakes are high and the environment is unforgiving.

Why UCMJ Allegations in Turkey Are Especially Serious

Turkey is one of the most sensitive NATO environments. Any allegation involving U.S. personnel — even if false — can ignite political tension or diplomatic issues. As a result, commands often overreact and impose aggressive measures immediately.

• Turkish police and prosecutors may participate in investigations under SOFA rules
• NATO political sensitivities cause commands to assume guilt to avoid controversy
• OSI, NCIS, CID, and Security Forces frequently coordinate with host-nation officials
• Liberty restrictions and movement limitations are common
• Security clearances are often suspended immediately
• Media or political pressure can influence command decisions

Service members in Turkey face a dual threat: punitive military action from the U.S. command and legal involvement from Turkish authorities. Strong civilian defense representation is essential.

Common UCMJ Charges Faced by Service Members in Turkey

Many UCMJ cases in Turkey arise from off-base interactions, nightlife, relationship disputes, or misunderstandings between Americans and Turkish civilians.

• Article 120 – Sexual assault, rape, and aggravated sexual contact
• Article 128b – Domestic violence and partner disputes
• Article 112a – Drug use or possession (particularly high-risk under Turkish law)
• Article 92 – Orders violations, fraternization, off-limits violations
• Article 107 – False official statements during investigations
• Article 121 – Larceny, BAH/OHA fraud, property crimes
• Article 134 – Adultery, indecent conduct, online misconduct
• Host-Nation Incidents – Traffic disputes, altercations, or accusations by Turkish nationals

Administrative Actions in Turkey

Commands in Turkey frequently initiate administrative punishments to remove risk quickly, even when evidence is weak. These actions can end careers without a criminal conviction.

• Administrative Separation Boards – Fast and often one-sided
• Officer Boards of Inquiry (BOI) – Triggered by allegations or “loss of confidence”
• GOMORs & Reprimands – Used aggressively to document accusations
• Security Clearance Suspensions – Often career-ending, especially for intel or aviation roles
• Command-Directed Investigations – AR 15-6, JAGMAN, IG, EO, SHARP inquiries

Defense Strategies We Use in Turkey

Defending cases in Turkey requires advanced understanding of U.S. and host-nation interactions, SOFA limitations, and the ways political pressure influences the process. Our strategies are built on decades of overseas UCMJ trial experience.

• Expose contradictions in witness or accuser statements
• Challenge flawed assumptions by CID, OSI, and NCIS investigators
• Use digital forensics to analyze deleted messages, metadata, and online activity
• Highlight cultural misunderstandings between Americans and Turkish nationals
• Counter unlawful command influence and diplomatic pressure
• Deploy expert witnesses in psychology, forensics, and digital data
• Build compelling narrative defenses tailored for overseas courts-martial

Why Service Members in Turkey Choose Gonzalez & Waddington

Our firm has become the go-to choice for service members facing high-stakes cases in Turkey because we have the experience, global reach, and courtroom skill needed to fight aggressively and effectively.

• 20+ years of global UCMJ trial victories
• Former Army JAG with deep overseas operational background
• Known for decisive, powerful cross-examination
• Published authors on trial warfare and cross-examination
• Featured internationally for major courtroom wins
• Extensive experience with NATO, SOFA, and international investigations

Contact Our Turkey Military Defense Team

If you face a UCMJ investigation, court-martial, or host-nation involvement in Turkey, time is critical. Commands and investigators begin building their case immediately. You need an elite civilian defense team capable of fighting back.

➤ Contact Gonzalez & Waddington for a Confidential Consultation

Turkey Military Defense Lawyers – Frequently Asked Questions