What is the Unique Approach Gonzalez & Waddington, LLC Takes During Court-Martial Investigations?
At Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law, we know that a court-martial investigation is often the most critical phase of a military case. What happens here sets the foundation for everything that follows—Article 32 hearings, referral of charges, plea negotiations, and trials. For service members, the stakes could not be higher: their freedom, career, rank, retirement, and reputation are all on the line. That is why speed, accuracy, and decades of courtroom-tested experience matter above all else.
Unlike many military defense lawyers, our team does not wait for the government to control the narrative. From the moment we are retained, we launch an independent defense investigation designed to challenge the prosecution’s theory, expose weaknesses in the evidence, and ensure that the rights of the accused are preserved at every step. We work in real time to anticipate the tactics of CID, OSI, NCIS, and law enforcement investigators. Our goal: level the playing field before charges are formally referred.
Our firm emphasizes early intervention. Court-martial investigations often rely heavily on statements, digital forensics, or forensic medical evidence. We understand the flaws and biases in these processes and aggressively attack them through expert witnesses, cross-examination strategies, and evidentiary motions. Where the government builds a case on weak science or unreliable testimony, we are prepared to dismantle it.
We also prioritize client communication—educating our clients about the UCMJ process, the implications of Article 31(b) rights, and the dangers of speaking to investigators without legal counsel. We equip service members with clear strategies to avoid self-incrimination and navigate command-directed questioning.
Most importantly, we know that every case is unique. We tailor each defense to the client’s branch of service, the culture of their unit, and the personalities involved in the chain of command. Military justice is not one-size-fits-all, and our approach reflects that reality. Whether handling allegations of sexual assault, financial crimes, violent offenses, or war crimes, our defense is always case-specific, aggressive, and trial-ready.
With Gonzalez & Waddington, you do not hire generalists—you bring in seasoned, battle-tested lawyers who have successfully defended military clients across the globe, in peacetime and combat environments alike.
Why Choose Michael Waddington & Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington
- Authors of leading books on military justice and trial strategy
- Decades of combined experience in high-profile court-martial trials
- Proven success with cases worldwide including war zones and overseas bases
- Regularly train other defense lawyers in courtroom advocacy
- Defense of complex felonies, sexual assault allegations, war crimes, and violent crimes
- Extensive experience at Boards of Inquiry, separation boards, Article 32 hearings, and NJP matters
- Elite trial advocates trusted by both officers and enlisted members in all branches, including the Space Force
Common Issues / Case Types We Handle
- Article 120 sexual assault and sexual misconduct allegations
- Fraud, larceny, and financial misconduct investigations
- Violent crime allegations including assault, manslaughter, and homicide
- Drug distribution and wrongful use offenses
- War crimes and battlefield misconduct investigations
- Improper command influence and unlawful investigation tactics
- Digital forensics, phone extractions, and social media evidence
- Administrative separation boards and officer Boards of Inquiry
Pro Tips & Mistakes
- Do not speak to CID, OSI, or NCIS investigators without your attorney present.
- Preserve all potential evidence, including text messages, emails, and social media posts.
- Immediately consult with experienced military defense counsel once you suspect you are under investigation.
- Avoid casual conversations with peers, leadership, or subordinates about your case—these can become government evidence.
- Do not rely solely on military-appointed counsel if your case involves serious charges; retain experienced civilian defense counsel to build a parallel defense.
- Assert your Article 31(b) rights politely and promptly when questioned.
FAQs
Q: When should I hire a civilian lawyer during a court-martial investigation?
A: The earlier you retain counsel, the better. Investigations often decide the trajectory of the entire case before charges are even filed.
Q: Do I have to answer investigators’ questions?
A: No. Under Article 31(b), you have the right to remain silent and the right to consult an attorney before answering questions.
Q: How does Gonzalez & Waddington investigate cases differently?
A: We run independent defense investigations to uncover evidence the government ignores, challenge forensic errors, and build a proactive defense strategy.
Q: Can you defend me if I’m stationed overseas?
A: Yes. We represent clients worldwide, including Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and deployed environments.
Q: Do you handle both officers and enlisted members?
A: Absolutely. We represent officers and enlisted in all branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force.
Q: What if my command pressures me to cooperate with investigators?
A: That is a common tactic. We advise asserting your rights respectfully and contacting us immediately to ensure your rights are not violated.
Contact Gonzalez & Waddington
If you or a loved one are under investigation or facing charges under the UCMJ, you need experienced legal firepower on your side. At Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law, we defend service members worldwide—officers and enlisted, in every branch of the military, including the Space Force. We are known for our aggressive courtroom advocacy and our ability to win the most difficult cases.
Do not wait. Call 1-800-921-8607 now or visit https://ucmjdefense.com for a confidential consultation. We travel globally, respond urgently, and are prepared to protect your freedom, your rank, and your future.
