Why Should You Hire a Civilian Attorney for Your Court-Martial?
When facing court-martial, choosing the right attorney may be the most important decision of your life. A single accusation—especially of sexual assault—can derail your military career and your freedom. In this conversation, experienced military defense lawyers Michael Waddington and Tim Bilecki outline the real-world pitfalls service members face and why hiring a skilled civilian attorney is critical to survival.
Watch: Why Hiring a Civilian Lawyer Can Save Your Career
In this video, defense attorneys Michael Waddington and Tim Bilecki explain how false allegations of sexual assault begin—and how to avoid the traps that lead to criminal charges.
Need urgent legal help? Visit ucmjdefense.com or call 800-921-8607 for a case review.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Court-Martial
- Having sex with someone in your chain of command or subordinate to you
- Hooking up with intoxicated partners, especially if they’re married
- Engaging romantically with mentally unstable or vindictive individuals
- Using anonymous hookup apps like Whisper or engaging in online sting operations
- Dating or sleeping with victim advocates or individuals in the sexual assault response chain
Why Civilian Lawyers Have the Edge
- Not bound by military command politics
- Experience with cross-examining trained accusers and mental health-driven narratives
- Access to independent experts in forensic psychology and digital evidence
- Ability to fight for clients aggressively without fear of rank or reprisal
Top Advice from Military Defense Lawyers
- Walk away from intoxicated encounters—even if consensual
- Never hook up with someone who mentions a long history of abuse or prior rape claims
- If you’re married and miserable, get a divorce—don’t create ammunition for a false claim
- Don’t sleep with people who identify as professional victims or claim all their exes are abusers
- Steer clear of victim advocates—many of them weaponize relationships if rejected
The Cost of Bad Decisions
According to Waddington and Bilecki, most sexual assault allegations could’ve been avoided with common sense. But once you’re accused—even falsely—you need elite legal defense. Military prosecutors are aggressive, and panel members are often biased. Innocent people get convicted when they wait too long or rely on inexperience.
Choosing to Win
Civilian lawyers who specialize in court-martial defense bring the firepower you need to fight back. They’ve seen it all—and know how to expose false accusers, flawed investigations, and emotional manipulation. If you’re facing allegations, choose victory. Choose experience. Choose Gonzalez & Waddington.
FAQs – Hiring a Civilian Lawyer for Court-Martial Defense
What are the benefits of hiring a civilian attorney over a military JAG?
Civilian attorneys are not constrained by military politics, chains of command, or internal pressures. They have more flexibility, time, and experience to focus solely on your defense and take aggressive action when needed.
When should I hire a civilian attorney?
Immediately. The earlier you hire a civilian attorney, the more control you maintain over your case. Early legal intervention can influence whether charges are even filed.
Can I have both a JAG and a civilian lawyer?
Yes. You are entitled to free military defense counsel (JAG) and can hire a civilian attorney at your own expense to lead your defense team.
What types of cases do civilian military lawyers handle?
Experienced civilian military attorneys handle sexual assault, domestic violence, fraternization, child pornography, Article 120 cases, and all felony-level UCMJ offenses, including murder and drug conspiracies.
How do I contact Gonzalez & Waddington?
Visit https://ucmjdefense.com or call 800-921-8607 for a confidential consultation. Our attorneys represent clients worldwide.