When military prosecutors bring charges, the government assigns you a defense counsel at no cost. These JAG officers work hard, but they operate within the same system prosecuting you. They carry heavy caseloads, rotate assignments, and answer to the same chain of command. For service members facing serious charges – where careers, freedom, and futures hang in the balance – many choose to retain civilian defense counsel who operate outside that system entirely.
The attorneys listed here have built practices around military defense. Most are former JAG officers themselves, which means they understand how military prosecutors build cases, how commanders make disposition decisions, and where the pressure points exist in the court-martial process. They’ve handled courts-martial across all service branches and at installations worldwide.
This isn’t a ranking. Each firm brings different strengths, and the right choice depends on your specific situation, the nature of the charges, and where you’re stationed.
Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law
Background: Former U.S. Army JAG Corps officer (2002-2012). Served as trial counsel at Fort Hood and as Chief of Military Justice for 2nd Infantry Division in Korea. Stationed in Germany, Japan, Italy, and Korea during active duty.
Practice Focus: Full-spectrum court-martial defense including Article 120 sexual assault, Article 112a drug offenses, Article 128 assault, Article 121 larceny and BAH fraud, Article 134 offenses. Also handles Article 15 defense, GOMOR rebuttals, administrative separation boards, and Board of Inquiry representation.
Notable: Over 550 clients served and 180+ trials to verdict. Avvo Clients’ Choice Award recipient. Licensed in Texas and Arkansas, admitted to U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.
Coverage: Worldwide representation across all branches. Based in Killeen, Texas (near Fort Hood).
Website: jordanucmjlaw.com
Colby Vokey
Background: Retired Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps. Over 20 years active duty including combat action during Operation Desert Storm as an artillery officer. Spent his entire JAG career in trial billets – first as a prosecutor, then as defense counsel. Served as Chief of all Marine Corps defense counsel in the Western United States and Iraq.
Notable Cases: Lead counsel for Omar Khadr, a Canadian detainee at Guantanamo Bay facing terrorism charges before military commissions. Defended the Marine squad leader accused of killing 18 Iraqi civilians in the Haditha incident. Supervised defense of eight service members charged with war crimes.
Practice Focus: Courts-martial, military investigations, nonjudicial punishment, administrative separation boards, security clearance matters. Handles cases ranging from AWOL to murder, sexual assault to national security cases.
Recognition: Charles R. English Criminal Defense Lawyer of the Year. Staff instructor at Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyers College. Advisor to the National Institute of Military Justice.
Coverage: Worldwide. Based in Dallas, Texas.
Website: colbyvokey.com
Michael Waddington & Alexandra González-Waddington (González & Waddington)
Background: Michael Waddington is a best-selling author and criminal defense attorney specializing in war crimes, sex crimes, and violent offenses. Alexandra González-Waddington has defended hundreds of clients charged with violent crimes, sexual assault, and white-collar offenses since 2003.
Notable Cases: High-profile military sexual assault and war crimes cases from Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. Featured on CNN, 60 Minutes, BBC, ABC Nightline, Rolling Stone, and Fox News.
Practice Focus: Article 120 sexual assault defense, Article 120b (sexual assault of a child), Article 120c (other sexual misconduct), war crimes, computer crimes, false accusation cases.
Publications: Authors of “UCMJ Survival Guide” and multiple books on cross-examination techniques for criminal defense attorneys.
Coverage: Represented clients in 12+ countries. Offices in multiple states.
Website: ucmjdefense.com
Philip D. Cave & Nathan P. Freeburg (Cave & Freeburg, LLP)
Background: Combined 65+ years of military defense experience. Have represented clients at bases in 47 states and numerous countries with American military presence.
Notable Cases: Defended an Air Force member accused of detonating IEDs on a U.S. base overseas. Cases featured on CNN, Fox News, ABC, CBS, NBC, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and military service publications.
Practice Focus: Sexual assault under Article 120, manslaughter, fraud, aiding the enemy, fraternization, drug offenses, AWOL violations, computer crimes, mutiny, desertion, insubordination, and larceny.
Philosophy: “The best court-martial defense attorneys do not care if their client is guilty, of anything on the charge sheet.” Focus on aggressive defense regardless of allegations.
Coverage: All service branches worldwide. Based in Washington, D.C.
Website: court-martial.com
Timothy Bilecki (Bilecki Law Group)
Background: Former U.S. Army JAG Corps. Named one of the best trial attorneys in the Army before transitioning to private practice. Bachelor’s from Boston College, J.D. from University of Miami, MBA (Summa Cum Laude) from Babson College. Completed Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program.
Recognition: Top 40 Trial Lawyers Under 40. 10.0 Superb Avvo rating. Cross-examination techniques featured in NACDL’s “Pattern Cross-Examination For Sexual Assault Cases.” Closing arguments featured in “Kick-Ass Closings.”
Practice Focus: Sex crimes, war crimes, international drug trafficking, violent offenses. Particular strength in Pacific Rim cases (Korea, Japan, Hawaii, Guam).
Coverage: Worldwide with primary focus on Pacific region. Based in Tampa, Florida.
Website: bileckilawgroup.com
Patrick J. McLain
Background: Over 30 years in military law. Former Marine Corps Judge Advocate with service as federal prosecutor, USMC defense attorney, and retired court-martial trial judge. Over two decades active duty in the Marine Corps.
Practice Focus: Court-martial defense, administrative separation boards, show cause hearings (Board of Inquiry), adverse evaluations, Article 15 nonjudicial punishment, security clearance denial or revocation.
Approach: Experience “across the aisle” – as prosecutor, defense counsel, and judge – provides perspective on how all parties in military justice approach cases.
Coverage: Worldwide representation.
Website: mclainmilitarylawyer.com
Daniel Conway & Associates
Background: Daniel Conway is a proud graduate of University of Texas at San Antonio and University of New Hampshire School of Law. Worked with legendary military defense attorney Gary Myers. Has traveled to Iraq seven times and Afghanistan once defending service members.
Practice Focus: Courts-martial, separation boards, reprimands, security clearance matters, discharge upgrades.
Team Approach: Multiple attorneys including specialists in discharge upgrade cases and various UCMJ matters.
Coverage: All branches worldwide.
Website: mcmilitarylaw.com
Crisp and Associates Military Law
Background: Veteran owned and operated firm. Team includes both former military and veteran law enforcement officers. This combination of JAG experience and investigative background provides insight into how cases are built from both sides.
Practice Focus: Full court-martial defense from Article 32 hearings through trial and post-trial matters. Handles clemency petitions and appeals to service courts (ACCA, AFCCA, NMCCA) and the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (CAAF).
Services: Summary, special, and general courts-martial. Forum selection advice, motion practice, trial defense. Post-trial appeals across all service branches.
Coverage: Worldwide. Will travel to any military installation. Based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Website: mymilitarylawyers.com
Court & Carpenter
Background: Stephen H. Carpenter, Jr. established the firm in 2008. Focuses exclusively on military defense with particular strength in Europe and Asia.
Recognition: Among the “best reviewed” lawyers in military law according to Avvo.com. Annual Avvo Clients’ Choice Awards since 2008. National recognition from Elite Lawyers, Lawyers of Distinction, and Premier Lawyers of America (2020). Holds the record for highest number of client reviews in military law worldwide on Avvo.
Practice Focus: Boards of Inquiry (BOI), Administrative Separation Boards (ASB), adverse actions including reprimands and negative performance evaluations, courts-martial, GOMOR rebuttals.
Coverage: Specializes in Europe and Asia. Offices in multiple locations.
Website: militarylawfirm.com
Choosing Civilian Counsel
Several factors matter when selecting a civilian court martial attorney:
Experience with your specific charges. Sexual assault cases under Article 120 require different expertise than drug offenses under Article 112a or financial crimes under Article 121. Ask about cases similar to yours.
Familiarity with your installation. Attorneys who have tried cases at your base know the local command climate, the prosecutors, and the military judges.
Former JAG experience. Attorneys who served as military prosecutors understand how the government builds cases and where weaknesses typically exist.
Availability and communication. Military cases move on the military’s timeline, not yours. You need counsel who responds quickly and can travel when necessary.
Cost structure. Fees vary significantly based on case complexity and how far proceedings advance. Most offer free initial consultations. Ask about fee structures and payment plans during that first conversation.
You have the right to retain civilian counsel while keeping your appointed military defense counsel. Many service members use both – the appointed counsel provides day-to-day support and institutional knowledge while civilian counsel brings independence, continuity, and focused attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a military defense counsel and a civilian court martial attorney?
Military defense counsel (also called detailed counsel or TDS/Trial Defense Service) are JAG officers assigned to represent you at no cost. They work within the military system, carry multiple cases simultaneously, rotate assignments, and answer to the same chain of command as prosecutors. Civilian court martial attorneys work independently, focus exclusively on your case, and face no institutional pressures. You can have both – retaining civilian counsel does not mean giving up your appointed military attorney.
When should I contact a civilian court martial attorney?
As early as possible. The best time is when you first learn you are under investigation, before charges are preferred. Statements made to investigators, decisions about cooperating with searches, and early interactions with command can shape the entire case. Many service members hurt their defense by talking to CID, NCIS, or OSI before consulting an attorney. Once you know you are a suspect, invoke your Article 31 rights and contact counsel immediately.
How much does a civilian court martial attorney cost?
Fees vary significantly based on case complexity, the attorney’s experience, geographic location, and how far the case proceeds. Simple Article 15 defense costs less than a contested general court-martial that goes to trial. Most attorneys offer free initial consultations and can provide fee estimates after reviewing your situation. Some offer payment plans. Ask about fee structure, retainer requirements, and what happens if the case resolves early.
Can a civilian attorney represent me at an overseas installation?
Yes. The attorneys listed here routinely travel to installations in Germany, Korea, Japan, Italy, Okinawa, Guam, the Middle East, and other overseas locations. Some maintain offices or local counsel relationships overseas. Distance does not limit your right to civilian representation, though travel costs may factor into overall fees.
What happens if I cannot afford a civilian attorney?
You are entitled to free military defense counsel regardless of ability to pay. Detailed defense counsel are qualified attorneys who handle courts-martial regularly. If you cannot afford civilian counsel, work closely with your appointed military attorney, provide them all relevant information, and stay actively involved in your defense. Some civilian attorneys offer limited scope representation or consultation services at lower cost than full representation.
Should I talk to investigators if I am innocent?
No. Innocent people make incriminating statements all the time. Investigators are trained to elicit information, and even truthful statements can be taken out of context, used to establish facts the prosecution needs, or contradicted by other evidence in ways that damage credibility. Invoke your right to remain silent under Article 31 and consult with an attorney before answering any questions. Silence is not evidence of guilt – it is exercise of constitutional rights.
What is the difference between an Article 15 and a court-martial?
Article 15 (nonjudicial punishment, also called NJP, Captain’s Mast, or Office Hours depending on service branch) is an administrative proceeding where your commander acts as judge. Punishments are limited but can include reduction in rank, forfeiture of pay, extra duty, and restriction. A court-martial is a criminal trial with more serious potential consequences including federal conviction, prison, punitive discharge, and sex offender registration. In most cases, you can refuse Article 15 and demand court-martial, but this decision requires careful analysis with counsel.
How long does the court-martial process take?
Timeline varies based on case complexity, installation caseload, and procedural factors. From preferral of charges to trial typically takes three to six months. Complex cases with extensive discovery, expert witnesses, or multiple defendants can take longer. The Article 32 preliminary hearing (for general courts-martial) usually occurs within 30-60 days of charges. Throughout this period, your status, duties, and restrictions depend on command decisions.
What are my options if I am convicted at court-martial?
Conviction is not necessarily the end. Post-trial options include clemency requests to the convening authority, appeals to the service Court of Criminal Appeals (ACCA, AFCCA, or NMCCA), and potential further appeal to the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (CAAF). Grounds for appeal include legal errors, insufficient evidence, and ineffective assistance of counsel. The appellate process is automatic for certain cases and can result in reduced sentences, new trials, or dismissal of charges.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The attorneys listed were selected based on publicly available information about their practices, experience, and areas of focus. Inclusion does not constitute endorsement, and exclusion does not imply any negative assessment. If you are facing military charges, consult directly with qualified legal counsel about your specific situation.