Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington

Best Defense Lawyers. Period. I first contacted Mr. Michael Waddington and Mrs. Alexandria Waddington in September of 2021 right after my Command started an investigation into the CMEO report that was filed by a junior of mine. I first spoke with Mrs. Waddington and she advised me to make no state...ment and to retain them once charges were formally made. My Command however, conducted three investigations over the span of 5 months. During this time I was promoted, and then after the last and final investigation it nearly sealed the deal on my career, resulting in my Commanding Officer removing my hard earned promotion administratively and giving me two adverse evaluations. All of this was based on the investigation and the CO’s subsequent “Loss of Confidence.” The Command sent me TAD to the next higher Command while I waited to receive punishment. That day I called and retained the Waddington’s. Through multiple attempts my Command failed to return any correspondence to my counsel as to why for 3 whole months this had happened. I waited and desperately wanted to know what I was officially accused of since everything had been so quiet. I finally received notice of the investigation findings. They were heavily biased opinions stated as fact, fabricated stories and statements, significant questions as to why individuals were not questioned by the Investigating Officer. These all later proved to aid Mr. Michael Waddington into dismantling their whole case one character witness at a time. I refused NJP and then elected to do Courts-Martial and was subsequently given an Administrative Separation Board. I was completely unsure how this whole case would play out. My JAG assured me I was in good hands. Mr. Waddington was clearly in his element while arguing my case to the board. During that opening statement I knew right then and there that I definitely made the right choice to retain them. You can compare him to the side of the prosecution, but it wouldn’t be fair. The prosecution was clearly out matched. Their case was feeble, and if logic prevailed we would be victorious. The prosecution called no witnesses, submitted no further evidence, and Michael called them out on it. Even after multiple attempts to contact witnesses who made statements against me the Command and that witness made no attempt to communicate with the Waddington’s or show up to my board as requested. This didn’t look good for the prosecution. We submitted multiple character statements and called forth witnesses in person and via phone. Each witness questioned by Mr. Waddington showed more of my side of the story, and dismantled their case before I had even taken the stand. At Michael’s request I took the stand. I was confident, and ready to explain and answer any question. I did so and through my testimony the story was set straight. I finished testifying and the prosecution's closing statement was so outshined by Mr. Waddington’s closing statement you completely forgot what the prosecution had said.. He is THE CLOSER. We left the room and the board deliberated for less than 30 minutes with a finding of NO MISCONDUCT. That was a great feeling. I am extremely glad and thankful I chose the Waddington’s to defend me, my career, and my future. If you need representation look no further. I would definitely seek their counsel in the future, and would refer them to anyone who would need their counsel. If you know you're innocent, the Military will punish you first and ask questions later. Hit them hard, and keep what is yours!

Mr. Waddington and his team are a true powerhouse duo! I was facing three charges: Article 120, w/2x specifications, Article 128b, w/2x specifications, and Article 128, w/1x specification. All these charges combined was enough jail time for two lifetimes. I knew I needed a professional with experien...ce under the laws of the UCMJ. My ex-wife is a master manipulator. She convinced several officers, OSI agents, adult protective services, child protective services and her entire prosecution team they had a solid case moving forward. Mr. Waddington helped me gather and analyze information that supported the case. His thinking outside the box created new ways to relay information to the court. Waddington and González have extensive knowledge in dealing with Article 120 cases and their expertise ensured the outcome was favorable. They recommended and hired key experienced doctors to examine evidence providing critical insight to the lies and manipulation being alleged. Three days into the court martial the prosecution realized based on the extensive evidence we compiled that it was in the best interest of my ex-wife to tell the truth before she severely perjured herself on the stand. My ex-wife decided not to participate resulting in all charges being dismissed. Waddington and González's professional team have given me the opportunity to finish my last couple years in the Air Force and to retire without any repercussions to my career. Thanks to Mr. Waddington and his team justice was served. He saved my life.

I was accused of Sexual Assault by someone I have known for almost 2 years. We are both in USAF at the same base but different unit. She initiated everything and was in trouble before. We had a relationship that is complicated but others would find that we're together. Had intercourse and next day sh...e reported me. She had motive to fabricate so she could get out of trouble with her command. It's been a year since the accusation all began. The suffering and the anguish that I went through impacted how lived. I formed habits just so I could get away from the reality that my life and my career could potentially be over. I felt like an outcast when my unit suspended my security clearance. It prevented me from working around what I signed up in USAF for. I lost many volunteer and professional development opportunities that I was interested in because of I was under investigation. My work e-mail was heavily filtered prohibiting me from receiving unit wide information. I was already seemed like a guilty person. I never thought I'd be in this situation especially with Sexual Assault cases all happening recently amplified by the media. I was at the bottom state of my life. At first, when OSI began their investigation, they interrogated me for 2 hours. I didn't have Mrs. Waddington with me while I gave them my side of the story. I made a mistake of saying a word to OSI. I believed them and I knew I didn't do anything wrong. I gave them every single detail of what happen knowing and I considered that they would help me find the truth of the accusation. I even gave them a 12 page written sworn statement that was disregarded because they used the video of my "interview" in court against me instead. I also gave them my phone for evidence of text message conversation along with the evidence of apology letter on my computer from me to her. All those evidence then, were used against me during my trial. I was devastated. It was the most uncomfortable feeling I have ever felt hearing and seeing all the evidence I gave them. My initial thought of the accusation was something I never really took serious and believed that it was going to be dropped before anything else would happen. I was WRONG. When I was referred and I was actually criminally charged, that is where my nightmare all began. I thought my life and career is over. Those thoughts drained me every single day since. I asked for advice around my unit and directed me towards ADC. I wanted more than ADC to handle my case and that is when I found Mrs. Waddington. Mrs. Waddington's professional, passionate, and a projecting partner guided me through hell. When my case was referred to Article 32 in which Mrs. Waddington advised me to waive it and I did. She told me that Article 32 is nothing more than positive for the prosecutors to potentially find more charges against me. She also mentioned that the convening authority will take the case to General Court-Martial anyway so they can try and bolster their conviction rate. I felt overwhelmed hearing that. I noticed her passion when she spoke to me about what will happen with the case. Her guidance and knowledge of the system made me feel that I will be safe and secured in her hands. She uplifted me when I feel lost and confused. She gave me hope. I admired her. She gave my life and career back. My family was afflicted when they found out what I was going through. I told them my situation. They were in disbelief and worried. Mrs. Waddington's projecting partnership gave my family a sense that she will fight to the end for me. When I hired her, she wasn't alone. She has a team behind her. A team that fought hard and determined to defend my innocence in the courtroom which resulted of a NOT GUILTY verdict even when the deck was stacked against me. Without her and her team, I would of possibly spent time in jail along with a sex register under my name forever. Thank you Mrs. Waddington for all the things you did for me.

My situation began in 2016 when a female falsely accused me of sexual assault. Shortly after, I received a phone call from a police investigator, who asked me to provide my statement. I, wanting my side of the story heard, initially agreed, but decided to ask a local attorney to accompany me. This la...wyer ultimately advised against my meeting with the police and instead contacted them on my behalf and represented me going forward. The next couple of months were extremely nerve-wracking so when I received word that the District Attorney dismissed the case I thought everything was great. It wasn't. The Navy contacted me shortly thereafter and informed me of an NCIS investigation for the same allegation. They further informed me that I was placed on legal hold from my impending separation date and the nightmare started all over again. Unfortunately, my local attorney was not familiar with military law, but very fortunately, I was referred to Gonzalez & Waddington Attorneys at Law as the recognized experts in military sexual assault cases and I contacted them for a consultation. Almost immediately, I received a call from the firm's assistant, Sandra, who put me in touch with Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington for an initial consultation. Mrs. Waddington was very understanding and professional during the interview and put me at ease by thoroughly explaining the process to me and gave me the feeling that I had a seriously experienced team on my side. I definitely had a renewed peace of mind once she agreed the firm would take on my case. In the meantime, a second female band-wagoned with a new sexual assault allegation, making my case that much more complex. While I was completely comfortable with my choice of attorney, things were quickly worsening, and my anxiety was rapidly escalating. Although my interaction with Alexandra was exclusively remote via email or phone, she handled a majority of their pre-trial information gathering and discussions with me, and any time I needed to speak with her she was extremely responsive. Her husband Mr. Michael Waddington attended my Motions Hearing and was instantly impressed. After I spent the afternoon discussing the case, I knew I made the right decision hiring the Gonzalez & Waddington Attorneys at Law firm. I felt comfortable whenever I spoke with my attorneys about the situation despite the stress and angst that were constantly resident in my life. Mr. Waddington arrived the weekend before my court martial and came ready for battle. I was his and my Navy-appointed JAG's sole focus from that point forward and watching them work was simply amazing. At the end of the trial, after six terrifying hours of jury deliberation, I was found Not Guilty of all charges against me, six in total. At times it is difficult to get in touch with them, especially when your case is several months away. However, it is important to remember the best attorneys are the busiest attorneys, and Michael and Alexandra are among the top attorneys in this field. They are constantly either in preparation for a trial or arguing a case. As my case approached, communication with my JAG, Michael, and Alexandra increased exponentially and there was never any indication of their not having a complete handle on the situation. The financial price for their services seems high but is worth it, especially when you consider what is at stake: for me, it was my freedom, my name, and my future. My life, really. I can say without a doubt that hiring Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington was the best decision I ever made and I highly recommend her firm to any military member facing a sexual assault-related charge.

During my last tour before retirement I was flagged and investigated by CID for sexual offenses and fraternization that went back a few years. These allegations were potentially career, family and life ending. We just bought a new house and my children were settled into a new high school. My family d...id not know about the allegations. After waiting a week for a TDS lawyer to return my calls, I decided to look for civilian representation. I had too much at stake. I talked to two other civilian lawyers and one talked about his prior military service and bragged about how great he was. The other was very negative and made me feel like a terrible person. I talked with Alexandra and I liked her firm but reassuring manner. She listened without judging me and we discussed how to handle my family situation. She warned me that it was a challenge to get sex charges dropped in the current political environment but we would try. Their retainer was not cheap but was what I expected for a top quality law firm. We developed a plan of action and prepared for court. She had me gather as much helpful information as possible about my case and the accusers and I gave them to the firm. She returned my texts and calls and guided me if I had any questions. There was talk of a court martial but I ended up getting a reprimand. I was able to get closure on this chapter of my life. I am grateful for her being there during this difficult time in my life and retire with my honor and dignity intact.