Michael S. Waddington

Michael S. Waddington

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 25 years

Military law Lawyer at Weston, FL
Practice Areas: Military Law, Criminal Defense

1792 Bell Tower Ln, Suite 218, Weston, FL

About Michael

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Military Law 51%

Court martial defense, Article 120 UCMJ, administrative separations, UCMJ actions

26 years | 3,000 cases

51%
Criminal Defense 49%

Mr. Waddington handles serious and high-profile criminal cases worldwide. He has tried jury trials on three continents and provides services as a trial consultant in serious criminal cases.

26 years | 3,000 cases

49%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 2 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 2023

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Georgia for 20 years

State: Georgia

Acquired: 2006

Active Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in South Carolina for 20 years

State: South Carolina

Acquired: 2005

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in New Jersey for 25 years

State: New Jersey

Acquired: 2000

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Pennsylvania for 25 years

State: Pennsylvania

Acquired: 2000

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Gonzalez & Waddington LLC

1792 Bell Tower Ln, Suite 218, Weston, FL, 33326

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Michael S. Waddington's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

103 Client Reviews

Showing 56 - 60 of 103 reviews

Posted by anonymous | December 18, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Lincoln lawyer of the UCMJ - GOD SENT

couldn't get a ernet early enough to tell the world how awesome, smart, and effective Michael is. I was facing three separate sexual assault charges from three different accusers over a span of 4 months. I after hiring a chicken attorney for my article 32 I figured I will be going down for a long ti...me for a crime that I believe I didn't commit. For God to reveal Michael to me in my dream as the best sexual assault lawyer, I wasn't surprised about the icome. Micheal is smart believes his clients innocence and has various forms of approaches in the courtroom to make prosecutors look as dam asses. My prosecutors looked like trash infront of Micheal and LCDR Temple. Any victim that was called to testify was given a blood bath and at the end of the my case went from you are going down for 30years to how did they even find you guilty on charge. Yes they found me guilty on one charge but 9 months in a prison wasn't bad at all. It was rather a fruitful learning experience. I am sitting in my living room playing with my kids all because of " God Sent Michael and His hard working wife''. He even had a strategy for saving my life. And he didn't take financial advantage of me like all the other lawyers do. Some lawyer's rental car and travel cost alone can be a huge amount. But for Michael he kept everything simple and did nothing to take advantage of me. His courtroom experience trying sexual assault cases week in and week out is what you need because you will surely go down without him uld be doin 30 years at Leavenworth but I get a second chance at life with a slum dung MRE 413 legal error in the bucket. Stop what you doing take your phone and call Michael and if you are lucky enough to get your phone call answered, don't hesitate because he is your best advocate. God bless you Michael God Bless you!!! My family will always be indebted to you. Like President Trump Said, " H has a lot of experience but is bad experience''. Some lawyers have a long years of experience, but the is experience is bad in the courtroom. So if a lawyer say he is taking you to trial you better ask him when was the last time he actually tried a case a won''. Not every Military lawyer is a criminal defence attorney. You need Micheal he has a good experience and track record of winning.

Posted by anonymous | December 08, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Humble, Elite, and Unconquered

I got to know Mr. Waddington quite well. He is the GOLD Standard and is one of the most humble human beings ever.  His attention to detail and confidence are un paralleled.  I was completely helpless for the first time in my life, facing a stacked deck.  Upon retaining his representation, I took the ...first step in evening the odds in what he likes to call trial warfare.  Every conversation I had with him gave me hope; that I stood a chance in a political driven agenda to get convictions no matter the facts or evidence.  You can read every review and watch all Mr. Waddington's youtube channels and understand he is a winner and elite.  One interaction I had with him was how he wanted to attack my case and he said "Lets Go to War!!"  I knew right than I made the right decision. Always be honest and upfront with him and this will create opportunity for the best possible outcome.  You really have to take a look in the mirror and be reasonable.  I was fully acquitted of all my serious charges.  I will never forget that feeling for as long as I live. Upon the announcement of the verdict I nearly collapsed.  My career, my life, and my future was completely in his hands and he took it as seriously as I did. He is a warrior in the courtroom and never backs down. I highly recommend you retain his services as early as possible, don't chance it!!  I will be forever grateful for his hard work and dedication in getting my life back. 

Posted by Shirley Gould-Goldsborough | September 30, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Military Law

Brilliant fact finding attorney

First let me start by saying there are simply not enough words in the dictionary to express the gratitude I have for Michael Waddington. He’s hands down the most brilliant, cool, calm and collective attorney I’ve ever had the privilege to see in action in a courtroom. My son was facing up to 70 years... in military prison for rape and assault charges by his wife. Who decided to lie and report my son raped her two months prior so she could keep her military benefits and to prevent him for filing for a divorce. My son’s JAG attorneys had him convinced that a plea deal was his only option. However as his mother I know there had to be some other way and it was. I’m convinced that God sent the Waddington’s to my family and work through them to ensure my son received a fair trial. Let me not forget to mention that the Waddington’s took on my son’s case near the end and had only a short time to prepare for the case – approximately a month. During my son’s four day trial Mr. Waddington presented so much doubt that no way could the jury panel convict my son of any of the serious charges he was facing. He exposed CID for the sneaky unethical tactics they used to force a confession. He discredited the accuser and my son was found not guilty of ALL the serious charges and remains on active duty today. I’m convinced the military looked up Mr. Waddington’s credentials prior to the court martial because they had so many JAG attorneys in the courtroom taking notes during the trail. The JAG attorney sitting next to me appeared to write down everything that came out of Mr. Waddington’s mouth. It was quite comical to watch. In all seriousness please don’t let his fees scare you AND THEY WILL  he’s worth what we paid and MORE. It was the most money I’ve spent in such a short time frame but every penny was well worth it. I know first-hand how difficult this must be for your family so I’m giving permission to the Waddington’s to share my contact information should you have any questions or concerns. I’m forever grateful for Mr. Waddington giving my son his life back after this six month saga.

Posted by anonymous | July 20, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

THE G.O.A.T.(The Greatest Of All Time)

Not only was I mesmerized so was the prosecution, jurors, spectators, and the bailiff because he wanted Mr. Waddington's phone number after the trial. His Opening statements, lethal cross-examinations and Game over closing statements made me feel like choosing him was the best choice after vetting a...t least 5 attorneys.

Posted by CAHJ | July 14, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Sex Crime

Do not talk to CID! Hire Michael now.

My ordeal started in August 2014 with a false allegation of sexual assault. I called numerous law firms and was told many times that it was best for me to take a plea deal, this was even before they heard my side of the story. Once I contacted Mr. Waddington, he immediately eased my fears and told me... to explain everything to him. Once I did this he comforted me and said that he would do everything in his power for a great outcome. Once I retained him, CID and my chain of command stopped bothering me. 12 months after the initial investigation the CID investigation came back "unfounded" and proved that my accuser was a liar. At this point I thought that everything was over but knowing the Army it was far from over. In September 2015 they notified me that I would be facing an elimination board due to the evidence that refuted that I was a rapist. I was not worried and retained Michael once again. The Army was trying to kick me out with no benefits and an other than honorable discharge. At the conclusion of the board I got to keep my benefits and also a nice $3,403 tax free check ($40,826 annually) for the rest of my life. I could not be happier. Michael is an EXCELLENT attorney and he is well respected in the legal community. Be weary of hiring known lawyers, just because they are known does not mean that they are respected. If you are facing any sort of legal issues please do not hesitate to contact him.

See All Client Reviews

Michael S. Waddington's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
Ernesto C. Gapasin Jr. headshot
Ernesto Gapasin

Military law lawyer | Oct 01

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Mike is one of the best in the business. I had the opportunity to work with him on a court-martial in Japan. The accused was an officer charged with 16 offenses under the UCMJ. This officer was acquitted of all charges and their specifications. It was great working with Mike."

Timothy James Bilecki headshot
Timothy Bilecki

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 01

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have had the pleasure of personally working with Mr. Waddington, he is an aggressive and fearless trial lawyer who provides outstanding representation to his clients. He has the experience, dedication and backbone to take on the toughest cases and win. His case results speak for themselves."

Julio Cesar Torrente Esq. headshot
Julio Torrente

Military law lawyer | Oct 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Waddington is my go-to guy for military law issues. He has a wealth of knowledge in the criminal defense area. His experience and resume speak for themselves. I endorse this lawyer."

David Stephen Klein headshot
David Klein

Military law lawyer | Sep 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Joseph Candito headshot
Joseph Candito

Business lawyer | Oct 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. An ethical and competent attorney."

David Everette Sherrill headshot
David Sherrill

Military law lawyer | Feb 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Our military personnel fights hard every day. Its good to know we have people fighting to defend them. Therefore, I give Michael my full endorsement."

Justin Michael Schiks headshot
Justin Schiks

Military law lawyer | Jan 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Robert Frances Capovilla headshot
Robert Capovilla

Military law lawyer | Oct 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"The best military defense attorney in the business. Hard working, talented, honest, and at the very top of his game. If I needed a military defense attorney, I would call Michael."

Mickey S Williams headshot
Mickey Williams

Military law lawyer | Sep 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mike's got a fantastic reputation in the military justice community. He's a great lawyer, great author, and a great guy."

Daniel Luke Webb headshot
Daniel Webb

Unknown lawyer | Aug 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Todd Wells headshot
Todd Wells

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 31

Relationship: Other

"Michael is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Scottie Lynn Leming headshot
Scottie Leming

Military law lawyer | Mar 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this attorney, who provides so generously to the AVVO community and gives sound legal advice."

Rahul Aggarwal headshot
Rahul Aggarwal

Unknown lawyer | Feb 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"An excellent lawyer who treats clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism - an even better person and I wholeheartedly recommend for future services."

Robert Curt Wolf headshot
Robert Wolf

Military law lawyer | Jan 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Tim Curtin headshot
Tim Curtin

Unknown lawyer | Sep 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Todd A. Bresney headshot
Todd Bresney

Military law lawyer | Sep 17

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Joey Tellez headshot
Joey Tellez

Military law lawyer | Aug 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Oscar Ramirez headshot
Oscar Ramirez

Military law lawyer | Jun 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Waddington is professional, bright and finds creative solutions to complex legal problems. I endorse this lawyer."

Patrick C. Barry headshot
Patrick Barry

Military law lawyer | Jun 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Andrew Nickolaou headshot
Andrew Nickolaou

Military law lawyer | Jun 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Giuliana Coto headshot
Giuliana Coto

Business lawyer

Nickolas James Spradlin headshot
Nickolas Spradlin

Unknown lawyer

Julio Cesar Torrente Esq. headshot
Julio Torrente

Criminal defense lawyer

Dennis A. Banning headshot
Dennis Banning

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Marcia L Alvey headshot
Marcia Alvey

Unknown lawyer

Joey Tellez headshot
Joey Tellez

Criminal defense lawyer

Thomas Joseph Walsh headshot
Thomas Walsh

Family lawyer

Gail Barsky headshot
Gail Barsky

Personal injury lawyer

Alvi Aggarwal headshot
Alvi Aggarwal

Estate planning lawyer

Daniel Xavier Resendez headshot
Daniel Resendez

Business lawyer

Ryan James Muldoon headshot
Ryan Muldoon

Criminal defense lawyer

Kimberli Charleen Zazzi headshot
Kimberli Zazzi

Lemon law lawyer

Charles Joseph Kay headshot
Charles Kay

Medicaid and medicare lawyer

S. Arshia Ahmad headshot
S. Ahmad

Family lawyer

Tanya L. Freeman headshot
Tanya Freeman

Divorce and separation lawyer

Casey A Kovacic headshot
Casey Kovacic

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J. Brian King headshot
J. Brian King

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James Lamond Cook headshot
James Cook

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Nicholas Grant Smith headshot
Nicholas Smith

Military law lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2016

The Art of Trial Warfare 2 years on Bestseller List, Amazon.com

2013

Quilly Award, National Academy of Best Selling Authors

2006

Army Commendation Medal, U.S. Army

2003

Award for Excellence in Trial Advocacy, Army Judge Advocates General's Corps (JAG) - Criminal Law Advocacy Course

2003

Army Achievement Medal, U.S. Army

2002

Global War on Terrorism Medal, U.S. Army

1999

Honors in Trial Advocacy - Integrated Trial Advocacy Program, Temple University - James E. Beasley School of Law

1993

Army Service Ribbon, U.S. Army

Work Experience

2006 - Present

Partner, Gonzalez & Waddington, LLC

2004 - 2005

Assistant U.S. Attorney, Department Of Justice - - Special Assistant US Attorney (SAUSA)

2001 - 2006

Lawyer, Army Judge Advocate General Corps

2000 - 2001

Legal Counsel, GN Diamond

1999 - 1999

Legal Clinical, Philadelphia Public Defender

1999 - 1999

Legal Intern, US Army Department Of Defense

1997 - 2000

Research Assistant, Temple University Beasley School Of Law

1997 - 1998

Legal Intern, Philadelphia District Attorney's Office

1996 - 1997

Clerk, Sharlock Repcheck & Mahler, P.C.

1995 - 1996

Clerk, Gismondi & Margolis, P.C.

Associations

2013 - Present

American Board of Criminal Lawyers

Fellow

2013 - Present

National Academy of Best Selling Authors

Member

2010 - Present

National Association of Court Martial Lawyers

President

2009 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

2006 - Present

National Association of Military Defense Lawyers

Founding Member

2006 - Present

State Bar of Georgia

Member

2005 - Present

South Carolina Bar Association

Member

2002 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2000 - Present

Pennsylvania State Bar Association

Member

2000 - Present

New Jersey State Bar Association

Member

2006 - 2007

Georgia State Bar Association, Military Law Section

Member

2006 - 2007

Augusta Bar Association

Member

2006 - 2008

Augusta Bar Young Lawyers Section

Member

2005 - 2007

South Carolina Bar, Military Law Section

Member

2004 - 2006

American Bar Association, Litigation Section

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Naples Italy Navy Court Martial for Sexual Assault

NOT GUILTY OF ALL CHARGES.

United States v. TSgt at Travis Air Force Base, CA

Not guilty of All Charges

United States v. SGT at Fort Bliss, TX

All charges dismissed after Article 32

United States v. MSG M. at Fort Sam Houston, TX - El Salvador

Not guilty of All Charges

United States v. Petty Office G - Rota Navy Base, Spain

Not Guilty Of All Charges

United States v. TSgt M. - Minot AFB, ND

Not Guilty Of All Charges

United States v. A1C K - McGuire AFB, NJ

Not Guilty of All Sex Charges. Guilty of Underage drinking.

United States v. A1C T. - Eglin AFB, FL

All charges dropped at preliminary hearing

United States v. SGT D. - Fort Irwin, CA

All charges dropped at preliminary hearing

United States v. LCpl L. - Quantico Marine Base, VA

Not Guilty Of All Charges

United States v. SGT D. - Fort Irwin, CA

Not Guilty Of All Charges

United States v. MGyst W. - Parris Island, SC

Not Guilty Of All Charges

United States v. A1C H. - Dover AFB, DE

Not guilty of rape, Not guilty of burglary, guilty of false official statement. No jail time.

United States v. SGT R - Fort Hood, TX

Not Guilty Of All Charges

United States v. LT A. - Norfolk Navy Base, VA

All charges dropped at preliminary hearing

United States v. CPT L. - Army SF Group, Okinawa, Japan

Not Guilty Of All Charges

United States v. SFC D. - Fort Lee, VA

Partial acquittal, no jail time, no discharge

U.S. v. Naval Academy Midshipman

Charges dismissed

United States v. SPC S. - Hawaii

Acquitted of murder

United States v. SPC H. - Fort Campbell, KY & Iraq

Negotiated plea that saved life.

United States v. SGT Y. - Fort Campbell, KY

Declined to prosecute, charges dismissed

US v. Driver

Full Acquittal

See More Legal Cases

Education

2016

National Trial Lawyers: Trial Lawyers Summit

2016

Evaluating Truthfulness

2013

NACDL Seminar Defending the Unthinkable: Zealous Advocacy in Sexual Assault and Child Victims Cases

2013

National Association of Trial Lawyers: Trial Lawyers Summit

2011

NACDL Seminar DWI Means Defend With Ingenuity: "Winning at Every Level"

2011

NACDL Sex Crime Defense Seminar: Confronting the Mob Mentality - Defending Sex Cases

2010

NACDL Advanced Criminal Law Seminar

2006

NACDL Criminal Defense Midwinter Seminar

2003

US Army JAG School Criminal Law Advocacy Course

2002

US Army JAG School Tax Course

2001

US Army JAG School Basic Course

2000

Temple University - James E. Beasley School of Law

JD

1997

Duquesne University

BA

N/A

Universidad de Alicante, Spain

Speaking Engagements

2017

2017

National Trial Lawyers Summit A Trial Warrior’s Journey

2017

NACDL Forensic Science Conference in Las Vegas Using Forensic Science to Create Reasonable Doubt in Sexual Assault Cases

2016

National Trial Lawyers Summit The Art of Trial Warfare

2006

Army Defense Lawyer CLE Conference

Attacking Witness Credibility & Rules of Evidence

2005

DoD Federal Police Officer Training Program

Federal Criminal Procedure

2004

National Defense Lawyer CLE Conference

Witness Impeachment

2003

National Military Lawyer CLE Conference

Urinalysis Defense: Defending a Drug Use Case

2002

IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program

Income Tax Prep

Publications

Languages

Spanish

French

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution