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 19 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 11 - 15 of 33 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | February 08, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Military Law

BOI Success

I did not really realize the credentials Michael had before I met him. He’s written numerous books and it shows that he has a lot of experience. I think if I had only used the military defense I would have received an OTH. My discharge will say honorable and I could not be happier. Worth every cent. ...I have the ability now to recover my life. I could not be more thankful.

Posted by Jeff | January 21, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Jury came back with "not guilty" on all charges at son's court martial.

Our son was being tried on multiple counts of sexual assault and simple assault. The Trial Defense Services military attorney appointed for his case wanted to use a "crime of passion" defense even though our son was innocent across the board. After a very disappointing 412 hearing it was clear we n...eeded new representation. We found Mr. Waddington and immediately hired him to represent our son. With less than 70 days before the trial he analyzed the situation and charges and came back with a hard hitting defense that destroyed the prosecutions case and witnesses. Had we not hired him, our son would be in prison instead of immediately being un-flagged and re-enlisting. I recommend Michael Waddington to any military member who needs aggressive, knowledgeable, and highly competent representation. He was worth every penny!

Posted by anonymous | May 03, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Canary in a coal mine

I can't exactly remember how I came across Mr. Waddington, but I watched some YouTube clippings of him and decided to set up a phone consultation. I was being charged with 4 sex crimes and 2 other felonies by the United States Army. Unbeknownst, they charged me without even having evidence back to so...lidify their claims; needless to say it was a witch hunt. I was at the lowest point of my career and life and ready to rollover and accept life in person and having to register as a sad oddender. Until I spoke with and hired Mr W. He demolished and embarrassed the military in the most professional of ways without even having to present witnesses or evidence other than a compelling closing argument. He fights your case as if he used to be a crooked prosecutor. He really knows the evil, corrupt and crooked games they play and the right questions they ask. He considers all scenarios and eloquently makes his arguments with more or less. He was able to get me acquitted on all of my sexual assault charges and burglary off of cross examination and thought - provoking rhetoric alone. I could only imagine what he can do when he really has to roll up his sleeves. He's really in a class of his own as far as defending sexual crimes and is worth every penny. Trust me when I say you CANNOT afford to NOT have him on your side. It's an experience I will never forget and thanks to him I can remember it as a free man.

Posted by Adam | February 20, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Military Law

Thankful Army Retiree

Mr. Waddington is by far the best military lawyer anyone could ask for. I retained his services two years ago regarding a BAH fraud case that was causing me insurmountable despair and grief. After 19 years in the Army, I was about to lose everything I worked so hard for, personally and professionally.... From the moment I retained his firm, they immediately got on board and took charge of my case. Mr. Waddington kept my spirits high and reassured me that he was going to do everything in his power to make sure my case would have the best possible outcome. When he was in court, Alexandria would answer any questions I had. In the beginning he set out realistic goals of avoiding a conviction, avoiding prison, and saving my Army retirement. This thing drug on for a long time but Mr. Waddington told me that the longer it takes in this type of case, the less likely that I would get charged. At times, I must admit, I wanted this over with more than anything else and my anxiety was sky high. He told me to stand fast so I could get over 20 years. One time, I called to complain about my situation and he reminded me that I was still a free man, I had my family, and was getting paid. He told me things could be much worse and to have patience. He was right and I appreciated the reality check. Through his tireless work, no charges were filed and I received administrative paperwork and was allowed to retire .
I am positive that without his help, I would have ended up being charged and forced into a plea deal, going to jail and losing my retirement. I am thankful for the privilege of having him represent me. Not only did he save my career, I have my life back and my peace of mind. Thank you Mr Waddington. I would recommend him to anyone without reservation.

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. 

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
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Julio Torrente

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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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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