Free Consultation
$0 first 60 minutes
PRO
Jeffrey Raymond Liebenguth
also known as Jeff Liebenguth
Virtual Consultation Available
Free Consultation
About Jeffrey
Biography
Mr. Liebenguth specializes in defending military service members facing court martial, NJP, administrative proceedings, and criminal appeals for allegations of rape, sexual assault, fraud, drug offenses, violent crimes, and all other military offenses. Although based out of Hawaii, Mr. Liebenguth's practice is worldwide.
He is a retired Marine Corps military attorney (Judge Advocate) as well as a former member of the United States Coast Guard. He is a graduate of Amherst College, Emory University School of Law, and the Marine Corps University Resident Command & Staff College, where he received a Master’s Degree in Military Studies. In 2006-2007, he deployed with 2d Battalion, 3d Marines to Haditha, Iraq, the unit whose combat deployment is the subject of the 2019 book: The Warriors of Anbar: The Marines Who Crushed Al Qaeda—the Greatest Untold Story of the Iraq War. Mr. Liebenguth later worked at the Pentagon and taught military law at the United States Naval Academy. He has also been an invited speaker at military criminal-law conferences in California and Washington, D.C.
In his many years of practicing law, Mr. Liebenguth has litigated high-stakes military criminal cases from every perspective possible: as a defense counsel, an appellate defense counsel, a prosecutor, and as a Special Assistant United States Attorney. As an appellate defense counsel, he successfully petitioned the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces and the Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals for oral argument in a remarkable number of cases, including:
Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (C.A.A.F.)
United States v. Stewart, 71 M.J. 38 (C.A.A.F.)
United States v. Hayes, 70 M.J. 454 (C.A.A.F.)
United States v. Bradley, 71 M.J. 13 (C.A.A.F.)
United States v. Norwood, 71 M.J. 204 (C.A.A.F.)
United States v. Watson, 71 M.J. 54 (C.A.A.F.)
United States v. Fosler, 70 M.J. 225 (C.A.A.F.) (Now Cited in Manual for Courts-Martial)
United States v. Sullivan, 70 M.J. 110 (C.A.A.F.)
Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals (N-M. Ct. Crim. App.)
United States v. Parker, 71 M.J. 594 (N-M. Ct. Crim. App.) (Death-Sentence Case)
United States v. McGuire, 2012 CCA LEXIS 458 (N-M. Ct. Crim. App.)
United States v. Warren, 71 M.J. 505 (N-M. Ct. Crim. App.)
United States v. Hackler, 70 M.J. 624 (N-M. Ct. Crim. App.)
United States v. Fosler, 69 M.J. 669 (N-M. Ct. Crim. App.)
United States v. Hayes, 2010 CCA LEXIS 364 (N-M. Ct. Crim. App.)
United States v. Saxman, 69 M.J. 540 (N-M. Ct. Crim. App.)
United States v. Soucie, 2010 CCA LEXIS 703 (N-M. Ct. Crim. App.)
United States v. Warner, 2010 CCA LEXIS 55 (N-M. Ct. Crim. App.) (Murder-for-Hire Case)
United States v. Wood, 2010 CCA LEXIS 24 (N-M. Ct. Crim. App.)
As a result of his success, Mr. Liebenguth was recognized as the “Silver C.A.A.F. Tongue” award winner for arguing more cases than any other military appellate defense counsel.
As a defense counsel and prosecutor, he has litigated felony-level cases, including but not limited to those involving allegations of murder, attempted murder, rape, sexual assault, assault and battery, burglary, and child endangerment. Mr. Liebenguth has also been accepted for publication on a wide range of military topics, including alcohol-related sexual assault and the Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act. His professional affiliations and licensing include the Supreme Court of the United States, the Court of Appeals of the Armed Forces, the Supreme Court of Hawaii, the Hawaii State Bar Association, and the District of Columbia Bar Association.
When it matters most, you need an advantage. Winning sex offense and other UCMJ cases requires experience, exhaustive preparation, and total dedication. As a retired Marine Corps JAG, I look for winners. So should you. Call now for a free case evaluation. 844-928-0914
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Military Law
100%
23 years | 500 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2024 2021
Licenses
Licensed in Hawaii for 6 years
State: Hawaii
Acquired: 2019
No misconduct found
Licensed in District of Columbia for 22 years
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 2003
No misconduct found
Location
Liebenguth Law, LLLC
(844) 928-0914
Mobile
1003 Bishop Street - Pauahi Tower, Suite 2700, Honolulu, HI, 96813
liebenguthlaw.com/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Jeffrey online.
Jeffrey Raymond Liebenguth's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 27 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | June 16, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
You won't find better
Mr. Liebenguth is an exceptional legal professional. From the moment I reached out, he returned my call within 10 minutes and spoke with clarity, honesty, and confidence during our consultation. It was immediately clear to me that this was someone I wanted in my corner. I was under investigation afte...
Posted by Zach | April 7, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Jeff Took a Huge Weight Off My Shoulders
I can’t recommend Jeff highly enough! From the very beginning, he put my mind at ease and made a stressful situation so much more manageable. Jeff was professional, attentive, and genuinely cared about helping me through the process. He took care of everything I needed, explained things clearly, and ...
Posted by anonymous | February 18, 2025 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Best military lawyer around
Jeff is hands down the guy to go to if you are in any legal situation regarding the UCMJ. He is very knowledgeable, professional, and is all around there for you when you need him. Definitely recommend anyone to contact him for his legal services!
Posted by anonymous | October 21, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Enlisted Service Member
Jeffery Leibenguth is an outstanding attorney. He provided clear guidance, showed deep expertise, and handled my case with professionalism and care. His strategic approach led to a positive outcome, and was always available to answer my questions. I highly recommend Jeffery Leibenguth for anyone seek...
Posted by Wilson | July 16, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
MSG
Mr. Liebenguth helped me to get my GOMOR move to my restricted file in Iperms and through the QMP board. We won both fights, which allowed me to get promoted. He’s the real deal!!!! If you are looking for the best lawyer right now, and you are reading this, you’ve found it!!!!!
Jeffrey Liebenguth
Replied last July 17, 2024Thank you so much for positive feedback. Congratulations on the promotion and best of luck in all that you do!
Jeffrey Raymond Liebenguth's Lawyer Endorsements
"Jeff is a fierce litigant who has practiced at the highest levels of military justice defense practice, from courts-martial through appeals in front of the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces. I was a government appellate counsel while Jeff was in the defense appellate office, and he was widely respected by my office and the court for his zealous and proficient representation of his clients. He secured precedential victories that reshaped military judge practice at the time. I highly recommend him to any peer or client who is looking for a great advocate"
"I had the pleasure of working with Jeff Liebenguth for three years while we served together at the Navy-Marine Corps Appellate Defense Division. He is a consummate professional who leaves no stone unturned for his clients. He knows the military justice system from start to finish and is one of the very best military attorneys you can hire."
"I know Attorney Liebenguth to be a brilliant, competent and highly ethical attorney. I endorse him wholeheartedly."
"I served with Jeff in the Marine Corps and his reputation is that of an outstanding, officer and litigator. He is a well versed advocate that will fight for his client's rights. I fully endorse this lawyer."
"Jeff served with me in appellate defense when we were both on active duty. He is incredibly smart, incredibly passionate about military justice, and devoted to helping servicemembers who need help and making the system fair. What impresses me most about Jeff Liebenguth is how brilliant he is at simplifying the most complex legal issues into terms that make it impossible for judges not to see when a servicemember was being treated unfairly by the legal system. He has my strongest possible endorsement for anyone who needs help with a military justice issue at the trial level, appellate level, or in military administrative board cases. His talent and advocacy in military litigation are outstanding!!"
"Jeff Liebenguth is a hard hitting lawyer that has well deserved reputation for being a highly skilled and aggressive criminal defense lawyer handling serious cases at both the trial and appellate level. He is an innovative, critical legal researcher and writer. I have worked with Jeff on several cases throughout the past 20 years at the trial and appellate level. He is known for being a tenacious appellate advocate when he presents oral argument. I was also able to see first hand his impressive advocacy skills, not just at drafting legal documents at the trial level and in writing appellate briefs for the highest military courts but most importantly his superior oral advocacy skills when personally arguing before the courts. He is committed to winning. There are very few others you want on your side when the odds are stacked against you. I highly endorse this true gladiator."
"Jeff and I worked together at Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps, where he served in a unique position of having to routinely provide bad news to his fellow judge advocates. A consummate professional, he was as adept at delivering the bad news, in a positive manner, as he was in providing good news. He followed that tour with an assignment to the Navy and Marine Corps Appellate Activity, where he earned the reputation of being a fierce advocate for Sailors and Marines. A true problem solver, Jeff has my endorsement!"
Melvin Sims
Landlord or tenant lawyer
Michael Hanzel
Military law lawyer
Eric Kopka
Military law lawyer
Samuel Moore
Litigation lawyer
Kirk Sripinyo
Health care lawyer
William Kirby
Family lawyer
Michael Dan Berry
Appeals lawyer
Experience
Honors
2021
Clients' Choice Award, Avvo
2021
Top Attorney, Avvo
2019
Meritorious Service Medal, USMC, Senior Defense Counsel, Marine Corps Base Hawaii
2016
Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Dept. of the Navy - Base SJA, MCAS Cherry Point
2015
Meritorious Service Medal, USMC, Complex Trial Team Senior Lawyer
2012
Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Dept. of the Navy - Appellate Defense Counsel
2011
Silver CAAF Tongue Award, CAAFLog
2010
Nominated for Legal Excellence Award For Advocacy, Navy-Marine Corps Appellate Defense Division Director
2009
Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Dept. of the Navy - Pentagon/Naval Academy
2007
Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Dept. of the Navy - Defense Counsel
2007
Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Dept. of the Navy - Deployed SJA
2004
Gen. R. E. Hogaboom Leadership Writing Contest (2nd), Marine Corps Association
1996
Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal, USCG
1994
Joint Service Achievement Medal, USCG
1993
Humanitarian Service Medal, USCG
1992
National Defense Service Medal, USCG
Work Experience
2021 - Present
Founder, Liebenguth Law, LLLC
2019 - 2021
Court-Martial Defense Attorney, Military Law & Appeals Firm
2016 - 2019
Senior Military Defense Attorney, Marine Corps Base Hawaii
2015 - 2016
Staff Judge Advocate (SJA), Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point
2014 - 2015
Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney's Office Eastern District Of North C
2013 - 2015
Complex Court-Martial Lawyer, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
2012 - 2013
Command & Staff College, Marine Corps Base Quantico
2009 - 2012
Appellate Military Defense Counsel, Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals
2007 - 2008
Adjunct Professor, U.S. Naval Academy
2007 - 2009
Military Attorney, U.S. Marine Corps
2004 - 2007
Marine Corps Defense Attorney & Deployed SJA with 2/3, Marine Corps Base Hawaii
1998 - 1999
Consultant, Cleveland Business Consultants
1992 - 1996
Coast Guardsman, United States Coast Guard
Associations
2020 - Present
Air Force Court of Criminal AppealsAdmitted to Practice
2019 - Present
Hawaii State Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2019 - Present
United States District Court, District of HawaiiAdmitted to Practice
2019 - Present
Supreme Cour of HawaiiAdmitted to Practice
2010 - Present
U.S. Supreme CourtAdmitted to Practice
2009 - Present
Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (C.A.A.F.)Admitted to Practice
2007 - Present
Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal AppealsAdmitted to Practice
2003 - Present
District of Columbia Bar AssociationAttorney Member
Sample of Legal Cases
United States v. Enlisted (Drunken Disorderly and Sexual Harassment Article 15)
Serviceman Not Separated from Army
United States v. Army Enlisted (Sexual Harassment)
Reversal of Substantiated Sexual Harassment Allegation
United States v. Army Enlisted (QMP Board)
Soldier Retained by QMP Board
United States v. Army Senior Enlisted (QMP Board)
Retained by QMP Board
United States v. Army SNCO (Bullying and Counterproductive Leadership)
Retirement Secured
United States v. Navy Enlisted (Abusive Sexual Contact)
Case Dismissed Prior to Scheduled Captain Mast
United States v. Army Officer (Fraud)
Case Dropped by Military Prosecutor
United States v. Navy Enlisted (Hostile Work Environment Investigation)
Case Dismissed
United States v. Navy Enlisted
Military Retirement Saved!
United States v. Army Officer (GOMOR)
GOMOR withdrawn and destroyed by Commanding General
United States v. Army Officer
NOT GUILTY at Article 15 for sexual harassment and all other charges!
United States v. Army Enlisted
Army Soldier cleared for state medical-profession licensing.
United States v. Army E-7
GOMOR Only Locally Filed for BAH Fraud Case Involving $250,000
United States v. Navy Service Member
Conviction for child sex crimes and 39 year sentence overturned on appeal and charges dismissed.
United States v. Marine Corps Pilot
ALL CHARGES DISMISSED after motion to suppress urinalysis was GRANTED by court. No urinalysis, NO CASE!
United States v. Army O-5
Security clearance NOT revoked.
United States v. Marine Senior Enlisted
CG found sexual harassment and bullying allegations unsubstantiated.
United States v. Army O-2
GOMOR ONLY locally filed.
United States v. Navy E-4
Only received LOI after domestic violence allegations.
United States v. Army Enlisted
NOT GUILTY of Sexual Assault
United States v. Air Force Enlisted (Article 32 Preliminary Hearing)
Art. 32 Officer reccomended dismissal of Article 120 sexual assault charge.
United States v. Army Officer
Full Acquittal of Sexual Assault Charges under Article 120, UCMJ.
Army O-5 GOMOR
GOMOR Rescinded
Board of Inquiry (BOI) for Air Force Captain
Officer RETAINED at BOI based on drunk & disorderly and conduct unbecoming.
GOMOR for Army Sergeant Major
GOMOR Destroyed!
United States v. Military Enlisted (E-3)
Attempted Premeditated Murder / Involuntary Manslaughter Case Overturned
United States v. Retirement Eligible NCO (E-8)
Negotiated Agreement that Saved Multi-million Dollar Retirement.
United States v. Marine Officer (O-1)
Officer Retained at Board of Inquiry (BOI) based on conduct unbecoming, public intoxication, and breaking and entering.
United States v. Marine Enlisted (E-6)
Senior NCO found NOT GUILTY of Child Endangerment.
United States v. Military Officer (O-6)
Court Martial and Board of Inquiry (BOI) Averted after Assault Charges Substantiated.
United States v. Parker, 71 M.J. 594 (N-M. Ct. Crim. App. 2012)
Death Sentence Commuted to Life in Prison on Appeal
United States v. Stewart, 71 M.J. 38 (C.A.A.F. 2012)
Sexual Assault Conviction Reversed on Appeal
United States v. Fosler, 70 M.J. 225 (C.A.A.F. 2011)
Adultery Conviction Reversed on Appeal
United States v. Saxman, 69 M.J. 540 (N-M. Ct. Crim. App. 2010)
Possession of Child Pornography Conviction Reversed on Appeal
United States v. Soucie, 2010 CCA LEXIS 703 (N-M. Ct. Crim. App. 2010)
Passing Bad Check & Impersonating Government Official Conviction Overturned on Appeal
United States v. Wood, 2010 CCA LEXIS 24 (N-M. Ct. Crim. App. 2010)
Rape Conviction Overturned
United States v. Warner, 2010 CCA LEXIS 55 (N-M. Ct. Crim. App. 2010)
Attempted Murder Conviction Reversed
United States v. Marine E-3
Restriction and NO Discharge after statutory rape conviction.
United States v. Marine E-4
NOT GUILTY of Drug Use and NO Discharge from Marine Corps
Education
2020
Hawaii State Bar Association
"Refining Your Deposition" CLE
2018
Marine Corps Defense Services Organization
Defending Sexual Assault Cases
2017
Marine Corps Defense Services Organization
Criminal Defense Worldwide Training
2015
NCIS Advanced Sexual Assault Investigations Training Program
Certification
2014
National District Attorneys Association
Prosecuting Sexual Assault and Related Violent Crimes
2013
Marine Corps Command & Staff College
MA - Masters
2008
Marine Corps Expeditionary Warfare School
Graduate
2006
Northwestern University School of Law
Course for Defense Attorneys in Criminal Cases
2005
Naval Justice School
Basic Trial Advocacy
2004
"The Basic School"
Graduate
2004
Naval Justice School
Graduate
2002
Emory University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1998
Amherst College
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2018
Senior Leadership Legal Training
Military Defense Counsel Perspective
2017
Marine Corps Defense Counsel Conference
Military Court Martial Appeals
2012
Sexual Assault Case - Oral Argument - (REVERSED CONVICTION) Court of Appeal for the Armed Forces (CAAF)
U.S. v. Stewart
2012
Marine Corps Defense Counsel Conference
Preserving Court-Martial Legal Error for Appeal
2012
Dishonorable Discharge Case - Oral Argument - Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals (NMCCA)
U.S. v. Warren
2012
Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces Continuing Legal Education and Training Program
Impact of United States v. Fosler
2012
Attempted Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Murder Case - Oral Argument- Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (CAAF)
U.S. v. Bradley
2012
Attempted Adultery and Conspiracy to Obstruct Justice Case - Oral Argument - Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (CAAF)
U.S. v. Norwood
2011
Fraudulent Enlistment Case - Oral Argument - Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (CAAF)
U.S. v. Watson
2011
Conduct Unbecoming and Fraternization Case - Oral Argument - Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals (NMCCA)
U.S. v. McGuire
2011
Breaking Restriction Case - Oral Agument - Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals (NMCCA)
U.S. v. Hackler
2011
Adultery Case - Oral Argument - Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (REVERSED Conviction)
U.S. v. Fosler
2010
Possession of CP Case - Oral Argument - Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals (NMCCA) (Court Set Aside Conviction)
U.S. v. Saxman
2010
Murder-For-Hire Case - Oral Argument - NMCCA (Reversed Attempted Murder of Wife Conviction)
U.S. v. Warner
2010
Indecent Acts Case - Oral Agument - Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals (NMCCA)
U.S. v. Hayes
2010
Check Fraud & Impersonating Government Official Case - Oral Argument - (CONVICTION REVERSED) NMCCA
U.S. v. Soucie
2010
Carnal Knowledge, Kidnapping, Assault, Threat Case - Oral Argument - Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (CAAF)
U.S. v. Sullivan
2010
Adultery Case - Oral Agument - Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals (NMCCA)
U.S. v. Fosler
2009
Sexual Assault Case - Oral Argument - Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals (NMCCA) (Reversed Conviction)
U.S. v. Wood
2006
2/3 Deployment Training Exercise
Information Operations
Publications
2021
Liebenguth Law Blog
Racism and Military Justice
2021
AVVO Legal Guides
Adultery in the Military - It's Not Always a Crime
2021
AVVO Legal Guides
Self-Defense and the UCMJ
2013
Marine Corps University
Reducing Alcohol-Related Sexual Assault in the Marine Corps
2005
Marine Corps Gazette
Taking Care of Marines: The Need for Greater Education on Personal Finance
2004
Marine Corps Gazette
Individual Ambition: Creating a Need for Leadership
2004
Marine Corps Gazette
Be Wary of Waiving Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act Protections
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
How to handle the CID investigation?
30 May 2021
Q&A
I'm being charged with a false sharp complaint for sexual harassment
12 May 2021
Q&A
I'm in need of a military lawyer that can help me in upgrading my discharge.
04 Apr 2021
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Can a military service member get their DNA expunged from law enforcement records and databases?
12 Feb 2021
Legal Guide
Self-Defense and the UCMJ
04 Mar 2021
Legal Guide
How to Write a Good Rebuttal to a GOMOR, Page 11, or Other Military Letter of Reprimand
02 May 2021