GUAM COURT-MARTIAL DEFENSE LAWYER
MILITARY JUSTICE
If you are facing a court-martial, Board of Inquiry, or administrative separation board on Guam, you need an aggressive civilian defense lawyer on your side immediately. As a Guam court-martial defense lawyer, David S. Hendrickson has spent years trying and winning courts-martial on the island — at Andersen Air Force Base, Naval Base Guam, and installations across Guam — fighting to protect your rank, pay, retirement, and freedom.
Guam Court-Martial and UCMJ Defense
From courts-martial and Boards of Inquiry to other UCMJ defense and administrative actions, these are the cases I handle for service members in Guam. Click any area below to learn more.
Court-Martial Defense Lawyer in Guam: What You Need to Know
What’s at stake in a court-martial on Guam?
A court-martial conviction can end your military career and follow you for years. For example, a conviction can result in confinement, a punitive discharge, reduction in rank, and forfeiture of pay. For enlisted members, a punitive discharge means a bad-conduct or dishonorable discharge; for officers, it means a dismissal. It can also lead to sex-offender registration and the loss of retirement and veterans’ benefits. In addition, you face a federal conviction that can affect your civilian employment, housing, and future. On Guam, the distance compounds the impact: confinement thousands of miles from home, separation from your family, and SOFA and immigration consequences that can outlast your case.
How are courts-martial handled at Andersen Air Force Base and Naval Base Guam?
Courts-martial on Guam fall under your branch and command’s convening authority. For Air Force cases, that is generally the 36th Wing at Andersen Air Force Base. For Navy cases, it is Commander, Naval Forces Marianas at Naval Base Guam. For Marine Corps cases, it falls under III Marine Expeditionary Force, with forces supported by Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz. The joint command, Joint Region Marianas, oversees them all. The convening authority decides whether to prefer charges, refer your case to court-martial, and approve any sentence.
When should I hire a defense lawyer?
As early as possible — ideally the moment you suspect you are under investigation by CID, NCIS, AFOSI, or your command. Some of the most important defense work happens before charges are ever preferred, while the command is still gathering information and deciding how far to take the case. Early representation can help you avoid statements and decisions that harden the case against you, and can sometimes resolve matters before they ever reach a court-martial.
Won’t the military assign me a lawyer for free?
Yes — the military will assign you defense counsel at no cost, and many are capable. But military defenders in Korea are often carrying heavy caseloads, may have limited trial experience in complex or serious cases, and rotate out on short tours, which can disrupt continuity in a long case. A civilian defense lawyer gives you dedicated, experienced representation from start to finish — chosen by you, not assigned to you.
Guam Bases We Serve
Andersen AFB
As a specialized non-flying host wing, the 36th Wing acts as a massive logistics hub. Military justice issues there mirror typical disciplinary challenges across the Air Force, but they are frequently exacerbated by the island's isolation and unique operational tempo.
Naval Base Guam
The base's disciplinary issues frequently involve alcohol-related offenses, drug use, and off-base misconduct, which are intensified by the island's isolation and the long, high-stress deployments of its sailors.
Camp Blaz
As the first newly constructed Marine Corps installation since 1952, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz utilizes military justice to establish discipline within a rapidly growing force relocating from Okinawa, Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a military defense lawyer if I am under investigation in Guam?
If you are under investigation in Guam, you should take the situation seriously right away. In many cases, the smartest move is to get legal advice as early as possible. Do not make any statements, answer any questions, or try to explain your side formally or informally to anyone. Contact us right away.
Do you handle court-martial cases in Guam?
Yes. I represent service members in Guam facing court-martial and other serious UCMJ matters, including cases involving allegations that can affect liberty, rank, pay, career progression, and long-term military benefits.
Can you help if I am stationed at Andersen Air Force Base?
Yes. I handle military defense matters for service members stationed at Andersen Air Force Base who are facing investigations, court-martial, Article 15 / NJP, administrative separation, or other adverse action.
Can you help if I am stationed at Naval Base Guam?
Yes. I represent service members at Naval Base Guam in military justice and adverse administrative matters, including investigations, disciplinary actions, and court-martial cases.
What kinds of Guam military cases do you handle?
I handle court-martial defense, Article 15 / NJP defense, administrative separation matters, military investigations, adverse paperwork, sexual assault allegations, drug allegations, false official statement allegations, disobedience allegations, and other serious UCMJ-related cases.
Talk to a Guam Military Defense Lawyer
If you are in Guam and need a military defense lawyer, contact me for a confidential consultation. If you are being investigated, accused of a UCMJ offense, facing court-martial, or worried that command action is coming, now is the time to protect yourself.