California Military Defense Attorneys

Protecting the Rights of Military Members in California

Serving in the military is an honor, but when you’re facing accusations or disciplinary actions, it can feel like everything you’ve worked for is slipping away. At Mangan Law, we help service members in California stand up for themselves when their careers, freedoms, and futures are on the line. Whether you’re stationed at a base in San Diego, near Sacramento, or anywhere in between, we’re here to defend your rights.

We’ve handled cases involving the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. Our experience with military law runs deep, and we understand what’s at stake. We don’t just know the rules. We’ve lived them, defended them, and we know how to fight back when you’re being treated unfairly.

Why Choose Sean Mangan?

In the face of career threats, don’t settle for mediocre representation. Your life and future deserve the best. Opt for Sean Mangan, an exceptional ex-JAG military law attorney recognized as an expert in the field. With an impressive 24-year active-duty Army career and over 30 years in law and criminal justice, Sean offers unparalleled experience. He has navigated every aspect of the military and criminal justice systems, from the streets to the courtroom, covering local to federal courts. Sean is not just a trial attorney; he has been on both sides, handling appeals and serving as a Military Judge and Magistrate. Beyond the courtroom, Sean’s background as a former law enforcement officer and Professor of Military Criminal Law at the ABA-Certified JAG School sets him apart. He has also contributed as a Senior Criminal Law Policy Attorney, advising leaders at the Pentagon. Sean Mangan’s expertise is truly unmatched.

Military Bases We Serve in California

California is home to some of the largest and most active military installations in the country. Service members across all branches are stationed here, and we’ve worked with clients at many of these locations. We’re ready to step in and help no matter where you’re located.

Here are just some of the military bases we serve:

• Camp Pendleton (Marines)
• Marine Corps Air Station Miramar
• Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms
• Naval Base San Diego
• Naval Base Coronado
• Naval Base Point Loma
• Edwards Air Force Base
• Travis Air Force Base
• Beale Air Force Base
• Vandenberg Space Force Base
• Los Angeles Air Force Base
• Fort Irwin (Army)
• Presidio of Monterey
• Coast Guard Island (Alameda)
• McClellan Airfield

We know these areas well. And we’re ready to represent you wherever you are stationed in California.

Types of Military Cases We Handle

Military legal issues are different from civilian problems. The process, the rules, and the consequences are not the same. At Mangan Law, we focus only on military cases, and we understand what each situation involves. Here are the types of cases we handle:

Court-Martial Defense
A court-martial is a military trial, and it can lead to serious punishment, including jail time, rank reduction, or even a dishonorable discharge. We defend service members facing all levels of court-martial, from summary to general. Whether you’ve been charged with misconduct, assault, theft, or something else, we’ll build a strong defense and fight to protect your future.

Non-Judicial Punishment (Article 15 / Captain’s Mast)
Sometimes the command tries to handle misconduct without going through a full court-martial. This might seem like a lighter punishment, but it can still impact your record and career. We help clients challenge or appeal NJP decisions and ensure your side of the story is heard.

Administrative Separation / Discharge Boards
When the military wants to separate you early, it doesn’t just affect your job. It can take away your benefits, your retirement, and your reputation. We represent service members during these hearings and help you keep your career or, at the very least, fight for an honorable discharge.

BOI / Elimination Boards
Officers under review for separation or misconduct may face a Board of Inquiry. This board decides whether to retain or separate the officer. We’ll help prepare a clear and detailed defense to preserve your record.

Military Investigations
Military investigators like CID, NCIS, AFOSI, CGIS, or the IG often start looking into a service member before charges are filed. If you’ve been contacted or suspect you’re being investigated, you need legal help right away. We can protect you during interviews, advise you on what to say (or not say), and keep the process from going off track.

Appeals and Record Corrections
Sometimes the system gets it wrong. If you’ve already gone through a court-martial or separation and want to appeal the outcome, we can help. We also work with clients to correct records or upgrade discharges, especially when the original outcome was unfair, biased, or based on weak evidence.

Discharge Upgrades
If you were separated with a General, Other Than Honorable (OTH), or Bad Conduct Discharge, you still have a chance to upgrade it. Whether the separation was related to health, misconduct, or other personal issues, we’ll help you prepare the paperwork and make a solid case.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claims
While not directly tied to criminal defense, many veterans and service members stationed at Camp Lejeune were exposed to contaminated water. If you’re suffering from health problems that may be connected, we can help you file a claim and pursue compensation.

Get a Free Consultation Today

Your career, your benefits, and your freedom may be on the line. Don’t wait until it’s too late to get help. If you’re facing a court-martial, administrative separation, or any kind of military investigation in California, call us for a free consultation.

We’ll give you clear advice, honest answers, and a plan to fight back.

Call Mangan Law at (360) 908-2203 Now

Other Locations We Serve

Joint Base Lewis-McChord | Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson | Fort Wainwright | Naval Base Kitsap | Joint Base San-Antonio | Fairchild AFB | Mountain Home AFB | Malmstrom AFB | USCG Kodiak | Fort Huachuca | Fort Irwin | Ellsworth AFB | FE Warren AFB | Fort Leavenworth | Fort Johnson | Fort Eisenhower | Hill AFB | Beale AFB | Minot AFB | Grand Forks AFB | Fort Liberty | Fort Cavazos | Fort Riley | Fort Stewart | Fort Moore | USCG Sector Puget Sound | Fort Carson, Peterson SFB, Air Force Academy | Wright-Patterson AFB | Military District of Washington