If you are an active duty service member or veteran dealing with criminal charges in California, you are likely worried about your rank, your paycheck, and your freedom. Getting word that your command is looking into you or reading formal charges on paper changes everything in a second. Our firm steps in early to protect your rights, explain the choices in front of you, and stand up against hard pushback from military prosecutors. You do not have to fight the command structure by yourself.

Sean Mangan, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired), founded Mangan Law to help service members who have everything on the line. With over 30 years of experience in military and criminal justice systems, he knows how commanders think and how military prosecutors build their cases. Whether you are dealing with a local police report off base or a military criminal investigation on base, getting a California military defense lawyer on your side gives you the best chance to defend your record.

Military Defense Legal Services Across California

Military personnel stationed in California face a unique mix of military rules and state laws. A single incident off base can lead to local police report filings, civilian court dates, and administrative military action all at once. We handle a full range of military legal problems, working directly with clients to build a clear strategy from the very start.

Our law firm helps clients with these common military legal matters:

  • General, Special, and Summary Courts-Martial: Defending against serious criminal charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
  • Article 32 Preliminary Hearings: Challenging government evidence before charges get sent to a full trial.
  • Administrative Separation Boards: Fighting involuntary discharge proceedings to protect your military career, your GI Bill benefits, and your honor.
  • Article 15 and Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP): Helping you decide whether to accept NJP or demand a court-martial, and writing formal written responses.
  • GOMOR and Reprimand Responses: Filing strong rebuttals to keep negative letters out of your official military file.
  • Off-Base Civilian Criminal Charges: Managing dual jurisdiction issues when California local police or sheriff deputies arrest service members off base.

Major California Military Bases We Help

California is home to some of the largest military installations in the world. Each branch operates under specific commands, but all active duty service members fall under the exact same UCMJ rules. With over 200 successful cases across all military branches, our team knows how to handle cases at every installation across the state.

We assist service members stationed at major locations, including:

  • Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton: Handling complex UCMJ cases, combat arms issues, and administrative separation boards for Marines and Sailors.
  • Naval Base San Diego, Coronado, and Point Loma: Defending Navy personnel facing Captain’s Mast, shore patrol arrests, or general courts-martial.
  • Marine Corps Air Station Miramar: Representing aviation and support personnel during command investigations or criminal allegations.
  • Travis Air Force Base & Beale Air Force Base: Protecting Air Force personnel facing drug accusations, security clearance issues, or Article 120 charges.
  • Fort Irwin National Training Center: Assisting Army soldiers facing misconduct allegations or administrative discharge boards.
  • Vandenberg Space Force Base & NAS Lemoore: Defending Guardians and Navy pilots dealing with career-ending claims or formal investigations.

Court-Martial Process in California

When a commander decides to prefer charges against you, the clock starts running fast. Knowing what comes next keeps you from making mistakes like talking to investigators without an attorney present.

Here is how a standard military court-martial unfolds:

  1. Investigation Phase: Military law enforcement agencies like NCIS, CID, or OSI ask questions, collect physical evidence, and review phone records.
  2. Preferral of Charges: Your command officially signs charges under the UCMJ and serves you with a formal copy.
  3. Article 32 Hearing: For serious felony-level charges, an investigating officer reviews the evidence to see if there is real reason to go forward.
  4. Referral to Trial: The convening authority decides whether to send your case to a summary, special, or general court-martial.
  5. Pre-Trial Motions and Trial: Your defense lawyer challenges illegal evidence, questions government witnesses, and presents your side to a military judge or panel of officers and enlisted members.

Why Choose Mangan Law for Your Defense

Going through a military investigation or court-martial is stressful for you and your family. Relying solely on assigned detailed military counsel can feel overwhelming because young JAG lawyers often carry massive caseloads. You have the right to hire a civilian California military defense lawyer who can devote undivided focus and personal energy to your case.

When you bring Mangan Law onto your team, you get:

  • Direct access to an attorney with over 30 years of experience in military and criminal justice systems.
  • Deep knowledge gained from Sean Mangan’s background as a retired Lieutenant Colonel who knows military procedures inside and out.
  • A record built over 200 successful cases across all military branches, defending Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Guardians.
  • Plain, honest answers about your options without complicated legal talk or false promises.

Talk to a California Military Defense Lawyer Today

If you are facing military criminal charges, an administrative board, or an investigation by base authorities, do not wait for the command to make the next move. Protecting your rank, your family, and your future starts with a single phone call. Reach out to Mangan Law today at (360) 908-2203 to schedule a confidential consultation and start working on your defense plan right away.

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