Military Defense Attorney | Japan

Japan hosts the largest overseas presence of U.S. military forces anywhere in the world — from the sprawling Marine Corps and Air Force installations of Okinawa in the south, to the Navy’s forward-deployed carrier strike group at Yokosuka, to the Air Force hubs at Yokota and Misawa in the north. With that presence comes command pressure, heightened scrutiny, and the ever-present risk of a career-ending charge. If you are a service member stationed anywhere in Japan and facing an investigation, a court-martial, an administrative separation, or non-judicial punishment, you need an experienced civilian military defense attorney in your corner immediately.

Steven J. Goralski of Military Defense Litigator LLC is a former Marine Corps Major with over 11 years of active-duty service, including years spent as a criminal defense attorney and Deputy Staff Judge Advocate at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune — one of the busiest defense offices in the Marine Corps. He has defended service members at special courts-martial and general courts-martial across Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force courts, and he represents clients worldwide, including those stationed throughout Japan. Call (855) UCMJ-LAW or 910-502-3737 for a confidential consultation.

U.S. Military Installations Served in Japan

Japan hosts U.S. military installations across multiple prefectures, collectively home to tens of thousands of active-duty service members, dependents, and civilian personnel. Military Defense Litigator LLC provides defense representation across all of them, including:

Okinawa

• Kadena Air Base — The largest U.S. Air Force installation in Asia and hub of the 18th Wing.
• Camp Foster — Headquarters of the III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF) and one of the largest Marine Corps installations on the island.
• Marine Corps Air Station Futenma — A major USMC aviation installation serving pilots, aircrew, and ground support personnel.
• Camp Hansen — Home to the 4th Marine Regiment and 3rd Marine Division training elements.
• Camp Schwab — A combat-ready forward-deployed Marine base in northern Okinawa.
• Camp Kinser — A Marine Corps logistics and support base.
• Torii Station — Home to elements of the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne).
• Camp Lester — A smaller installation primarily serving administrative and support functions.
• Camp Courtney — Headquarters of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade and other III MEF units.
• Camp McTureous — A smaller USMC installation in central Okinawa.

Honshu

• Naval Station Yokosuka — The largest U.S. naval installation in the Western Pacific and homeport of the forward-deployed carrier strike group.
• Yokota Air Base — Headquarters of U.S. Forces Japan and Fifth Air Force, located in the Tokyo metropolitan area.
• Camp Zama — Headquarters of U.S. Army Japan and I Corps (Forward).
• Naval Air Facility Atsugi — A major naval aviation installation south of Tokyo, home to carrier air wing aircraft.
• Misawa Air Base — A joint-use installation in northern Honshu serving U.S. Air Force and Navy personnel.
• Camp Fuji — A Marine Corps training installation at the base of Mt. Fuji.

Western Japan

• Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni — A major USMC and U.S. Air Force aviation installation near Hiroshima, home to Marine Aircraft Group 12 and F-35B squadrons.

Why Japan Presents Unique Legal Risks for U.S. Service Members

Serving in Japan is not like serving stateside. The political environment surrounding the U.S. military presence — particularly in Okinawa, but also around Yokosuka, Iwakuni, and the Tokyo-area installations — means that incidents involving local nationals, off-base conduct, or high-profile offenses receive intense command attention and, at times, media scrutiny. Commands often feel pressure to act decisively and visibly, which can lead to overcharging, rushed investigations, and service members being railroaded before anyone stops to ask whether the evidence actually supports the allegations.

Add to this the challenges of being stationed far from home — limited access to civilian legal counsel, unfamiliarity with the local legal environment, and the stress of deployments and exercises — and you have a situation where service members are uniquely vulnerable. A military-appointed defense attorney, while well-intentioned, is often overworked and juggling dozens of cases. You deserve an attorney who is focused entirely on your defense.

Common issues that arise for service members in Japan include:

• Off-base incidents involving local nationals and the intersection of Japanese law and the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA)
• Alcohol-related misconduct following off-base curfew violations
• Drug offenses, including urinalysis failures and alleged use or distribution
• Sexual assault and sexual misconduct allegations, which are aggressively prosecuted across all branches
• Domestic violence and assault charges involving spouses or family members
• Financial fraud, including BAH/OHA fraud, larceny, and procurement card misuse
• Insubordination, disobeying orders (UCMJ Article 92), and conduct unbecoming
• Social media-related misconduct and leaking of classified or sensitive information

UCMJ Charges and Services We Handle in Japan

Military Defense Litigator LLC handles the full range of military legal proceedings for service members stationed in Japan, across all branches:

Courts-Martial Defense

Whether you are facing a summary, special, or general court-martial, the stakes could not be higher — your freedom, your career, your benefits, and your future civilian employment are all on the line. Mr. Goralski has first-hand trial experience as both a defense counsel and a judge advocate, giving him insight into how commands operate and what it takes to win. He will challenge every piece of evidence, scrutinize every procedural step, and fight for the best possible outcome at trial or through a negotiated resolution.

Administrative Separation Defense

An administrative separation can derail a military career and affect VA benefits, civilian job prospects, and retirement eligibility. If you are facing an administrative separation board, you have the right to be represented by a civilian attorney at your own expense, and you should exercise that right. Mr. Goralski has represented numerous clients at administrative separation boards and understands how to present a compelling case for retention or an upgraded characterization of service.

Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP / Article 15)

Many service members accept NJP thinking it is the path of least resistance. It often isn’t. Before you sign anything or accept any punishment, consult with an experienced military defense attorney. Mr. Goralski can help you evaluate your options and respond strategically.

Free Military Defense Counsel Walk-In Clinics in Japan

If you have been read your rights for a Navy Captain’s Mast or Marine NJP in Japan, you have the right to consult with a military defense attorney. You can visit the local DSO walk-in clinics listed below. However, remember that detailed command military defense offices are frequently backlogged. If you need immediate, dedicated representation to protect your career and prepare your rebuttal package, contact our firm today for an immediate consultation.

• DSO Pacific — Yokosuka (HQ) | Tues & Thurs, 1300–1500 JST | DSOPACIFIC_YOKOSUKA_WALKINS@us.navy.mil | +81 (0)80-5025-8903
• DSO Pacific — Sasebo | Tues & Thurs, 1300–1500 JST | DSOPACIFIC_SASEBO_WALKINS@us.navy.mil | +81 (0)90-9365-1408
• ADC — Kadena Air Base | Mon–Fri, 0830–1130 | Bldg 1460-B | DSN: 315-634-3114
• ADC — Yokota Air Base | DSN: 315-225-8114 | COMM: 011-81-3-117-55-8114

UCMJ Investigations and Pre-Charge Advice

If you are under investigation — whether by CID, NCIS, OSI, or your command — you need legal counsel before you say a single word to investigators. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Mr. Goralski provides pre-charge advice to help service members understand their rights, avoid self-incrimination, and position themselves for the best possible outcome if charges are eventually preferred.

Board of Inquiry (BOI) and Officer Elimination Proceedings

Marine Corps officers facing elimination — whether triggered by a court-martial acquittal that still left command doubts, a pattern of adverse FITREPs, or a standalone misconduct allegation — may be referred to a Board of Inquiry. A BOI is a formal administrative proceeding that can result in involuntary separation and a characterization of service that affects retirement, benefits, and civilian employment for decades. Officers have the right to be represented by counsel of their choosing at a BOI, and having an experienced civilian attorney — one who understands both USMC officer culture and the administrative law framework — is essential. Mr. Goralski has the background to present a compelling case for retention before a board of senior officers.

Why Choose a Civilian Military Defense Attorney in Japan?

You have options when it comes to legal representation. A military-appointed defense attorney is free, but they are stretched thin across multiple cases and may lack the trial experience to truly fight for you. A civilian defense attorney like Steven Goralski is retained by you, answers only to you, and has every incentive to pursue your best outcome aggressively.

Mr. Goralski brings a rare combination of experience to your defense:

• 11+ years of active-duty service as a Marine Corps officer — he understands the culture, the pressures, and the way commands operate
• Years as a criminal defense attorney in one of the Marine Corps’ busiest defense offices at Camp Lejeune
• Experience as a Deputy Staff Judge Advocate — he knows how the prosecution and command think
• Trial experience across Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force courts — he is not learning on your case
• Worldwide availability — being stationed in Japan does not limit your access to quality defense counsel

When your career, your freedom, and your future are on the line, you need someone who knows what it takes to win. Contact Military Defense Litigator LLC today for a confidential consultation.

Contact a Military Defense Attorney for Japan

If you are stationed anywhere in Japan — Okinawa, Iwakuni, Yokosuka, Yokota, Camp Zama, Misawa, or any other installation — and you are facing military legal proceedings, do not wait. The earlier you retain experienced defense counsel, the better positioned you will be.

Call (855) UCMJ-LAW or 910-502-3737, or book a confidential consultation online. Steven J. Goralski and Military Defense Litigator LLC are ready to fight for you — wherever you are stationed.