Hard-Hitting Criminal Defense In Military Courtrooms Around The World
Why Choose Newsom & Gapasin? Our Client Service, Experience, and Results set us apart from the rest.
Arrested? Under Investigation? Don't let False Allegations keep you from Your Family.
Accused Of Sexual Assault? The Severity of these Charges can Ruin Your Life. Let Us Fight For You. *Click below.*
Mr. Gapasin, Managing Partner and Founder of Newsom & Gapasin, Attorneys at Law, is a:
- Former JAG Prosecutor
- Former Part-Time Military Magistrate
- Former JAG Defense Counsel and Senior Defense Counsel
- Former Legal Advisor for Summary Courts-Martial Officers
- Former Article 32 Legal Advisor
- Former Legal Advisor to Investigating Officers.
Benefits Of Hiring A Civilian Military Lawyer
Defending You Against Serious Criminal Charges. Consider Our Recent Case Results.
June 3, 2013, Colorado. U.S. v. E-4. Soldier is accused of assault and battery, assault with a deadly weapon and disrespect of an NCO. Command presumes him guilty without considering the statements of a witness present at the scene of the incident. Client maintains from the beginning he was engaged in self-defense from an aggressive NCO. Unit on the verge of preferring charges against Soldier. Soldier retains Mr. Gapasin. Afterwards, the unit declines to prosecute and Soldier follows through on original plan to leave the Army. Refusal to prosecute allows Soldier his opportunity to leave the Army with Honorable characterization of discharge.
May 3, 2013, Bahrain. U.S. v. E-6. Sailor with over 10 years is accused of disrespect of an Officer and assault against another Sailor in an alleged altercation at the base gate. Command rushes to judgment and seeks to court-martial with the aim of discharging her from the Navy. Sailor hires Mr. Gapasin to represent her against these false allegations. Within days of retaining Mr. Gapasin, the unit dismisses the charges thereby allowing her to PCS to her next duty assignment.
April 21, 2013, Minnesota. U.S. v. E-7. Soldier with 14 years is accused of six specifications of maltreatment against NCOs and junior enlisted Soldiers. The maltreatment alleged included repeatedly dragging a blade across the face of another NCO, assault and battery, and hazing. Soldier was also charged with failing to obey a lawful general regulation by engaging in gender discrimination and offensive behavior. Mr. Gapasin aggressively cross-examines the Government witnesses making these allegations against this NCO known to be a hard-charger and "by the book" leader. Mr. Gapasin takes case to trial and the client is fully acquitted of all charges and specifications.
April 15, 2013, Louisiana. U.S. v. O-3. Officer is charged with 29 specifications under the UCMJ and faces life imprisonment for alleged violence and sexual assaults against girlfriend. Officer retains Mr. Gapasin who takes case to trial and client is acquitted of multiple specifications for the following offenses: attempt murder, rape, kidnapping, stalking and a majority of the assault and battery allegations. Though found guilty of additional minor offenses, e.g., military-specific offenses, client avoids life in prison as well as sex offender registration. Client to serve minimal confinement due to successful motion resulting in confinement credit of over 600 days.
March 14, 2013, Kansas. U.S. v. E-5. Soldier is accused of sexual assault of a child under the age of 12 and several specifications of indecent acts against a minor. Soldier retains Mr. Gapasin to represent him at the Article 32 hearing. Mr. Gapasin aggressively cross-examines the estranged spouse as well as the alleged victims to reveal false accusations of sexual assault against the client in order to benefit from pending court-ordered financial support. Cross-examination by Mr. Gapasin also revealed that false accusations were made in order to affect child custody orders. The Article 32 Investigating Officer recommended dismissal of all charges and their specifications, and the Convening Authority agreed. All charges were subsequently dismissed.
January 11, 2013, Missouri. Army O-3 Admin Separation Board. Army Captain facing separation for alleged General Order violation while deployed to Afghanistan for drinking alcohol. Also facing separation for allegedly being AWOL from his unit. Mr. Gapasin represents officer client before board composed of O-6 President and O-5 Members. After deliberations, board issues findings and fully retains client.
January 8, 2013, Georgia. U.S. v. E-7. Soldier instructor is accused of sexually assaulting three different female trainees at Airborne School. Mr. Gapasin takes case to trial and aggressively cross-examines the female trainees on the stand. The client is acquitted of all sexual assault charges against each of the three female accusers and avoids sex offender registration.
December 10, 2012, Virginia. U.S. v. E-3. Sailor is accused of rape of estranged spouse. He is also accused of aggravated assault and communicating deadly threats. Sailor retains Mr. Gapasin to represent him during the investigation stage and before the preferral of charges. Mr. Gapasin communicates with NCIS agents involved in the sloppy investigation of the sailor and exposes a lack of credibility of the estranged spouse. United States does not move forward and the case is subsequently dismissed.
November 8, 2012, United Kingdom. U.S. v. O-3: Air Force officer charged with abusive sexual contact, stalking, aggravated assault. Media coverage by Air Force Times due to sexual offense allegations of this accused flier. Also one of the first contested Air Force trials involving newly legislated sexual assault laws under UCMJ Article 120. Mr. Gapasin takes case to trial and the client is acquitted of all serious charges, including sexual offense, and multiple stalking and aggravated assault charges. The officer panel retains this Airman with 18 years of service.
October 18, 2012, South Korea. U.S. v. E-3: Soldier accused of assaulting four Korean males and committing false official statement, disrespect of an NCO. Mr. Gapasin is retained by Soldier to defend him against non-judicial punishment and possible court-martial. Soldier is prepared to opt for court-martial rather than proceed with non-judicial punishment. United States does not move forward. Case is dismissed.
September 25, 2012, Colorado. U.S. v. O-3: Army officer charged with wrongful sexual contact and assault and battery. Media coverage by Army Times, Stars and Stripes, and local papers due to allegations of hazing against the client and misuse of alcohol at officer function. Mr. Gapasin takes case to trial and the client is acquitted of the sexual offenses and assault and battery. The officer panel retains this Soldier with 15 years of service.
August 21, 2012, Arizona. U.S. v. E-1: Airman charged with serious sex offenses punishable by up to life in prison. Mr. Gapasin takes case to Article 32 hearing and the Investigating Officer recommends dismissal of these charges. As a result, the United States does not pursue and the charges are dropped.
See these and many other case results under the section, Notable Cases. Worldwide Court-Martial Defense.
Newsom & Gapasin, Attorneys at Law is an aggressive, top-quality law firm that focuses only on Military Law and Courts-Martial Defense.
In fact, 100% of the firm's practice is devoted solely to representing Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, and Sailors stationed around the world. Experience matters.
We have the Courtroom Experience and the Track Record to Win Your Court-Martial.
Mr. Ernesto C. Gapasin is the Managing Partner and Founder of Newsom & Gapasin, Attorneys at Law. Mr. Gapasin's cases have been reported on by hundreds of media outlets across the country and around the world. Mr. Gapasin had cases reported on CNN, Fox News, Newsweek, Rolling Stone, Time, USA Today, 60 Minutes, Stars and Stripes, Air Force Times, Army Times, Navy Times, Associated Press, The New York Times, and the Las Vegas Review-Journal and Las Vegas Sun, among many others.
If you are under investigation or facing a Court-Martial, contact us today. We focus on winning tough cases. Newsom & Gapasin only represents military service members and gives them the professional attention they deserve. Newsom & Gapasin, Attorneys at Law, is truly an international law firm, defending our defenders in military courtrooms around the world.
Remember, the best defense is an early defense. Having the right lawyer on your side from Day 1 is the key to a successful defense.
Are You Facing A Similar Legal Situation?
- Military law enforcement wants your permission to search your home, computer, and personal things?
- You are the next target of the military's overly aggressive, indiscriminate sexual assault policy?
- You are being investigated and no one has told you why and even your command refuses to give you any details?
- Your commander orders you to write out a "sworn" statement about what happened even though you want legal advice?
- You go to an off-post restaurant and see the prosecutors in your case having lunch with your detailed JAG lawyer?
- An officer was appointed to investigate your legal situation and wants you to come in and write out a statement?
- Your detailed JAG lawyer keeps telling you to sign off on the Chapter 10 discharge for an Other Than Honorable discharge even though you want to stay in the military?
- Military law enforcement told you that agreeing to do a polygraph was the best way of closing the investigation against you?
- Your chain of command, the prosecutor and your detailed JAG lawyer tell you that taking nonjudicial punishment is your best choice even though you are innocent and want to fight the allegations?
- You are being told that if you agree to nonjudicial punishment rather than a court-martial, your unit promises not to initiate separation proceedings afterwards -- but they don't want to put it in writing?
- Did you sign a sworn statement against your will or without knowing your rights?
- Your detailed JAG lawyer is trying to convince you that you will be convicted if you don't sign the guilty plea even though you already told him that you are in fact innocent?
If so, call Newsom & Gapasin so you know your rights and what to do when you are facing these life and career-threatening situations. Fill out the form and we will call you shortly for your free telephone interview.
Remember, a quick plea deal may not be in your best interests, and may wreck your life down the road. Ask yourself: 5 years from now, when you look back on this decision to take the deal and not to fight the charges, is that a decision you're going to regret? The answer is almost always yes -- especially when your free military lawyer forces you to take a deal you don't want. Call us. We will discuss all of your options with you, not just a guilty plea.
Ernesto C. Gapasin Civilian Defense Counsel, Former JAG Prosecutor and Former JAG Senior Defense Counsel.
While in the JAG Corps, Mr. Gapasin served in a number of positions that broadened his experience in Military Law and Courts-Martial Defense. Mr. Gapasin served as a prosecutor in the Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. Mr. Gapasin's service as a former Prosecutor gives him a unique advantage that many military defense lawyers do not have. Mr. Gapasin served as the primary advisor to the Special Court-Martial Convening Authority and subordinate commanders on cases in which he served as the lead prosecutor. Mr. Gapasin also served as a recorder (a government representative) to administrative separation boards, and coordinated criminal investigations with military police, military investigators (NCIS, OSI, CID), investigating officers, and company commanders. As a former prosecutor, Mr. Gapasin also advised company and battalion commanders, prepared charge sheets, and argued government motions. Mr. Gapasin's service as a JAG prosecutor no doubt gives him a unique advantage as a criminal defense lawyer because he can anticipate prosecutor's strategies in your case.
A Career Of Success And Integrity.
Throughout his career as a Las Vegas Criminal Defense Lawyer and Courts-Martial Trial Defense Lawyer, Mr. Gapasin has always been passionate about providing his clients the best possible defense. Mr. Gapasin wants to be your lawyer and provide you with the solid, professional legal representation that you expect. He truly believes in the essence of what it means to be a great defense lawyer: to aggressively defend the client and to keep our military justice system honest. Whether you are a Soldier, Airman, Marine, or Sailor, Mr. Gapasin wants to represent you and win your case. His desire is to ensure that your rights are protected and that you get your full and fair day in court. Mr. Gapasin's job as your defense lawyer is to see to it that you get the aggressive defense you deserve and that the evidence that needs to be considered in your defense is properly admitted in a court of law. Mr. Gapasin will give you the quality representation you expect from your lawyer. There is no doubt that Mr. Gapasin's sole focus is to win your case. That is his primary job as your defense lawyer. No Military Judge and no Prosecutor can ever deny that that should be the defense lawyer's purpose when stepping into a courtroom. With Mr. Gapasin by your side, you can guarantee that his single mission is to aggressively represent you and to win your case. Mr. Gapasin will work to that end by using his vast trial experience and by diligently preparing for your case.
Historical Track Record Of Success
Mr. Gapasin has a proven, historical track record of success in the courtroom. You can read about some of Mr. Gapasin's successful results under "Notable Cases." Call Mr. Gapasin to discuss your case. Initial consultations are free. If Mr. Gapasin agrees to represent you, you can guarantee that he believes in your case and wants to fight on your behalf. Know that Mr. Gapasin will devote 110% of his effort into your case, and that every case is important to Newsom & Gapasin. The firm wants to work with you and watch you successfully walk out of that courtroom or separation board. Newsom & Gapasin wants to protect your military career and give you your full and fair day in court.
The Newsom & Gapasin Advantage
The "Newsom & Gapasin Advantage" is the advantage you gain from retaining the firm's experience and quality representation. Experience and Quality -- this is what makes Newsom & Gapasin a firm you can count on. This is what makes the "NG Advantage." If you retain Mr. Gapasin, he will return your calls. He will respond to your emails. He will work hand-in-hand with you in your defense. You get the benefit of Mr. Gapasin's legal experience. The hundreds of cases Mr. Gapasin has litigated over his 12 year career give you the edge you need in a Military Courtroom. The number of Mr. Gapasin's cases that have been covered by the media is further evidence of his breadth of experience. Some of the media outlets that have covered Mr. Gapasin's cases are included in the scrolling ticker above. Media will only cover the toughest, high-profile cases. These are exactly the types of cases Mr. Gapasin will take, and these are the types of cases he believes must be litigated in a military courtroom.
An A+ Law Firm
Newsom & Gapasin desires to be the best Military Defense Law Firm in the world. We want to be an A+ law firm. Newsom & Gapasin will be an A+ law firm when we not only provide top-notch quality representation, but we treat all our clients with respect and dignity, and a level of professionalism you expect from seasoned lawyers. If Mr. Gapasin does not believe the firm can provide that high-level of representation for you then we will not take your case. Every client is a priority. With Newsom & Gapasin, it is never about quantity or volume, but always about quality.
Contact Us Today
You, your family, and your career are our top priorities. Newsom & Gapasin will aggressively defend you to protect your rights, to win your case, and to give you your day in court. If you are serious about hiring a firm to defend you, call or email us now and we can discuss your matter privately and in confidence.
We Defend Clients Facing All Offenses Under The Uniform Code of Military Justice ("UCMJ"):
- High-Profile Media Cases
- Murder/Homicide
- Sexual Assault/Rape
- Other Sex-Related Offenses
- Child Pornography
- Other Child-Related Offenses
- Larceny
- Assault and Battery
- BAH Fraud
- Drug Offenses
- DUI and Alcohol-Specific Offenses
- Offenses involving DNA evidence
- Computer Crimes
- Non-Judicial Punishment (e.g., Article 15s, GOMORs, LOAs, Captain's Mast, Office Hours, Unfavorable Information File)
- Military-Specific Offenses (e.g., disobeying orders, AWOL)
- Reservists Facing UCMJ
If you are facing an investigation or if you are pending charges for any of these offenses, whether it is for nonjudicial punishment (e.g., Article 15, Mast, Office Hours or a Summary Court-Martial), or for Special or General Courts-Martial, call Newsom & Gapasin as soon as possible. Be warned, any mistakes you or your detailed JAG counsel make early in the process will haunt you for the rest of the case. So it is critical that you have experienced counsel right away.




