“CPT Will Helixon is the very best trial attorney within the entire Army Trial Defense Service. His courtroom examinations and riveting arguments are awe-inspiring.”
JAG Colonel Sr. Rater, June 2005, Germany
Beware of other military lawyer websites that falsely claim to represent Soldiers and Service Members in Germany. Unlike those attorneys who handle cases from the United States and only fly to Germany when necessary for a court-martial or an administrative board, The Law Office of Will M. Helixon stands apart. We are the sole military practice with dedicated military lawyers residing in Germany, fully immersed in the local legal landscape on a daily basis. Our team of military lawyers in Germany skillfully handles a wide range of military law cases, from courts-martial and administrative boards to rebuttals against adverse administrative actions such as GOMORs, NJP, and QMP Boards. While we do travel to represent clients in the United States, our primary focus remains in Germany, collaborating closely with military command teams and law enforcement agencies. Contact us today for a complimentary initial consultation regarding your military law issue in Germany. Whether we meet you in person, via video conference, or by telephone, rest assured that we will be right here in Germany, conveniently located in Vilseck and Wiesbaden.
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Adding to the impressive team of Warrior AdvocatesTM in Germany, our Warrior Law Team has expanded by adding experienced military lawyers in the United States to address your military law needs. With our military lawyers now physically located in Washington and Colorado, in addition to throughout Germany, a Warrior AdvocateTM is just a call away. Now representing Warrior ClientsTM worldwide, between our Germany and U.S. locations, no installation or base is out of our reach. Now for your military law needs in Germany and the United States, there is one choice: the Warrior AdvocatesTM at the Law Office of Will M. Helixon, your Warrior Law Team.
Why choose the Warrior AdvocatesTM at the Law Office of Will M. Helixon for your military lawyers in Germany or court-martial defense lawyers? We stand out for numerous compelling reasons. With decades of experience as military lawyers and court-martial defense lawyers, we bring a wealth of expertise to the table. Having served several years in Germany, we not only operate an office here but also reside in the country. Our team of Germany-based Warrior AdvocatesTM have lived in Germany for of 30 years combined. As veterans and former members of the active duty Army JAG Corps formerly stationed in Germany, we possess a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Guardians, and Coastguardsmen stationed in Europe and Germany. We genuinely appreciate the sacrifices you make, as well as the sacrifices your families endure, embodying our dedication to our Nation. Among our Germany-based Warrior AdvocatesTM we have military lawyers that speak German fluently, are active in German politics and social causes, and have spent the majority of their life assimilating into the Germany culture — between us, we understand the challenges and the unique differences of living in Germany and the issues and complications of living and serving here.
Drawing from our personal life experiences, which include overcoming hardships, we empathize with the difficulties Warrior ClientsTM may encounter. Our unwavering commitment is to defend you in every aspect of your case, regardless of its magnitude or complexity. Providing you with timely, accurate, and unbiased legal advice is our paramount mission. With offices in Germany, we are well-prepared to represent and support you not only in Germany and Europe, but also in the United States and Far East.
When we stride confidently into the courtroom and assert, “the defense is ready,” we send a resolute message to the Government: defending your rights is our top priority. Our exceptional Warrior AdvocatesTM passionately dedicate themselves to your cause, working tirelessly on your behalf. Count on us to provide an unwavering defense—nothing is more important to us—it is our PASSION.
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Will M. Helixon
Natalia Helmsing
Andre Le Blanc
Mary Ritzmann
John Caulwell
Will M. Helixon
Our firm is led by Retired Lieutenant Colonel Will M. Helixon, the hard-working founder with an impressive career spanning over 30 years as a military lawyer and court-martial defense lawyer. Throughout his extensive tenure, he has consistently stood in the courtroom, fiercely advocating for his uniformed clients, and defending civilians in the civilian criminal courts. Will’s journey in the legal profession began after spending three years as a civilian criminal defense lawyer in Houston, Texas. In August 1996, he enlisted in the Army, upholding a proud family tradition of military service that stretched across multiple generations.
Commencing his military career as a brigade paralegal, then-Corporal Helixon’s dedication and exceptional abilities earned him a commission in July 1998, furthering his trial advocacy as a military lawyer for the U.S. Army. Over his 18 years of active duty, Will occupied various critical roles within military justice litigation, encompassing positions such as Trial Counsel in Germany, Senior Trial Counsel, Senior Defense Counsel in Germany, Chief of DCAP (defense advocacy training), Special Victim Prosecutor in Germany, and receiving military judge certification. His unwavering commitment to justice took him to Germany for three tours, Italy for one tour, and deployments to Afghanistan, Honduras, and Hungary, with temporary assignments in Iraq, Kuwait, Bosnia, and Croatia.
Recognizing Will’s exceptional trial skills and extensive litigation experience, the Army bestowed upon him the esteemed “3T” “Master Military Justice Practitioner” skill identifier, cementing his reputation as an exemplary court-martial defense lawyer. Currently residing in Wiesbaden, Germany, Will is readily accessible to clients throughout Germany and Europe, offering his expertise and guidance when it matters most. His dedication to clients and his hard work makes him the “go to” military lawyer in Germany.
Meet John W. Caulwell, a distinguished retired Lieutenant Colonel with a remarkable background as an Armor Officer from 2002 to 2006. He acquired invaluable combat experience in Iraq, where he received the Bronze Star for Valor on two occasions. John’s unwavering commitment to justice led him to be accepted into the prestigious U.S. Army JAG Corps’ Funded Legal Education Program (FLEP), where he pursued his legal education at Indiana University School of Law. Throughout his career in the JAG Corps, John held various significant roles, including Chief of Client Services, Chief of Administrative Law, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, Trial Counsel, Senior Defense Counsel, and Chief of Military Justice in Grafenwoehr, Germany. With experience as both a Prosecutor and Defense Counsel, John possesses a comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape and has overseen supervisory positions on both sides of the law. While friendly and approachable, John’s inner warrior spirit surfaces when the situation demands it, combining an exceptional level of legal expertise with a wealth of life experiences. Count on him to fiercely fight for your rights in your case.
Since joining the Germany-based Law Office of Will H. Helixon, John has achieved a track record of positive outcomes in nearly every single case. After dedicating over 20 years of active-duty service, John possesses a profound understanding of the Army’s intricacies, enabling him to skillfully navigate various channels such as the Chain-of-Command, Law Enforcement, Inspector General, Equal Opportunity, SHARP, and other agencies to secure the best results for his clients diplomatically or aggressively, as required. To ensure personalized attention and utmost dedication, John selectively accepts only a limited number of clients, allowing him to always be available and provide intensive focus on each case.
Residing in Amberg, Germany, John effortlessly caters to the needs of clients throughout Europe and Germany. Rest assured that with his expertise and commitment, your legal matters will be in capable hands.
With their extensive experience serving and residing in Germany, John and Will are highly adept at handling the unique challenges faced by clients in Europe and Germany. At the Law Office of Will M. Helixon, we frequently collaborate with German police, investigators, doctors, and experts, fostering strong working relationships within the local system. Our deep understanding of the German legal system empowers us to effectively request German witnesses, engage with German law enforcement, and collaborate with proficient German translators. We grasp the intricacies of German law and its potential impact on your military law issues.
Moreover, our comprehensive knowledge of local regulations specific to Germany, coupled with our understanding of the NATO Status of Forces Agreement in Germany, positions the Law Office of Will M. Helixon as the logical choice for legal matters in the country. Having served in prominent locations such as Bamberg, Hanau, and Grafenwoehr, we possess firsthand familiarity with local installations and have cultivated expertise in working with German National employees. This familiarity allows us to navigate your legal needs in Germany seamlessly.
By residing and operating in Germany, we eliminate the complications of time and expense associated with traveling from the United States. This ensures that we can promptly and effectively represent your local needs and defend your cases with efficiency and attentiveness. At the Law Office of Will M. Helixon, our local presence and commitment make us the natural choice for representing your legal needs in Europe and Germany.
The Law Office of Will M. Helixon stands out as the premier choice for military lawyers in Germany, and our commitment is evident in our physical presence. With offices conveniently located in Vilseck, Germany, and Wiesbaden, Germany, we are deeply rooted in the country. Unlike other military law firms that merely claim to have an office in Germany, we go beyond that by having our lawyers permanently reside here. It’s important to note that many U.S.-based lawyers who profess to handle cases in Germany do not actually live here on a full-time basis.
When seeking a military lawyer for representation in Germany, it’s crucial to ask prospective attorneys how often they plan to travel to Germany to handle your case. Inquire about their intentions to come to Germany or Europe to conduct investigations. Most of them rely on local military counsel such as TDS or Area Defense Counsel to carry out these essential tasks. But why settle for a civilian military lawyer who will delegate all the local work to a free detailed military counsel? At the Law Office of Will M. Helixon, we offer a distinct advantage with our team of full-time military lawyers in Germany.
Choose the Law Office of Will M. Helixon with confidence, knowing that our team of dedicated military lawyers in Germany is uniquely positioned to provide you with exceptional legal representation. Here are twelve compelling advantages to choosing the Law Office of Will M. Helixon with their military lawyers in Germany:
1. You Won’t Pay for International Travel for Military Lawyers in Germany.
When evaluating U.S.-based military lawyers for your case in Germany or Europe, it’s essential to be aware of the potential additional costs associated with international travel. Unlike our competitors, many of whom demand business class tickets and charge separately for travel expenses, the Law Office of Will M. Helixon, with military lawyers in Germany, offers a transparent fee structure that only involves necessary travel within Germany. This means you won’t be burdened with unexpected travel costs that can significantly drive up your legal fees.
In a court-martial case, the military lawyer typically needs to make three crucial appearances: the arraignment, motions hearing, and the actual trial. However, some U.S.-based lawyers may choose to “skip” the arraignment or motions hearing to avoid excessive travel overseas. Instead, they might have a detailed military lawyer cover these proceedings with the client’s approval, or they may avoid filing motions altogether. These decisions can compromise your legal representation and may result in missed opportunities to defend your rights effectively.
Before hiring a U.S.-based military lawyer, it’s important to inquire about their travel plans for your case in Germany. Ask how many times they anticipate traveling to Germany and Europe. These additional international travel expenses can accumulate quickly and add over $10,000 to $15,000 to your originally quoted attorney fees, making it crucial to have a clear understanding of the financial implications.
At the Law Office of Will M. Helixon, we prioritize your convenience and financial well-being. As residents of Germany with offices strategically located in the country, we eliminate the need for international travel costs. Our commitment to providing comprehensive legal services with military lawyers in Germany means you can confidently rely on us without incurring the financial burden of additional travel expenses. Choose the Law Office of Will M. Helixon for experienced military lawyers in Germany who prioritize your best interests while keeping your costs manageable and transparent.
2. You Will Get Prompt, Timely, and Personal Service from Military Lawyers in Germany.
At the Law Office of Will M. Helixon, our military lawyers in Germany understand the importance of seamless communication and uninterrupted support for our clients in Germany and Europe. By being in the same time zone as our clients, we ensure that we are available and working during the hours that align with your schedule. You no longer need to calculate the time difference of six (6) to nine (9) hours to determine when you can reach out and speak with your military lawyer. Say goodbye to the concerns of waking up your U.S.-based military lawyer at inconvenient hours.
Our commitment to accessibility means that the military lawyers at the Law Office of Will M. Helixon are available to you when you need them. Whether it’s a phone call, text message, video conference, or email, we are ready to address your concerns promptly and effectively, all according to your schedule. Being local allows us to maintain constant contact with our clients, ensuring efficient communication and a direct line of communication with your dedicated lawyer. No more going through paralegals, secretaries, or legal assistants – at our firm, you will have direct access to your lawyer, enabling a more personalized and responsive legal experience.
Trust the Law Office of Will M. Helixon for military lawyers in Germany who prioritize your convenience and provide direct, uninterrupted communication. We are here to support you every step of the way, ensuring that your legal needs are met efficiently and effectively.
3. Our Military Lawyers in Germany Have Local German Phone Numbers and Contact Information.
At the Law Office of Will M. Helixon, we prioritize seamless communication and accessibility for our clients in Germany and Europe. Unlike other firms, you won’t need to exclusively rely on third-party messaging services like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Messenger to connect with your military lawyer in Germany. Our military lawyers have their own German phone numbers and cell numbers, ensuring direct and reliable communication channels. Whether it’s your chain of command, witnesses, or character references, anyone in Germany or Europe can easily reach us using these local phone numbers.
We understand that individuals not associated with the U.S. military may need to contact your military lawyer. That’s why we make it effortless for individuals from various backgrounds and affiliations to reach out to the Law Office of Will M. Helixon. With our local presence and German phone numbers, connecting with us on your schedule becomes convenient and hassle-free.
Experience the convenience of direct communication with our military lawyers in Germany at the Law Office of Will M. Helixon. Say goodbye to relying on third-party platforms and embrace the simplicity of reaching out to us through our local phone numbers. We are dedicated to providing accessible and personalized legal services to clients in Germany and Europe.
4. Our Military Lawyers in Germany are Familiar with Local Military Lawyers.
At the Law Office of Will M. Helixon, our military lawyers in Germany have a deep understanding of the local legal landscape. Since we live and practice here on a daily basis, we are intimately familiar with the Germany-based prosecutors, defense lawyers, and Staff Judge Advocates. Whether you are stationed in EUCOM, AFRICOM, USAEUR, USAFE, or assigned to the 21st TSC, 7th ATC, or in Vicenza, Italy, or other European locations, you can trust that we already have established connections and working relationships with key professionals in the military justice field.
Unlike U.S.-based lawyers who would be learning about your defense team or the prosecuting attorneys for the first time from the United States, we have firsthand knowledge and experience working with these individuals. If we don’t know your defense lawyers or prosecutors, we certainly know people they have worked with since Germany and Europe are where we practice, day in and day out. Our continuous presence in Germany and Europe ensures that we are up-to-date with the legal professionals and processes relevant to your case. You can rely on our extensive network and familiarity with the military justice field in Germany to navigate your legal matter seamlessly.
By eliminating the “getting to know you” phase, our working knowledge of the local legal community in Germany streamlines the representation process for you. Our military lawyers in Germany are ready to hit the ground running, leveraging our established relationships and understanding of the military justice system in Germany to provide you with effective legal support from the start.
5. Our Military Lawyers in Germany are Familiar with Local Military Law Investigations.
At the Law Office of Will M. Helixon, with our military lawyers in Germany and our offices in Vilseck and Wiesbaden, provide us with a significant advantage when it comes to working with local law enforcement agencies. Our military lawyers have extensive experience collaborating with the local Germany-based U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) offices, U.S. Army Military Police Investigation (MPI) offices, and U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI) offices, not only in Germany but also throughout Europe.
While the personnel within these offices may change over time, the growing reliance on civilian investigators and local national investigators has made our established local relationships even more valuable. Unlike other firms, we don’t have to forge new connections with law enforcement investigators on every case we handle. Our ongoing presence in Germany allows us to maintain strong relationships with these agencies, ensuring smoother collaboration and a more effective defense strategy for your case.
Having a deep-rooted presence with military lawyers in Germany is what sets us apart from other U.S.-based military law practices. We leverage our established local relationships with law enforcement agencies to provide you with a distinct advantage. Count on our experience and connections to navigate the complexities of your case and achieve the best possible outcome.
6. Our Military Lawyers in Germany are Familiar with Local Army Europe Regulations in Germany.
The Law Office of Will M. Helixon with military lawyers in Germany possesses extensive knowledge and experience regarding the intricate web of over 100 Army Europe regulations that are specific to Germany and Europe. These regulations encompass a wide range of areas, including Military Justice and Legal Operations, Driving Regulations, Customs Controls, and German Jurisdiction of U.S. Personnel.
Since establishing our Germany office in 2018 and throughout our collective tenure of over twenty (20) years residing in Europe, our lawyers have diligently worked with these Army Europe regulations. Having served in various roles, including Trial Counsel, Senior Trial Counsel, Senior Defense Counsel, Special Victim Prosecutor, and Chief of Justice, we have gained an in-depth understanding of Germany’s military justice system.
Our extensive experience and comprehensive familiarity with the unique legal framework in Germany allow us to effectively navigate the complexities of your case. Whether it involves complying with specific Army Europe regulations or leveraging our understanding of Germany’s military justice system, you can trust that the military lawyers in Germany at the Law Office of Will M. Helixon possess the expertise needed to provide you with exceptional legal representation. We know Germany-based military justice.
At the Law Office of Will M. Helixon, we understand the importance of conducting thorough in-person interviews with witnesses and engaging directly with your command, if necessary. Unlike U.S.-based military lawyers who may have to rely on TDS Counsel or Area Defense Counsel for these crucial interactions, our miliary lawyers in Germany are based locally, enabling us to personally travel to any German Kaserne or Air Base within a three (3) hour drive.
With our proximity and accessibility to various military installations such as Vilseck/Grafenwoehr, Hohenfels, Garmisch, Ansbach, Baumholder, Kaiserslautern, Landstuhl, Wiesbaden, Ramstein, and Spangdahlem, we can effectively interview your local Germany witnesses, inspect local law enforcement files, and communicate with your chain of command when necessary. Moreover, our ability to visit and examine local crime scenes and collaborate with German law enforcement further enhances our capability to handle your case comprehensively.
By hiring a local military lawyer in Germany from our firm, you ensure that your legal representation aligns with the specific circumstances that transpired in Germany and that your witnesses are conveniently accessible. Trusting a local expert is the best approach to secure the robust legal representation you deserve in Germany.
With our extensive experience of living, practicing, and serving here, the military lawyers in Germany at the Law Office of Will M. Helixon possess a deep understanding of the intricate jurisdictional alignment of various units in Germany and Europe. Unlike the straightforward jurisdictional scheme often found in the United States, Germany operates under a more complex framework. Many tenant units fall under different commands originating from diverse posts and bases throughout Germany.
Our familiarity with this unique command structure proves invaluable in navigating the intricacies of your case and working towards a resolution at the lowest possible level. We do not require an educational process on the command structure in Germany, nor do we solely rely on the advice of your detailed military counsel. Our expertise allows us to effectively leverage our knowledge of the command structure in Germany and Europe to advocate for your best interests and achieve optimal outcomes.
The NATO Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) in Germany has a wide-ranging impact on various aspects such as status, entry and departure procedures, military training, jurisdiction, law enforcement, taxation, import and export laws, driving privileges, employment, mail, schooling, housing, and much more. As military lawyers in Germany who were once subject to the NATO SOFA in Germany and now reside in the country, the legal team at the Law Office of Will M. Helixon possesses a comprehensive understanding of the privileges and obligations outlined in this agreement.
Our deep familiarity with the NATO SOFA in Germany enables us to grasp how it may affect the evidence and circumstances surrounding your case. We are well-versed in leveraging the provisions of the agreement to strategically represent your interests in Germany. By utilizing our expertise and knowledge of the NATO SOFA, we can effectively navigate the legal landscape and employ its provisions to your advantage.
10. Our Military Lawyers are Familiar with the German Law Enforcement Agencies.
While we may not claim to be experts in German Law Enforcement, the military lawyers in Germany at the Law Office of Will M. Helixon possess extensive experience collaborating with and examining documents provided by German Law Enforcement Agencies. Our familiarity with their organizational structure encompasses various entities, including the Federal Police (Bundespolizei), State Police (Landespolizei) such as the Bavarian State Police (Bayerische Staatliche Polizei), and Local Police Authorities like the Nuremberg Polizei.
Working closely with the local German Polizei liaison in each German locality holds significant importance, particularly when your case was initially investigated by German Law Enforcement or conducted jointly with military authorities. The military lawyers at the Law Office of Will M. Helixon possess the necessary experience and expertise to navigate these interactions effectively.
We understand the intricacies of collaborating with German law enforcement agencies and leveraging our working relationships to gather crucial information and ensure a comprehensive approach to your case. Our military lawyers in Germany experience in this domain enables us to provide you with reliable legal guidance and representation throughout the legal process.
Once more, the military lawyers in Germany at the Law Office of Will M. Helixon, who reside here and have devoted years to exclusive practice here, have successfully represented hundreds of clients and interacted with numerous local agencies throughout the country. Our extensive experience spans various institutions, including the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA-Europe), local Germany-based commissaries, and employment in Germany facilitated by the Civilian Human Resources Agency – Europe or the Civilian Personnel Advisory Center.
Understanding the functions and nuances of these local agencies in Germany is invaluable when addressing your specific case related to German or European military law. Our in-depth knowledge allows us to navigate the complexities of these institutions, ensuring that your legal needs are handled efficiently and comprehensively.
By drawing upon our military lawyers in Germany familiarity with the local landscape and agencies in Germany, we are well-positioned to provide you with tailored legal solutions that align with the unique challenges and considerations of your situation.
With extensive experience in trying numerous U.S. Army courts-martial in Germany, specifically within the Fifth Judicial Circuit, our military lawyers in Germany at the Law Office of Will M. Helixon are well-acquainted with the Military Judges, Clerks of Court, and Court Personnel in Germany. This familiarity allows us to enter military courts in Germany with a seasoned understanding, eliminating any sense of novelty or unfamiliarity.
Moreover, our military lawyers in Germany possess in-depth knowledge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit Rules of Court, which undergo periodic amendments or changes. Consequently, when representing you in a court-martial in Germany, our team encounters minimal learning curves. Our regular appearances in these military courts instill confidence and enable us to seamlessly integrate with local customs and courtesies, ensuring that we blend in effortlessly without appearing as outsiders.
At the Law Office of Will M. Helixon, we consider this deep-rooted familiarity our “homefield advantage.” As your local military counsel, we are committed to providing you with exceptional representation that leverages our comprehensive understanding of the local judicial landscape in Germany.
When your freedom is threatened by the Government, when legal stress has your family hanging on by a thread, or when your career and financial future is on the line, let the military lawyers and court-martial defense lawyers at the Law Office of Will M. Helixon apply the trial skills they have honed for decades in the United States and Germany to aggressively advocate on your behalf.
JAG Colonel Sr. Rater, June 2005, Germany
JAG Brigadier General Sr. Rater, June 2013, Germany
JAG Colonel Sr. Rater, August 2009
JAG Brigadier General Sr. Rater, June 2012, Germany
Infantry Colonel Sr. Rater, July 2008, Afghanistan
JAG Lieutenant Colonel Sr. Rater, June 2003, Germany