Legal Assistance for Those Stationed at the Base

The Federal Practice Group is honored to provide Lackland legal representation to those who have been and are stationed at the base.

Lackland Air Force Base (AFB) is located in San Antonio, Texas and has been run by the U.S. Air Force since 1941. In October of 2010, it joined with the Randolph Air Force Base to form Joint Base San Antonio. The site where Lackland AFB is now located used to be Kelly Field. Lackland and Kelly Field then both became separate entities, with Kelly Field becoming San Antonio Aviation Cadet Center. It was not until 1947 that Lackland officially received its name, after Brigadier General Frank Lackland. When the Korean War started, Lackland AFB was used to train 28 military squadrons. Dormitories had to be built quickly in order to keep up with the escalating numbers, but it was reduced again following the war. During the Vietnam War, training was split between Lackland and a technical school. After 1966, training was able to all take place at the base. 

During the 1960s, spinal meningitis broke out, which left one airman dead. This lead to the cancellation of many of the training exercises and basic training had to move to Amarillo Air Force Base. Between 1966 and 1970, more permanent buildings were built at Lackland. At the time, these were state-of-the-art buildings and allowed trainees to live, eat, and train at one facility. Lackland was also integral in the Air Defense Command and became one of the 28 radar stations they used. Lackland was also used by the Federal Aviation Administration for air traffic control.  

In recent years, the Lackland Air Force Base has seen the closure of many of its training programs. One example of this was the Air Force Officer Training School to a base in Alabama. Today, Lackland is made up of its main base, Security Hill, the Medina/Lackland Training Annex, and the Kelly airstrip. In 2009, the decision was made to make one large base out of the smaller military bases in San Antonio. Now known as the Joint Base San Antonio, it is joined with the U.S. Army Fort Sam Houston, the U.S. Air Force Randolph Air Force Base, and the Lackland Air Force Base.  We are honored to offer Lackland legal services to those in need.

Joint Base San Antonio

The Joint Base San Antonio is run by the U.S. Air Force 502nd Air Base Wing, Air Education and Training Command. It began in 2010 after a recommendation by the Base Realignment and Closure Commission in 2005. Today, this base has approximately 80,000 people and can support students up to 138,000. It is now famous as being the largest Department of Defense Installation in the country. The Plant Replacement Value of the base is over 10 billion dollars and its budget every year is 800 million dollars. It also has the second highest concentration of retired officers in the country. 

The 502nd Air Base Wing which now has jurisdiction over the base was established in 2009. The goal of this wing is to serve the three different installations at the base and to ensure that they are able to do their jobs. 

Lackland Air Force Base Crimes 

Crimes committed on a military base, including Lackland Air Force Base, are subject to both civilian and military jurisdiction. The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) governs the conduct of military personnel and can result in military justice proceedings, such as courts-martial. Civilian authorities may also have jurisdiction, depending on the circumstances and the nature of the crime. Regardless of the crime, it’s important to retain Lackland legal representation if you are charged.  

Common types of crimes that can occur on or around bases like Lackland Air Force Base include:   

  • Violent Crimes: These can include assault, domestic violence, and murder.   
  • Property Crimes: Such as theft, burglary, vandalism, or trespassing.   
  • Drug Offenses: Possession, distribution, or trafficking of illegal drugs.   
  • DUI (Driving Under the Influence): Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs.   

  • Sexual Assault and Harassment: These are taken very seriously in the military, and specific regulations and procedures apply.   
  • Fraud and White-Collar Crimes: Including identity theft, credit card fraud, or embezzlement.   
  • Traffic Violations: Like reckless driving or speeding.   
  • Weapons Violations: Improper possession or use of firearms and other weapons.   
  • Environmental Crimes: Such as illegal dumping or pollution.   
  • Military-Specific Crimes: AWOL (Absent Without Leave), desertion, insubordination, or disobeying orders.   

If you were arrested for a crime while on Lackland Air Force Base or the other military installations at Joint Base San Antonio, your first steps should be to get qualified Lackland legal representation.  

Lackland Air Force Base Attorneys You Can Trust

For decades, our law firm has provided elite Lackland legal representation. We work hard for service members who are stationed in the United States and abroad.  With more than 100 years of combined military law experience, we are prepared to fight for you.  The military criminal defense attorneys at the Federal Practice Group know the procedures, laws, and ways of the military, and can fight on your behalf. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.     

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