Trusted Defense for Airmen Facing Serious Military Allegations

Whether you are under OSI investigation, facing a court-martial, or dealing with administrative actions that threaten your career, the stakes are too high to face the military justice system alone. Airmen often find themselves navigating complex procedures, command pressure, and legal uncertainties without a clear path forward.

Military Justice Attorneys provides the dedicated support Airmen need during the most challenging moments of their careers. As former Judge Advocates, our attorneys understand Air Force regulations, investigative practices, and courtroom procedures. Whether you need an Air Force criminal defense attorney for a pending trial or a military appeals advocate for administrative relief, our team stands ready to fight for you with precision and determination.

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What Does an Air Force Defense Attorney Do?

Air Force defense attorneys represent Airmen in criminal, administrative, and investigative matters under military law. They help protect your rights, preserve your career, and challenge actions initiated by the Office of Special Investigations (OSI), squadron and group commanders, legal offices and Staff Judge Advocates (SJA), and administrative boards and correction authorities.

The Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI) is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for investigating felony-level offenses involving Airmen. (See: https://www.osi.af.mil/About-OSI/ )

This representation may include criminal defense for court-martial charges, responding to OSI investigations, rebutting adverse evaluations, defending against Article 15/NJP, challenging administrative separation actions, and filing appeals and petitions with the AFBCMR.

Non-Judicial Punishment in the Air Force is authorized under Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which outlines an Airman’s rights to review evidence, remain silent, submit matters in defense, and appeal adverse findings. (See: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/815 )

Working with an experienced Air Force criminal defense lawyer ensures your case is evaluated thoroughly, your rights are protected at every stage, and no procedural error goes unchallenged.

The Benefits of Working With a Civilian Military Defense Attorney for Air Force Cases

  • Experienced Defense Against High-Stakes Allegations - Air Force criminal cases often involve complex investigations and command involvement; an attorney ensures you have a strong defense from day one.
  • Strategic Representation in Administrative and Investigative Matters - Even non-criminal actions—such as referrals, adverse evaluations, or separation boards—can alter your career. Skilled counsel helps protect your record and long-term prospects.
  • Deep Understanding of Air Force Regulations and Procedures - Your attorney knows how the Air Force evaluates misconduct, builds cases, and decides outcomes, giving you a significant advantage in preparation and strategy.
  • Personalized Defense Built Around Your Career and Future - The best military defense attorneys tailor their approach to your goals, ensuring every decision supports your long-term success in the Air Force or as a veteran.
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When Air Force Members Need Legal Defense

You may need an attorney if you:

  • Are under OSI investigation or contacted for an interview
  • Received Article 15/NJP notification
  • Were titled in an OSI investigation
  • Received a referred OPR/EPR or other adverse evaluation
  • Face administrative separation
  • Have court-martial charges pending
  • Are appealing a conviction or adverse action
  • Discover errors in your military record needing correction

Airmen often fail to recognize how quickly small issues escalate into career-ending decisions. Consulting a lawyer early—ideally one recognized as among the best military defense lawyers—can prevent irreversible damage.

Former Military Judge Advocates United By Service

Our attorneys are all former military officers who served on active duty. We work as a team on your case, leveraging each of our attorneys’ unique perspectives and vast experience to win on your behalf.

Gerry Healy

Owner and Founder

Gerry founded Military Justice Attorneys to provide service members with principled, trial-tested defense rooted in firsthand experience inside the military justice system.

  • Former Judge Advocate in the U.S. Marine Corps
  • Recognized Criminal Defense Attorney and Litigator
  • Represents Military Community in Complex Mass Torts
Gerry Healy

Josh Hill

Managing Partner

Josh oversees the firm’s military justice practice, bringing a strategic and detail-driven approach to complex litigation, appeals, and high-stakes administrative matters.

  • Former Military Prosecutor and Defense Counsel
  • Admitted to Practice in all Military Appellate Courts
  • Burton Award for Distinguished Legal Writing
Josh Hill

Chip Hodge

Partner

Chip draws on senior-level military justice experience to advise and defend service members facing courts-martial, investigations, and career-altering administrative actions.

  • Retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel
  • Served as Deputy SJA, Marine Forces Reserve
  • Deployed to Afghanistan in Support of OEF
Chip Hodge

Paul represents contractors injured while working overseas in support of US agencies and forces, combining significant litigation experience with a deep commitment to helping injured workers.

  • Former Major in the U.S. Marine Corps
  • Admitted to the Bar in South Carolina, Georgia, and Illinois
Paul Murray

Jon Shelburne

Senior Counsel

Jon brings decades of courtroom and appellate experience, focusing on serious criminal allegations and complex military justice matters worldwide.

  • 30+ Years of Trial Experience
  • Co-Chair, Veterans Committee for Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Jon Shelburne

Amy Thomas

Of Counsel

Amy provides strategic counsel on military and employment-related matters, informed by senior leadership experience and advanced legal training.

  • Retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps
  • Master's in Jurisprudence in Labor & Employment Law
Amy Thomas
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The Air Force Defense Process What to Expect

1. Confidential Case Review and Rights Protection

Your attorney evaluates your situation, identifies risks, and ensures you do not make statements or decisions that could harm your case.

2. Evidence Analysis and Investigation Support

The attorney reviews the government’s evidence, interviews witnesses when appropriate, and identifies inconsistencies or procedural errors in the investigative process.

3. Strategic Defense Planning

Your lawyer determines whether to negotiate, challenge evidence, pursue dismissal, or prepare for litigation, tailoring strategies to your rank, duties, and long-term goals.

4. Aggressive Representation in Courts and Administrative Proceedings

Whether in a courtroom, before a separation board, or in written rebuttals, your attorney advances the strongest possible defense to protect your future.

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Case Results We’ve been in the fight & know how to win

View All Results

DEMOTION APPEAL SUCCESSFUL

Sixteenth Air Force. Demotion Appeal Granted, Administrative Demotion Overturned for Technical Sergeant (E-6).

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AFOSI GRANTS TITLING EXPUNGEMENT

Department of the Air Force. AFOSI Grants Titling Expungement Request, Removes Veteran from DCII and III Databases.

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"NO BASIS"

Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Air Force Staff Sergeant (E-5) was wrongfully accused of sexually assaulting a minor.

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DISCHARGE UPGRADE (COVID-19)

Air Force Discharge Review Board (AFDRB). Airman Separated for Refusing COVID-19 Vaccine Upgraded to Honorable.

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HARD-FOUGHT DISCHARGE UPGRADE

Air Force Discharge Review Board (AFDRB). Senior Airman Discharged for Marijuana Use Receives Upgrade.

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DISCHARGE UPGRADED TO HONORABLE

Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records (AFBCMR). Airman Discharged for Drug Use Upgraded to Honorable.

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OFFICER DISCHARGE UPGRADED

Air Force Discharge Review Board (AFDRB). Officer Receives Fully Honorable Discharge 20-years after General Court-Martial.

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ROTC CADET RETAINED

An Air Force ROTC Cadet close to graduation was notified of Administrative Disenrollment after receiving two military conditional events.

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HONORABLE DISCHARGE

RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom. Air Force Pilot Separated for Drug Abuse Allegations Receives Honorable Discharge.

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CHARGES DISMISSED

Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. Sexual Assault and Indecent Conduct Charges Dismissed Against Airman First Class (E-3).

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After Your Case What Comes Next

Even once a legal issue concludes, you may need additional assistance with:

  • Security clearance responses
  • Record corrections through the AFBCMR
  • Discharge upgrades
  • Rebuttals to career-impacting documentation
  • Appeals to restore rank, benefits, or career opportunities

Military Justice Attorneys provides ongoing support to help you rebuild your career path and correct any residual administrative damage.

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Available 24/7 to Help Anyone in the World

Client Testimonials Their Words. Their Cases. Their Results.

View All Testimonials

"We Won!!"

I am forever grateful to my at...

We won!! The case surrounding my petition to upgrade my Discharge from General to Honorable was intricate & unusual—and I had been separated from the Armed Forces for nearly 20 years! But Josh heard my circumstances, formulated a strategy--and got us on the Review Board docket before the statutory deadline expired. Josh then developed a witheringly compelling argument on my behalf, helped me to believe in myself--and gave me the courage to FIGHT the injustice that was done to me. It took my Service Branch four years to arrive at a favorable decision—but WE WON!! I am forever grateful to my attorney Joshua Hill for helping to upgrade my Discharge to Honorable—and for restoring *my* honor, after so many years. A weight has been lifted from me—Joshua is the only person to thank for that! Above all, Joshua believed in me—and for that, I am even more grateful. I recommend Josh to any and all current or former servicemembers who may find themselves in need of excellent legal counsel. Josh is truly a gifted attorney—and he *listens* to you. I wish that I had found him 20 years ago!

-Air Force Veteran

"A Dedicated Advocate Who Helped Me Win My Discharge Upgrade"

I couldn’t have done it withou...

I have been working with Josh Hill since 2020 to upgrade my discharge from "under honorable conditions (general)" to "honorable". The entire process, despite some minor setbacks with the boards, was a positive experience. From the very beginning, Josh was always patient and professional. He took the time to answer my questions and never made me feel rushed. He was reliable and stayed on top of every deadline, making the process so much less stressful for me. We submitted a few different packages and eventually had to meet with the board in person. Josh stood out during the in-person hearing; he knew exactly what to say and did an amazing job representing me. Even when things didn’t go our way at first, Josh refused to give up. Without making me feel pressured, he encouraged me to keep going. Recently, we were allowed to resubmit our case for review based on the board improperly adjudicating our case back in 2022. Well, we finally won! My discharge was upgraded, my reason for discharge was changed, and even my re-enlistment code got fixed. I couldn’t have done it without Josh, and I highly recommend him to anyone who needs this kind of help. Josh, thank you again for everything.

-Air Force Veteran

"Caring and Excellent Attorney!"

Thanks to Josh Hill, today, I ...

It would be nice to have the option to give Josh Hill more than five stars. In my eyes, and he also knows, he deserves more than that. Hill’s professionalism exceeded all my expectations. He is very modest and straightforward. Since my wife and I contacted him, he was unequivocal in how he will be proceeding with our case and the variants to have it solved. I am an Air Force Active Duty member, and after joining, I had an SCRA problem with a car dealership, and they had reported me to the credit bureaus. I had tried to resolve the issue with the dealership for three years without success.

I needed to have this situation clear for my TS clearance, and I was getting nowhere. I felt that I had a case. I called many lawyers before I found Josh, but none of them gave me the confidence to resolve this matter. What sets Josh apart from other attorneys, in my opinion, is his caring nature. He first asks me for all the documents to analyze them and see if I had a case. When other attorneys asked for money first, he worked around my hours because he knew I was overseas. He frequently reached out to me to give me updates on my case. With all sincerity, I can’t praise Josh enough, and he went the extra mile for me. I feel that he went above and beyond his duty.

Thanks to Josh Hill, today, I can continue with my goals in the military. Thank you, Josh, for the love of your job and your support!

-AIRMAN FIRST CLASS, USAF

"MJA is “THE BEST”"

I would gladly recommend attor...

I contacted attorney Joshua A. Hill on an old military law matter, a few months ago. From the very beginning, attorney Hill has provided me with the utmost courteous and expert legal advice. My issue was complex; but Josh was able to cut through to the heart of the matter and formulate a sound legal argument which will allow me to prevail in an upcoming hearing.

THANK YOU to attorney Joshua Hill for taking on my case, for treating me with the dignity that I deserve–and for the clarity and acumen that he so expertly provided to my matter. And thanks for having my back!

I would gladly recommend attorney Joshua Hill & Healy Law Group, LLC, Military Justice Attorneys for any UCMJ legal matter–whether you’re active duty or a veteran, like me! They are THE BEST.

-CAPTAIN, USAF

"It Was Like a Scene From a Movie"

The results I received from th...

I highly recommend Mr. Healy to anyone that has Military Law issues as he was insanely knowledgeable during the entire process and made me and my family feel very comfortable during the process. From the first time we contacted Mr. Healy, we knew immediately that we wanted to hire him as our attorney, which we did, and we had spoke with several others prior to contacting Mr. Healy. He was able to help and explain everything in a manner we understood. He was very professional the entire time and exuded confidence during the board and has a very commanding presence in the room. He is a very fast thinker and was able to provide answers and consultation in the last minute. It was almost like a scene from a movie, and regardless of what side you were on, you felt and understood everything that was said by Mr. Healy. He captured the board members attention and never once did I notice the board members look around or look bored; he had their attention from start to finish and it had a huge impact on getting the results we only had hoped of getting before hiring him. The results I received from the board was the best possible outcome in my favor and saved my career and my family’s future. I recommend that if you need an attorney in military law and sex crimes, to consult with and hire Mr. Healy immediately!
-Master Sergeant, USAF

"Truly Cares and Fights for Clients"

Throughout that entire time Mr...

In November of 2020 I reached out and hired Mr. Healy to represent me in a General Court Martial facing a Sexual Assault charge. Throughout that entire time Mr. Healy did everything in his power to prepare and keep me informed on everything. My life was on the line and I trusted him with everything, confident that the outcome would be in our favor. Mr. Healy truly cares for and fights for his clients. I saw that firsthand and I would undoubtedly recommend him in a second to anybody, who just like me, is fighting for their life knowing they are innocent. Mr. Healy was not only my attorney, but a friend who fought for me and got me my life back. I’m very thankful to have met Mr. Healy and if anyone is in a situation where they know they want to fight for their life, Mr. Healy is the person for you.
-SENIOR AIRMAN, USAF
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Why Choose Military Justice Attorneys?

Experienced Former Judge Advocates Focused on Air Force Cases

Our team includes attorneys with extensive Air Force and joint-service experience, offering unparalleled insight into investigations and adjudications.

National Reputation for Strategic, High-Level Defense

Airmen seeking the best military defense attorney often choose MJA because of our record of success, attention to detail, and relentless advocacy.

Direct Attorney Access and Personalized Representation

Clients work directly with seasoned Air Force defense counsel—not junior attorneys or administrative staff—ensuring clarity, candor, and trust at every step.

Together, these strengths make Military Justice Attorneys a respected choice for Airmen seeking experienced and dedicated military defense.

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Air Force Defense FAQs

Do I need an attorney even if I haven’t been charged yet?

Yes. Early legal representation is often the difference between a case being dropped or escalating into NJP or court-martial. An attorney guides your interactions with OSI, commanders, and investigators to prevent unintentional harm to your case.

Can an Air Force defense lawyer really change the outcome of my case?

Absolutely. Skilled attorneys challenge evidence, expose procedural violations, negotiate favorable outcomes, and prepare strong defenses that can reduce charges or eliminate them entirely. Many Airmen avoid court-martial through early legal intervention.

What if I already have a military-appointed attorney?

You may still hire a civilian attorney for additional support. Many Airmen choose civilian counsel for more time, resources, and independence—especially when facing serious allegations or career-threatening administrative action.

How do I know if my case requires one of the best military defense attorneys?

If your freedom, rank, or career progression is at risk, you need top-level representation. Cases involving sexual assault, violent offenses, classified information, or digital investigations typically require highly experienced defense counsel.

Can an attorney help after my case is over?

Yes. You may still need help with appeals, record corrections, clearance issues, or discharge upgrades. Your attorney can restore opportunities and correct injustices that occurred during the process.

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Protect Your Career With Proven Air Force Defense Counsel

Schedule a confidential consultation today with an Air Force criminal defense attorney who understands the stakes—and knows how to fight for you.

Contact Us When Your Future Is On The Line

Our decentralized approach to military defense ensures that we can represent service members from any branch of the military, of any rank, at any military base or installation stateside or abroad.

Available 24/7 to Help Anyone in the World

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