Support When Article 15 Threatens Your Future

Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP) under Article 15 of the UCMJ can have lasting consequences for Airmen. Even though NJP is a non-criminal proceeding, the penalties—loss of rank, forfeitures, reprimands, extra duty, restrictions, and negative performance reports—can affect promotions, special duty assignments, retention boards, and long-term career progression.

For Airmen stationed across the U.S. and overseas Air Force installations, facing NJP is often stressful and confusing. Military Justice Attorneys provides immediate, strategic support to help Airmen respond effectively, preserve their record, and avoid escalation into administrative separation or court-martial referral.

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What Is Air Force Non-Judicial Punishment?

Air Force Non-Judicial Punishment is a commander-driven disciplinary process authorized under Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). It allows commanders to address alleged misconduct without sending the case to a court-martial. Article 15 is codified in federal law, and you can learn more about the statutory authority governing NJP at: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/815.

Airmen may face NJP for allegations such as:

  • Failure to follow orders
  • Minor assault or misconduct
  • Alcohol-related incidents
  • Unauthorized absence
  • Insubordination
  • Fraternization or unprofessional conduct
  • Minor drug-related issues
  • Misuse of government property

Although NJP is marketed as a lower-level action, the Air Force often uses it to remove Airmen from competitive career tracks or to support later separation. Early legal help from a knowledgeable Non-Judicial Punishment lawyer is essential to protect your long-term future.

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

  • Clear Guidance on Accepting or Refusing Article 15 - Airmen may choose to accept NJP or demand trial by court-martial at certain bases. An attorney helps determine which option gives you the best chance at success.
  • Strong Preparation for the NJP Presentation - Your attorney helps you build a defense packet with statements, performance records, witness letters, timelines, and other mitigating evidence to influence the commander’s decision.
  • Protection From Long-Term Career Impact - NJP can affect EPRs, security clearances, promotion boards, and reenlistment. Strategic representation helps reduce or avoid these negative outcomes.
  • Support With Post-NJP Appeals and Administrative Actions - If NJP is imposed, your attorney may assist with appealing the decision, responding to follow-on administrative actions, or preventing separation when possible.
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Is Air Force NJP Relevant to My Situation?

You may be facing Article 15 if:

  • OSI or Security Forces questioned you
  • Your command issued a rights advisement
  • You received written notification of NJP
  • You were accused of misconduct not rising to court-martial level

Airmen often receive NJP for allegations involving:

  • Alcohol or drug incidents
  • Disobeying orders
  • Poor judgment off-duty
  • Workplace altercations
  • Misuse of military property
  • Conduct unbecoming
  • Social media misconduct
  • Inappropriate relationships

Even “minor” cases can have significant implications for flying status, special operations eligibility, or access to sensitive duties. Early involvement from a defense attorney helps protect your future.

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 NJP Process What to Expect

1. Notification and Rights Explanation

Your attorney reviews the NJP notice, explains the charges, clarifies your rights, and helps you understand what evidence the command will consider.

2. Decision to Accept or Demand Trial

Your attorney examines the strength of the government’s case, command climate, and your career goals to determine whether to accept NJP or seek court-martial.

3. Preparation and Submission of Evidence

A defense packet may include character statements, duty history, medical records, timelines, or explanations that present your actions in the strongest possible context.

4. Post-NJP Appeal or Further Defense

If punishment is imposed, your attorney may help file an appeal or respond to subsequent administrative actions such as UIF entries, control rosters, or separation notifications.

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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 Air Force NJP What Comes Next

NJP is often the beginning—not the end—of a larger administrative process. Airmen may subsequently face:

  • Negative EPRs
  • Denial of reenlistment
  • Loss of promotion eligibility
  • Entry into a UIF or Control Roster
  • Involuntary administrative separation

Military Justice Attorneys advises Airmen on next steps, helps prepare rebuttals or appeals, and provides support if the command initiates separation or further disciplinary action.

Administrative separation standards applicable to Air Force members are outlined in federal regulations, which you can review at: https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/32/part-861.

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Client Testimonials Their Words. Their Cases. Their Results.

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"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?

Extensive Experience With Air Force Disciplinary Actions

Our attorneys understand the unique administrative culture of the Air Force and the ways NJP can affect long-term career progression.

Strong, Strategic Defense for Airmen Worldwide

We represent Airmen across all bases and career fields, including aviation, cyber, intelligence, maintenance, medical, and security forces.

Client-Focused Representation Rooted in Military Culture

Airmen receive clear communication, strong advocacy, and access to a defense attorney dedicated to protecting their rights and their career. These strengths make Military Justice Attorneys a trusted choice for Airmen seeking experienced support in NJP actions.

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Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP) Defense FAQs

Can I get a lawyer before accepting Article 15?

Yes. You should always consult a defense attorney before deciding whether to accept or refuse NJP.

Can NJP lead to separation from the Air Force?

Yes. Commands frequently use NJP as grounds for administrative separation or denial of reenlistment.

Can I bring an attorney to the presentation?

No, an attorney cannot attend the NJP meeting, but they can prepare your entire defense packet and strategy ahead of time.

What if I believe the allegations are false or misleading?

Your attorney can gather evidence, build your rebuttal, and challenge the validity of the claims.

Will NJP affect my promotion or special duties?

Often, yes. NJP can influence EPRs, special duty assignments, flying status, and long-term promotability.

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Protect Your Rank, Reputation, and Air Force Career

Schedule your confidential consultation today with an Air Force Non-Judicial Punishment lawyer prepared to defend your future.

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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