A Second Chance When a Court-Martial Gets It Wrong

A court-martial conviction can devastate an Airman’s life—leading to confinement, loss of rank, a punitive discharge, and permanent damage to reputation and career prospects. But military courts do make mistakes. Legal errors, procedural violations, ineffective assistance of counsel, and improper rulings can all result in unjust convictions or excessive sentences.

Military Justice Attorneys helps Airmen pursue justice through the appeals process, identifying where trial errors occurred and building strong arguments for relief. Whether you need a court-martial appeal lawyer to challenge a conviction or a court-martial defense attorney to prepare post-trial requests, our team provides disciplined, strategic representation.

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What Is a Court-Martial Appeal?

A court-martial appeal is a formal legal review of a conviction or sentence by a higher military appellate court. For Airmen, this typically means:

  • Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals (AFCCA)
  • Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (CAAF)
  • United States Supreme Court (rare, but possible)

Appeals focus on legal errors—not re-trying facts. These issues may include:

  • Improper admission of evidence
  • Violations of constitutional rights
  • Prosecutorial misconduct
  • Insufficient evidence
  • Incorrect judge instructions
  • Unlawful command influence
  • Errors during sentencing

The statutory basis for appellate review under the Uniform Code of Military Justice can be found in Article 66 and Article 67, which you can review at: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/866 and https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/867. Court-martial attorneys with appellate experience can identify these issues, build persuasive arguments, and pursue the relief you deserve.

The Benefits of Working With a Military Defense Attorney for Court-Martial Appeals

  • Comprehensive Review of the Trial Record - Your attorney analyzes transcripts, motions, rulings, evidence, and procedural history to uncover errors that affected your case outcome.
  • Strategic Appellate Briefing and Legal Argumentation - Air Force appellate courts require precise legal writing and arguments. A seasoned court-martial appeal attorney prepares briefs that highlight violations, inconsistencies, and constitutional concerns.
  • Support With Clemency, Sentence Reduction, and Early Relief Options - Before appellate review, Airmen may seek clemency or other relief from the convening authority. A court-martial defense lawyer ensures these submissions are compelling and strategic.
  • Long-Term Protection for Your Rights and Career - An experienced appellate advocate helps restore honor, benefits, retirement eligibility, and opportunities lost due to an unjust conviction.
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Is a Court-Martial Appeal Relevant to My Situation?

You may qualify for a court-martial appeal if you:

  • Were convicted at a Special or General Court-Martial
  • Believe legal errors affected your trial
  • Believe sentencing was excessive or unjust
  • Experienced ineffective assistance of counsel
  • Faced improper command influence
  • Have newly discovered evidence

Airmen commonly pursue appeals in cases involving:

  • Sexual assault allegations
  • Domestic violence
  • Drug offenses
  • Computer or cyber-related misconduct
  • Larceny or financial crimes
  • Assault or violent misconduct
  • AWOL or desertion
  • Officer misconduct

Regardless of the offense, court-martial lawyers with appellate experience can evaluate whether your case deserves further review.

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 Court-Martial Appeals Process What to Expect

1. Post-Trial Review and Clemency Requests

Your attorney prepares submissions to the convening authority seeking reduced punishment, dismissal of charges, or clemency prior to appellate review.

2. Docketing and Record Review by the AFCCA

Once the case is filed, your attorney examines the entire record, identifies legal errors, and begins drafting detailed appellate briefs.

3. Written Briefing and Government Response

Your attorney submits legal arguments challenging the conviction or sentence. The government responds, and both sides may address issues such as evidentiary errors or due process violations.

4. Oral Argument and Judicial Review

Some cases proceed to oral argument before the appellate judges. Your attorney presents arguments, answers judicial questions, and advocates for dismissal or sentence modification.

5. Further Appeals or Correction Board Petitions

If relief is denied, your attorney may pursue review by CAAF or file petitions with the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records. You can learn more about AFBCMR at: https://www.afpc.af.mil/Career-Management/Military-Personnel-Records/AFBCMR/.

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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 Court-Martial Appeal What Comes Next

Even if the appeal is denied, Airmen may still pursue:

  • Sentence mitigation
  • Correction of military records
  • Discharge upgrade requests
  • New evidence motions
  • Petitions based on injustice or inequity

Military Justice Attorneys also supports Airmen through these additional post-conviction pathways, helping rebuild careers, restore benefits, and correct the long-term effects of unjust outcomes.

Available 24/7 to Help Anyone in the World

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 Appellate Experience Across Complex Military Cases

Our attorneys have successfully represented servicemembers in high-stakes appeals involving forensic evidence, digital investigations, classified material, and contested allegations.

Former Judge Advocates With Insight Into Military Trial and Appellate Systems

We understand how Air Force trials unfold—and how mistakes occur—giving us a strategic advantage in identifying appealable issues.

Client-Focused Representation With Clear, Honest Guidance

Airmen receive direct attorney engagement, precise legal strategy, and dedicated advocacy throughout the entire appellate journey.

These strengths make Military Justice Attorneys a trusted choice for Airmen seeking a knowledgeable court-martial appeal attorney and experienced appellate defense.

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Court-Martial Appeals FAQs

How long does the appeals process take?

Appeals may take several months to more than a year, depending on court schedules, record length, and legal complexity.

Can I appeal even if I pled guilty?

Possibly. Certain issues—such as ineffective counsel or unlawful sentencing—may still qualify for appeal.

What if new evidence shows I was innocent?

Your attorney can pursue relief through appeals, reconsideration, or a petition to the AFBCMR.

Do appellate courts re-try my case?

No. They review for legal errors, procedural violations, and unfairness—not factual disputes.

Can a civilian attorney handle my military appeal?

Yes. Civilian court-martial attorneys often provide more independence, time, and specialized expertise than assigned military counsel.

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Your Conviction Does Not Have to Be the Final Word

Schedule a confidential consultation today with an Air Force court-martial appeal lawyer prepared to fight for justice, fairness, and 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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