A Title Can Follow You Long After the Investigation Ends

Being “titled” by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI) means your name was entered into federal criminal databases as a subject of an investigation, even if you were never charged, punished, or found guilty.

For many Airmen, titling comes without notice and carries consequences that surface years later—during duty assignments, promotions, security clearance checks, or post-service employment.

Because the threshold for titling is extremely low, many Airmen are unfairly labeled based on incomplete information, uncorroborated allegations, or flawed investigations. Military Justice Attorneys helps Airmen challenge unjust titling decisions through well-crafted appeals and correction requests, protecting careers and restoring reputations.

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What Is OSI Titling?

Titling occurs when OSI identifies a person as the subject of a criminal investigation under DoD Instruction 5505.07. Unlike convictions or formal charges, titling is based on a minimal standard—credible information—which does not require proof, corroboration, or final adjudication. You can learn more about the DoD’s titling and indexing standards at: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Directives/issuances/dodi/550507/.

While OSI may close a case with “no action taken,” the titling entry often remains in federal law enforcement databases such as the Defense Central Index of Investigations (DCII). You can learn more about DCII and DoD criminal indexing at: https://www.dodig.mil/Components/Administrative-Investigations/DCII/.

These records can affect:

  • Security clearance reviews
  • Special duty eligibility
  • Promotions and assignments
  • Civilian employment background checks
  • Veterans’ post-service opportunities

A military appeals lawyer can help Airmen pursue removal or amendment of unjust titling decisions through formal appeal routes and correction processes.

The Benefits of Working With a Military Defense Attorney for Titling Appeals

  • Precise Identification of Errors in OSI’s Decision-Making - Your attorney reviews investigative records to show the evidence did not meet even the minimal standard for titling, or that OSI relied on inaccurate or incomplete information.
  • Strategic Appeal Packages Supported by Regulations and Evidence - Titling appeals require persuasive written arguments supported by AFIs, DoD instructions, case law, and documented inaccuracies. An attorney ensures every weakness in the original decision is addressed.
  • Comprehensive Guidance for AFBCMR Petitions - If initial appeals fail, your attorney may petition the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records (AFBCMR), providing the strongest possible case for removal.
  • Long-Term Protection of Career and Clearance Eligibility - Successful appeals prevent titling from harming your assignments, promotions, and post-service opportunities, preserving your professional future.
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Is a Titling Appeal Relevant to My Situation?

You may need to appeal a titling decision if:

  • You were investigated by OSI but never charged
  • The allegations were unfounded, unproven, or inconsistent
  • OSI’s conclusion was based on hearsay, assumptions, or flawed witness statements
  • You discovered a titling entry during a clearance review
  • You were denied a position or opportunity due to an undisclosed record entry
  • You believe OSI misapplied the standard for “credible information”

Titling is often connected to investigations involving:

  • Sexual misconduct allegations
  • Drug use or possession
  • Domestic incidents
  • Cyber or electronic misconduct
  • Financial or property loss
  • Workplace conflicts or leadership issues

If the titling entry is unjust, challenging it quickly is critical.

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 OSI Titling Appeal Process What to Expect

1. Review of the OSI Record and Basis for Titling

Your attorney requests and analyzes investigative records to identify procedural errors, evidentiary flaws, or unsupported conclusions.

2. Preparation of a Detailed Appeal or Correction Request

Your attorney drafts a comprehensive appeal citing regulatory violations, misinterpretations, or insufficient evidence supporting the original titling decision.

3. Submission to the Correct Investigative or Command Authority

Initial appeals may go to OSI, AFOSI Headquarters, or the relevant Air Force office overseeing law enforcement database entries.

4. Escalation to the AFBCMR if Relief Is Denied

If OSI refuses to remove the titling, your attorney prepares a petition to the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records—your strongest path to permanent relief.

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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 Titling Appeal What Comes Next

Even if titling is corrected or removed, you may still need assistance with:

  • Correcting downstream administrative records
  • Rebutting adverse evaluations tied to the investigation
  • Security clearance responses
  • Promotion or assignment reconsideration
  • Removal of associated adverse actions (UIFs, reprimands, etc.)

Military Justice Attorneys provides ongoing representation to ensure the effects of unfair titling do not continue to limit your career.

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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

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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 in Challenging OSI Decisions and Titling Standards

Our attorneys understand how investigators interpret the standard for titling—and how to expose weaknesses in their conclusions.

Former Judge Advocates With Deep Insight Into Air Force Procedures

We have advised commanders and reviewed OSI investigations from the inside, giving us a decisive advantage when challenging errors.

Dedicated Advocacy Designed to Protect Your Future

Airmen receive direct attorney engagement, clear strategy, and precise legal arguments aimed at restoring their good name. These strengths make Military Justice Attorneys a trusted choice for Airmen seeking relief from unjust titling decisions.

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OSI Titling Appeals FAQs

Can OSI title me even if I was never charged or punished?

Yes. Titling requires only “credible information,” which is an extremely low standard. Many Airmen are titled despite no charges, no UCMJ action, and no substantiated wrongdoing. An attorney can challenge the basis for this determination.

Does titling affect my security clearance?

It can. Investigators reviewing your clearance may see the titling entry and request explanations or initiate additional reviews. An attorney can help prepare responses and work to remove the entry so it does not jeopardize your clearance.

How do I know if I have been titled?

Airmen are often not notified. Titling is usually discovered during clearance checks, job screenings, or when reviewing records. An attorney can assist in obtaining your investigation documents to confirm whether a titling entry exists.

Is titling permanent if I don’t appeal?

Generally, yes. Titling remains in DoD law enforcement databases indefinitely unless you successfully request removal. That is why appealing promptly is essential to protect your long-term career and civilian opportunities.

Can a titling entry be removed entirely?

Yes, but removal is difficult without legal support. Successful appeals demonstrate that the original decision lacked credible information or that investigators applied the standard incorrectly. A lawyer can prepare the strongest possible case for removal.

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Protect Your Future From Unfair Titling

Schedule a confidential consultation with an Air Force OSI titling appeals attorney who can help remove unjust entries and safeguard your record.

Contact Us When Your Future Is On The Line

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