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Give Military Justice Attorneys a phone call at (843) 755-6535 Contact Us

Protecting Soldiers Facing Involuntary Separation

When Soldiers receive notice of potential separation, the consequences feel immediate and severe. Whether you serve at Fort Liberty, Fort Cavazos, Fort Moore, Fort Stewart, Fort Carson, or any major Army installation, a Chapter Board determines whether you remain in the Army and what characterization of service you receive.

Military Justice Attorneys (MJA), a team of former Marine Judge Advocates, provides strategic, evidence-based representation that gives Soldiers a fighting chance at retention and protects long-term opportunities.

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What Is Administrative Separation Defense?

Administrative separation (often referred to as a "Chapter Board") is the Army’s process for removing a Soldier for misconduct, performance issues, medical concerns, or other regulatory grounds. Unlike Article 15 or counseling actions, a Chapter Board determines whether a Soldier stays in the Army and what discharge characterization applies.

Regulatory authority for Administrative Separations appears in multiple Army publications and draws foundational authority from UCMJ principles published by the Joint Service Committee at https://jsc.defense.gov.

The Benefits of Working With a Military Defense Attorney for Administrative Separation Cases

  • Comprehensive Case Evaluation That Identifies Weaknesses. Many Chapter packets contain assumptions, incomplete information, or incorrectly applied regulations. We identify errors and expose gaps in the evidence that may undermine separation.
  • Strategic Preparation for Board Proceedings. We develop witness lists, gather performance records, obtain statements, and craft a clear narrative that demonstrates why retention is warranted or why separation is unsupported.
  • Focused Protection of Your Career and Benefits. Separation affects VA benefits, reenlistment eligibility, and post-service opportunities. Skilled counsel ensures the board understands the full context of your service and challenges unfair characterizations.
  • Mitigation That Shows Growth and Service Value. When allegations have some factual grounding, we present compelling mitigation emphasizing recovery, performance, leadership potential, and command value.
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Is Administrative Separation Defense Relevant to My Situation?

You may need representation if you receive notice of potential separation under Chapters for misconduct, unsatisfactory performance, rehabilitation failure, drug abuse, pattern-of-misconduct allegations, or civilian convictions. Even if the allegation appears minor, a Chapter Board evaluates your entire service, including counseling statements, evaluations, and alleged incidents spanning a career.

Soldiers often mistakenly assume the board will “see the truth,” but boards rely heavily on structured presentations and clear evidence.

Early legal involvement dramatically increases the likelihood of retention or securing a more favorable characterization of service.

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 Murray

Partner

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 Administrative Separation Process What to Expect

Step One: Reviewing the Packet and Advising You on Rights

We analyze every document, including counseling statements, Article 15 history, CID records, NCOERs, and command memos. Many regulatory requirements appear in Army administrative guidance and derive from UCMJ standards published in the Manual for Courts-Martial at https://www.esd.whs.mil/DD/.

Step Two: Building a Defense Strategy

We gather supporting evidence, identify witnesses, and construct a theme that explains inaccuracies, clarifies context, or demonstrates rehabilitation and performance value. Many cases depend on correcting narratives shaped by incomplete information.

Step Three: Presentation Before the Board

We prepare you for the hearing, questioning witnesses, presenting documentary evidence, challenging unsupported allegations, and arguing for retention or an improved discharge characterization. This stage is often decisive in shaping the outcome.

Step Four: Post-Board Actions and Appeals

If separation occurs, we assist with rebuttals, appeals, and long-term remedies. Certain issues may later be addressed through correction boards under processes supported by Army administrative publications at https://www.army.mil/arba.

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

View All Results

NO GOMOR ISSUED

Fort Cavazos, Texas. Army Officer Rebuts Allegations of Online Social Media Misconduct; No GOMOR Issued.

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GOMOR LOCALLY FILED

Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. Army Major (O-4) reprimanded for extramarital sexual conduct, GOMOR locally filed.

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NO ADVERSE ACTION

Fort Stewart, Georgia. An Army Sergeant (E-5) was flagged for allegedly violating a restriction of movement (ROM) order following a suspected case of COVID-19.

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GOMOR REMOVED

Fort Stewart, Georgia. GOMOR removed for Army Ranger arrested for DUI less safe after failing to submit to a field sobriety test.

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GOMOR LOCALLY FILED

Fort Knox, Kentucky. Army Major (O-4) facing an investigation and possible removal from the Army contacted MJA to help him respond appropriately.

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PROMOTED AFTER GOMOR

United States Army Japan. An Army First Lieutenant (O-2) received a permanently filed GOMOR for allegedly being drunk and disorderly in violation of USF Japan liberty policy.

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GOMOR WITHDRAWN AND DESTROYED

Army Reserve Support Command. Army Sergeant First Class (E-7) reprimanded for alleged aggravated sexual contact.

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GOMOR LOCALLY FILED

1st Theater Sustainment Command, Middle East. Army Major (O-4) reprimanded for allegations of extramarital sexual conduct.

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GOMOR TRANSFERRED

Department of the Army Suitability and Evaluation Board (DASEB). Army Captain (O-3) reprimanded for drunk and disorderly.

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GOMOR LOCALLY FILED

Army National Guard. Army Major (O-4) reprimanded for allegedly violating of a lawful general order.

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View All Results
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After Your Administrative Separation What Comes Next

Even after the board concludes, Soldiers may face long-term consequences such as limited civilian employment opportunities, reduced access to VA benefits, damaged reputations, and reclassification of past performance.

MJA supports clients through appeals, discharge upgrade requests, and Board for Correction of Military Records petitions, helping Soldiers rebuild opportunities and correct unfair outcomes.

Available 24/7 to Help Anyone in the World

Contact Us (843) 755-6535

Client Testimonials Their Words. Their Cases. Their Results.

View All Testimonials

"Outstanding Legal Representation."

Gerald Healy and Josh Hill rep...

SPC, US Army attended administrative separation board. Looking at a OTH discharged for sexual assault. Gerald Healy and Josh Hill represented me. They supported me through the whole process. Not once did I have to question or even think about the worst outcome! They made it known that no matter what happened it would be the best outcome for me. I was found not guilty and I retained in service! Not only did they fix the situation they also saved my career and now I continue to be the soldier I am and serve my country honorably! I would highly recommend Mr. Healy and Mr. Hill to anyone in regard of any situation that puts their career at risk no matter the situation! Don’t think about if you should or shouldn’t receive representation from them I promise you they are the most professional attorneys anyone could ever hire!
-SPECIALIST, USA

"Great Lawyer!"

He had only 2 and a half month...

Mr. Hill was a great attorney; he exceeded all expectations. He put full effort into each step of my case. He went over various scenarios and prepared me for every outcome. Throughout the entire case, Mr. Hill kept me encouraged and did everything in his power to win my case. My case lasted a year, starting in June of 2017 and ending in June of 2018, but I did not hire Mr. Hill until April of 2018. He had only 2 and a half months to prepare for my case against attorneys whom had the full 12 months to prepare and even with the odds against us, Mr. Hill put full effort in and won my case! I highly recommend him to any person searching for an attorney, especially the younger defendants because he connects with you and understands that you have your full life ahead of you and is willing to do whatever it takes to get you your freedom or the best offer.
-PRIVATE FIRST CLASS, USA

"MJA Saved My Military Career"

Once we hired him we knew we w...

I have served in the Army Honorably for 12 years, when I was wrapped up in case much bigger than me. I was facing an allegation against me that wasn’t true, my family and I felt backed into a wall. We leaned heavily on our faith to point us in the right direction, beginning to search for attorney’s when a profile for Gerry Healy popped up. We prayed about it and felt compelled to inquire about his partnership. When he responded swiftly we knew he cared and was eager to represent us. Upon talking to him, we prayed some more and instantly felt a need to hire him, knowing his experience in military and civilian law furthermore assured us.

Once we hired him we knew we were in good hands. I was able to go to work confidently and still be the quality Soldier and Non-Commissioned Officer I know I am. Gerry worked tirelessly and diligently to pursue the truth, and obtain proof. Based on his experience, he was able to see through any and all falsehoods provided by all involved in the case. He’s an aggressive, committed, and fearless attorney, when called he responds and will get in the court room any day. Throughout all the proceedings I was well informed of what was going on, and was accurately given guidance on any action needed to be taken whether it be from me or them. Not only did he serve us well but he also brought in an excellent partner from his firm by the name of Josh Hill.

Josh added a sense of unmatched passion that spearheaded this case. Like Gerry, Josh was able to see through any falsehood presented to him. He was always blunt in his efforts to expose the truth – a clear cut and dry attorney that is completely transparent. With every conversation we had with Josh we knew that we could trust him in the same manner we trusted Gerry. Every time I spoke with Josh, I felt a sense of security in these matters that are unparalleled. Josh exhausted all his efforts to gather the facts and maintain the integrity of all involved, at no time did he expect anything less. A true attorney of good moral character, standards, and discipline.

Both of these outstanding attorneys worked tirelessly with my TDS counsel. They all saved not only my career but my entire way of life. If I had to do it all again, I’d definitely be hiring them again for any situation. God truly gave us the right three men for the job, and we cannot thank them enough.

-STAFF SERGEANT, USA

"Always Faithful"

Josh is a hard nosed and dedic...

Josh is a hard nosed and dedicated attorney that will stand by you every step of the way in your defense. He is a true believer in justice. Josh will not quit on you and wont let you quit on yourself. His dedication to me as a client was unprecedented. I could not do enough to show my thanks and gratitude for all the great work he has done in regards to my career. I recommend Josh to anybody who may require legal representation within the Department of Defense.
-STAFF SERGEANT, USA

"I Would Hire Them Again in a Heartbeat"

My court martial resulted in t...

I was facing a court martial. My back was against the wall, my family found Mr. Healy online and I immediately reached out. He instantly gave me hope when I had nowhere left to turn. Together with Josh they did a phenomenal job keeping my family and myself informed throughout the whole process and making sure I was prepared at every turn. Gerry and Josh are absolute professional monsters in the court room! When the day came to fight I sat there and watched in awe just how fantastic these guys are. Every move more tactical, deliberate, and amazing then the next. My court martial resulted in the judge ruling a Dismissal with Prejudice! Something in his 10+ years as an attorney he’s never seen! I absolutely recommend Mr. Healy and Mr. Hill to anyone in a serious situation. These guys really care and felt like friends that will support you through anything! They won’t give up fighting, no matter what and I cannot thank them enough for everything they did for me. I would hire them again in a heartbeat and wouldn’t want anyone else in my corner! The only mistake you’ll make is not hiring them sooner!
-PRIVATE FIRST CLASS, USA

"Hands Down Best Lawyer"

Mr. Healy gave me hope again b...

I was facing a court martial. I had nowhere left to turn. I was on my last leg, but my CSM told me to keep fighting. So that’s exactly what I did, I found Mr. Healy through online searching and did some research on him. Turns out he’s exactly what I needed, so I hired him immediately. Mr. Healy gave me hope again but we were never certain. After what felt like a lifetime, the day has come to fight. As I sat there and watched Mr. Healy do what he does best I was in complete awe. I knew he was good, but now I was seeing exactly how good. He fought tooth and nail for me and never backed down from the fight. Through his tedious work he resulted on top of my court martial and was able to prove a not guilty finding from the jury. I recommend Mr. Healy to anyone in a serious situation such as myself. He will not waiver or give up fighting, no matter with he had my back 100% and I cannot thank him enough for giving me my life back.
-SPECIALIST, USA
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Why Choose Military Justice Attorneys?

Deep Military Justice Experience

Our attorneys, former Marine Judge Advocates, have extensive experience defending Soldiers across Article 15s, investigations, Chapter Boards, and courts-martial. We understand Army culture, command structures, and regulatory nuances that shape these cases.

Proven Results and Strategic Defense

We have successfully prevented separations, upgraded discharges, corrected inaccurate findings, and challenged flawed evidence across installations worldwide. Our defense focuses on detailed preparation, persuasive advocacy, and disciplined strategy.

Dedicated Support for Soldiers

You receive direct attorney guidance, not layers of staff, and clear communication from the first consultation through the final board decision. Our team remains focused on protecting your career, benefits, and post-service future. We deliver disciplined, soldier-focused advocacy rooted in accuracy, preparation, and unwavering commitment.

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FAQs Army Administrative Separation Defense

Can a single incident trigger a Chapter Board?

Yes. Even one event, especially involving misconduct or performance concerns, can initiate separation. However, strong rebuttals and evidence of value to the Army may persuade the board to retain you.

Will a Chapter Board consider my entire service record?

Absolutely. Boards review evaluations, awards, counseling statements, deployments, and leadership roles. Showing a balanced and accurate record often changes how board members view the alleged misconduct.

Can I challenge inaccuracies in the separation packet?

Yes. Many packets contain errors or unsupported assumptions. An attorney helps correct the record, introduce missing context, and present evidence that undermines the case for separation.

Will separation affect my VA benefits?

It can. Benefit eligibility depends on your discharge characterization. Protecting or improving your characterization is critical, and early legal involvement increases the likelihood of preserving benefits.

When should I contact a separation defense attorney?

You should contact an Army defense lawyer immediately after receiving notification. Early involvement ensures your defense is comprehensive, strategic, and supported by clear evidence before the board forms impressions.

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Protect Your Career Before a Chapter Board

A separation board should never be faced alone. Contact Military Justice Attorneys today for a confidential consultation with a former Judge Advocate.

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

(843) 755-6535
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