JAG Defense Attorney Serving California

Name: JAG Defense
Brand: Military Justice Attorneys
Rating: 5 (44 reviews)

Experienced former Marine JAGs protecting servicemembers’ rights and careers.

Guidance When Your Career Feels Uncertain

Servicemembers throughout California face command scrutiny for a wide range of issues, from minor misunderstandings to serious allegations. Whether you serve at Camp Pendleton, MCAS Miramar, Twentynine Palms, Naval Base San Diego, NAS Lemoore, Travis AFB, Edwards AFB, or Vandenberg SFB, early involvement from defense counsel can dramatically change the outcome.

Military Justice Attorneys (MJA), a team of former Marine Judge Advocates, provides disciplined support during command investigations, adverse paperwork, nonjudicial punishment, and other actions that fall under JAG oversight. Our goal is to prevent escalation and protect your career.

What Is JAG Defense?

JAG defense includes legal representation during investigations, command inquiries, adverse evaluations, reprimands, and other administrative actions that occur before any criminal charges are considered. These matters may seem minor at first, but they often influence promotions, assignments, and long-term service viability.

The Manual for Courts-Martial and related DoD instructions, accessible at https://www.esd.whs.mil/DD/, outline procedures commanders must follow. Understanding these rules helps ensure evidence is interpreted fairly, and service members receive due process.

The Benefits of Working With a Military Defense Attorney for JAG Actions

Early Protection From Missteps. Many servicemembers unknowingly make statements that damage their case. We ensure your rights are protected from the start.
Precise Evaluation of Command Evidence. We analyze statements, documentation, and investigative procedures to identify errors or unsupported conclusions.
Direct Representation by Former Judge Advocates. You receive personal guidance from attorneys who understand military structure, expectations, and administrative decision-making.

Is JAG Defense Relevant to My Situation?

JAG defense becomes essential when an investigation begins, when you’re asked for a statement, or when adverse paperwork appears unexpectedly. Common triggers include performance disputes, off-base incidents, communication misunderstandings, and conduct-related allegations. Service members at California bases often face rapid administrative actions that impact evaluations and clearance eligibility.

If you sense command concern, have been read your rights, or believe key information is missing from an investigation, legal support should begin immediately. Early involvement from our JAG defense lawyers helps preserve your career trajectory and prevents unnecessary escalation.

Former Military Judge Advocates United By Service

Our JAG defense 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

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

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

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

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

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

The JAG Defense Process What to Expect

Step One: Initial Review of Allegations and Rights Advisement

We review available documents, discuss your concerns, and explain your Article 31(b) rights. This step ensures you do not provide statements that could be misinterpreted or used against you later.

Step Two: Gathering Evidence and Evaluating Procedures

We examine command documentation, witness statements, digital materials, and any relevant civilian records. Standards outlined by the Joint Service Committee at https://jsc.defense.gov guide our approach to identifying procedural errors and gaps in the investigation.

Step Three: Preparing Rebuttals, Statements, and Responses

We develop clear, well-supported submissions that present your perspective and correct misunderstandings. This may include written rebuttals for adverse paperwork, responses to counseling entries, or submissions for command review.

Step Four: Protecting Your Long-Term Career Interests

If actions continue toward NJP or separation, we guide you through the next steps. This stage may involve preparing additional evidence, securing witness statements, or helping challenge improper administrative decisions.

After Your JAG Case What Comes Next

Even when an investigation closes without serious action, lingering administrative effects may still appear. These may include adverse comments in evaluations, shifts in assignments, or concerns about readiness or conduct. Such consequences can influence reenlistment, promotion, and future opportunities.

We support clients after the initial action by assisting with record corrections, evaluation appeals, mitigation materials, and documentation to ensure one incident does not define an entire career.

Military aircraft cockpit with star insignia

Available 24/7 to Help Anyone in the World

Client Testimonials Their Words. Their Cases. Their Results.

View All Testimonials

"The Government Came to Bury Me, Josh Hill Buried Their Case Instead"

If you’re reading this review,...

"If you’re reading this review, there’s a fair chance you’re in trouble with the military. The answer is YES—hire Josh Hill. He is worth every penny and more. Don’t gamble with your VA benefits, your military pension, or your freedom. You only get one shot at defending your future. Trust me, this is the guy you want in your corner. When I first hired Josh Hill as my civilian military lawyer, I was staring down a mountain: 28 specifications across 6 charges in a military court-martial. The government basically made a giant mud ball, threw it at the wall, and waited to see what would stick. The stakes couldn’t have been higher—my freedom, my career, my reputation, and my benefits were all on the line. But from day one, Josh brought unmatched experience, surgical strategy, and a level of confidence that gave me hope when I needed it most. Josh Hill is a master of his craft. He navigated the UCMJ like a seasoned warrior—dissecting every allegation, exposing every weakness in the government’s case, and challenging every false assumption thrown my way. His preparation was meticulous, his presence in court was commanding, and his cross-examinations were absolutely relentless. He left no stone unturned and no argument unanswered. Because of Josh’s leadership, we went from what felt like an impossible situation to walking out of that courtroom not guilty on all charges. That wasn’t just a win—it was a total and complete vindication. And it’s 100% because of Josh Hill’s commitment, brilliance, and refusal to let the government steamroll me. Josh Hill didn’t just defend me—he saved my life. I will forever be in his debt for the sacrifices he made and the time he dedicated to my case. One last note: When he calls—ANSWER IT. Drop what you're doing, it can wait. That phone call might be the one thing that changes your future. If you want to hear my story firsthand, Josh has my permission to give you my contact info. I’ll gladly tell you exactly how he absolutely destroyed the government’s case, so I can continue with my life."
-STAFF SERGEANT, USMC

"He is an articulate pitbull in the courtroom."

My career, my life, my futu...

I know Mr Healy quite well. He represented me in a case where the odds were stacked against me. This was the most difficult time of my life considering some other circumstances that were added on. However, he fought for me tooth and nail even though his caseload was very high at the time. It seemed he devoted every ounce of effort to find me justice and in the end, because of his efforts, I was fully acquitted of several charges.
I will never forget that feeling for as long as I live. Upon the announcement of the verdict I nearly collapsed. My career, my life, my future was completely in his hands and he took it as seriously as I did. He is an articulate pitbull in the courtroom. I highly recommend his services if you expect to have any chance of seeing the justice you truly deserve.

-Corporal, USMC

"Mr. Hodge was relentless in his defense of me"

Mr. Hodge was relentless in hi...

Mr. Hodge was relentless in his defense of me . . . and absolved me of any wrongdoing under the UCMJ.
-Corporal, USMC

"His dedication to me as a client was unprecedented."

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. His dedication to me as a client was unprecedented.
-Staff Sergeant, USA

"I would hire them again in a heartbeat."

Gerry and Josh are absolute pr...

Gerry and Josh are absolute professional monsters in the courtroom. I would hire them again in a heartbeat and wouldn’t want anyone else in my corner!
-Private First Class, USA

"I trusted him with my career on the line, and he was outstanding."

Mr. Hill tore apart the govern...

Mr. Hill tore apart the government's theory piece by piece . . . I trusted him with my career on the line, and he was outstanding.
-Petty Officer Third Class, USN

"I would not want my fate in anyone else’s hands."

Gerry Healy is an outstandi...

Gerry Healy is an outstanding attorney. In the courtroom he is confident, knowledgeable, and aggressive. I would not want my fate in anyone else’s hands.
-Airman First Class, USAF

Why Choose Military Justice Attorneys?

Deep Military Justice Experience

Our attorneys are former Marine Judge Advocates with extensive experience in administrative law, investigations, and command-driven actions. We understand how California commands review of evidence and makes decisions affecting service members.

Proven Results and Strategic Defense

We have helped servicemembers across California address adverse paperwork, investigations, and unfair command actions. Our approach emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and well-structured submissions supported by evidence.

Dedicated Support for Service Members

Clients receive direct access to attorneys, rather than case managers, who understand the pressures of military service. We provide clear communication, steady guidance, and disciplined advocacy throughout the process.

We deliver mission-driven representation that protects your career, dignity, and future opportunities.

JAG Defense Attorney Serving California FAQs

Should I speak to investigators if I know I did nothing wrong?

No. Even innocent statements can be misinterpreted. You have the right to remain silent and consult with an attorney before answering any questions.

What happens if my command initiates an adverse investigation?

Your attorney will review the allegations, examine the investigative process, and ensure your rights are protected. Early legal involvement helps prevent damaging assumptions.

Can I be separated even if I am not court-martialed?

Yes. Commands may use administrative separation to remove servicemembers even without criminal charges. Strong advocacy can prevent separation or reduce its impact.

What should I do if I receive a GOMOR or adverse evaluation?

Respond immediately with legal counsel. Written rebuttals and supporting evidence can significantly influence the outcome.

When should I hire a JAG defense attorney?

As soon as you learn of an investigation or adverse action. Early representation strengthens your position and protects your career.

Protect Your Career With Experienced Counsel

A single misunderstanding or unfair interpretation should not dictate your future. Contact Military Justice Attorneys today to schedule your confidential consultation with a former Marine Judge Advocate.