Coast Guard Defense Attorneys

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

When Coast Guard service members face investigations, administrative actions, or court-martial charges, our experienced defense attorneys provide the skill, strategy, and unwavering advocacy needed to protect their rights, reputation, and future.

Court-Martial Defense Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP) Defense Administrative Separation Defense CGIS Investigation Defense Court-Martial Appeals Adverse Evaluation Appeals Command Investigation Appeals / Rebuttals CGIS Titling Appeals

Your Career, Freedom, and Reputation Deserve Strong Defense

Coast Guard personnel operate in demanding environments where mistakes, misunderstandings, or baseless allegations can quickly escalate into disciplinary action, adverse evaluations, or criminal proceedings. Whether you are under investigation by CGIS, facing Non-Judicial Punishment, fighting administrative separation, or preparing for a court-martial, the consequences can be life-changing.

As former Judge Advocates, our attorneys understand Coast Guard culture, operational expectations, and the pressures service members face at sea, ashore, and in high-risk environments. We know how commands evaluate misconduct, how investigations are conducted, and how quickly an accusation can jeopardize your career.

That is why service members nationwide trust Military Justice Attorneys when they need a seasoned Coast Guard criminal defense attorney or Coast Guard criminal defense lawyer who knows the system and fights relentlessly for their future.

Comprehensive Defense for Coast Guard Service Members

We represent Coast Guard members in all forms of criminal, administrative, and appellate matters. Our attorneys are equipped to defend you at every stage of your case—whether you are under investigation, facing preliminary action, or appealing an unjust decision. Primary case types include:

Court-Martial Defense – Aggressive representation against UCMJ charges, including assault, sexual offenses, drug allegations, property crimes, and operational misconduct. You can learn more about Coast Guard courts-martial and the Uniform Code of Military Justice at: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/subtitle-A/part-II/chapter-47.
Court-Martial Appeals – Appellate advocacy challenging unjust convictions, excessive sentences, and legal errors. Military appellate review procedures are governed by federal statute and explained at: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/866.
Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP) Defense – Guidance on whether to accept or refuse NJP, preparation of defense packages, and mitigation of career impact. Article 15 authority for NJP is established under federal law, available at: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/815.
Administrative Separation Defense – Representation at separation boards to prevent unjust discharge or downgrade of characterization.
Adverse Evaluation Appeals – Challenges to inaccurate or retaliatory EERs and OERs that harm promotion and assignment potential.
CGIS Investigation Defense – Immediate counsel before interviews, search requests, or questioning, protecting your rights from the outset.
Command Investigation Rebuttals – Appeals and rebuttals of flawed command investigations that lead to unfair findings.
CGIS Titling Appeals – Challenging and removing improper titling entries that affect background checks and future career opportunities.

Our broad experience ensures you receive complete, informed representation no matter where your case begins or how complex it becomes.

The Benefits of Working With a Military Defense Attorney for Coast Guard Cases

Experienced Counsel Across Criminal, Administrative, and Investigative Matters - Your attorney understands how each action—from NJP to CGIS inquiries to adverse evaluations—interacts with Coast Guard career progression and legal outcomes.
Protection Against Command Missteps and Investigative Overreach - Commands and investigators sometimes act on incomplete evidence or flawed assumptions. A defense lawyer identifies weaknesses and ensures your rights are respected.
Strategic Defense Tailored to Coast Guard Operations and Culture - We incorporate your service record, mission requirements, operational environment, and chain-of-command dynamics into a customized defense strategy.
Support Through Every Stage of the Legal Process - From initial questioning through appeals and record correction, your attorney remains committed to securing the strongest possible result.

Do I Need Legal Defense in the Coast Guard?

You should seek counsel if you are facing:

CGIS or command questioning
Notification of NJP or Article 15
An adverse EER or OER
Administrative separation
Loss of confidence by your command
Accusations of misconduct, fraternization, drug use, theft, or assault
Security clearance concerns
A court-martial investigation or formal charges

Coast Guard members often seek representation while serving at:

Sectors and Stations nationwide
Cutters and aviation units
Training centers
Deployable specialized forces (MSRT, MSST, etc.)
Marine safety offices and inspections units

If allegations threaten your qualifications, promotion potential, or continued service, an attorney can dramatically change the outcome.

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

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 Coast Guard Defense Process What to Expect

1. Immediate Legal Assessment and Rights Protection

Your attorney evaluates the allegations, advises you before any questioning, and ensures your Article 31(b) rights are fully protected.

2. Evidence Review and Defense Strategy Development

We analyze command documents, witness statements, investigative reports, and operational records to build a strong, targeted defense.

3. Representation in Courts-Martial, NJP, or Administrative Boards

Your attorney presents evidence, challenges government assertions, cross-examines witnesses, and advocates aggressively on your behalf.

4. Appeals, Corrections, and Long-Term Record Protection

If adverse actions occur, we assist with appeals, BCMR petitions, and long-term strategies to restore your record and opportunities.

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

View All Results

"NO BASIS"

Training Center Petaluma, California. Coast Guardsman Prevails at Administrative Separation Hearing.

RETAINED

Alameida, California. Coast Guard First Class Petty Officer (E-6) retained on alcohol and drug abuse allegations.

COAST GUARD OFFICER RETIRES HONORABLY

United States Coast Guard. Officer Facing Allegations of Sexual Misconduct is Not Charged, Retires Honorably.

ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATION TERMINATED

U.S. Coast Guard, Washington D.C. A Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) in the U.S. Coast Guard was alleged to have committed a "hate incident" in violation of COMDTINST 5350.6, Harassing Behavior, Prevention, Response, and Accountability.

View All Results

After Your Case What Comes Next

Our representation does not end with a verdict or command decision. We continue supporting Coast Guard members with:

Discharge upgrades
BCMR record corrections
Removal of adverse evaluations
Restoration of qualifications or advancement eligibility
Guidance for future assignments, clearances, or civilian employment

We work to ensure that one allegation does not overshadow an entire career of honorable service.

Coast Guard helicopter hoists rescue swimmer

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?

Experienced Coast Guard Defense Across All Case Types

We understand Coast Guard operations, discipline, and administrative systems—and how to defend service members within them.

Proven Defense in High-Stakes Criminal and Administrative Actions

Our attorneys have successfully represented Coast Guard clients in investigations, NJPs, separations, courts-martial, and appeals.

Dedicated Advocacy Focused on Protecting Your Career

We provide honest guidance, powerful legal strategy, and steadfast commitment to defending your reputation and future.

Military Justice Attorneys stands ready to fight for Coast Guard service members wherever they serve.

Coast Guard Defense FAQs

What should I do if CGIS contacts me?

Contact an attorney immediately and do not provide a statement before receiving legal advice. Investigators gather evidence for the government—not for your benefit—and early missteps can significantly harm your defense.

Can NJP affect my promotion or assignment eligibility?

Yes. NJP can influence evaluations, advancement potential, and command trust. An attorney can help you contest NJP, present mitigation, or pursue appeals that protect your career trajectory.

Is administrative separation automatic if I receive NJP or an adverse evaluation?

No. Commands must follow specific procedures, and many members successfully contest separation with strong representation. An attorney helps demonstrate why retention is appropriate.

Can I appeal a court-martial conviction?

Yes. A court-martial appeal lawyer can challenge legal errors, unjust sentences, or insufficient evidence. Appeals may lead to reduced punishment, new trials, or overturned convictions.

Will a command investigation stay in my record permanently?

Not always. You may rebut the findings, request higher-level review, or seek correction through the PRRB or BCMR. An attorney can determine the best path for removing unjust findings.

Protect Your Future With Experienced Coast Guard Defense

Schedule a confidential consultation with attorneys who know the Coast Guard system—and know how to defend your career.