Non-Judicial Punishment Defense Coast Guard

Name: Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP) Defense
Brand: Military Justice Attorneys
Rating: 5 (44 reviews)

When your command initiates Non-Judicial Punishment, experienced defense attorneys can help you evaluate your rights, present a strong defense, and protect your Coast Guard career from unjust or disproportionate punishment.

NJP Can Threaten Your Rank, Reputation, and Future

Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP)—often referred to as Captain’s Mast or Office Hours—allows Coast Guard commands to impose disciplinary action without a court-martial. Although NJP is not a criminal conviction, its effects can be severe: reduction in rank, forfeiture of pay, restriction, extra duties, and long-term career consequences that can influence advancement, special duty assignments, and retention.

Many Coast Guard members mistakenly assume NJP is a minor issue or believe they must accept punishment to “move on.” In reality, you have important rights—including the right to consult counsel, the right to refuse NJP in many cases, and the right to present evidence and witnesses. A Non-Judicial Punishment lawyer helps ensure you make the right decision and prepares the strongest defense possible.

Military Justice Attorneys understand Coast Guard culture and command processes, giving you the support needed to fight unjust allegations and protect the reputation you’ve worked hard to earn.

What Is Non-Judicial Punishment in the Coast Guard?

NJP is an administrative disciplinary process authorized under Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. You can learn more about Article 15 and the statutory authority for NJP at: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/815. It allows Coast Guard commanders to handle allegations of minor misconduct without referring the case to court-martial.

NJP may be initiated for allegations such as:

Disrespect or insubordination
Alcohol-related misconduct
Minor assault
Unauthorized absence
Dereliction of duty
Violations of lawful orders
Fraternization or unprofessional conduct
Property damage
Drug-related allegations (minor use or possession)

Although administrative, NJP can negatively affect:

Promotion competitiveness
Special assignments
Advancement exams
Security clearances
Reenlistment decisions
Future command trust

A strong defense can significantly improve your outcome—and sometimes prevent NJP from happening at all.

The Benefits of Working With a Military Defense Attorney for NJP

Guidance on Whether to Accept or Refuse NJP - In many cases, Coast Guard members have the right to refuse NJP and demand a court-martial. A Non-Judicial Punishment lawyer helps you weigh the strength of the government’s case, command attitudes, and career considerations before making this critical decision.
Development of Strong Defense and Mitigation Evidence - Even if you accept NJP, you can present witness statements, documents, performance records, and exculpatory or mitigating evidence. Your attorney prepares a well-organized defense package that challenges the allegations or minimizes punishment.
Protection From Long-Term Career Damage - An NJP can negatively affect promotions and assignments. Your attorney helps mitigate harmful entries, prepare rebuttals to adverse marks, and protect your career trajectory.
Support With Appeals and Follow-On Actions - If NJP is imposed unfairly, your attorney can prepare an appeal to a higher authority and defend you against any subsequent adverse evaluation or separation action.

Is NJP Defense Relevant to My Situation?

You may need legal assistance if you:

Were notified of pending NJP
Do not know whether to accept or refuse
Believe the allegations are inaccurate or exaggerated
Fear loss of rank, pay, or promotional opportunities
Already face administrative actions tied to the same incident
Were interviewed by CGIS or command investigators
Want to present a strong defense package to your command

NJP is commonly used for cases involving:

Underage drinking
Disrespect or noncompliance
Alcohol incidents
Minor assaults
Dereliction of duty
Relationship or fraternization concerns
Misuse of government equipment
Unauthorized absence
Financial misconduct

If your case involves any of these issues—or if the allegations are unfair—a defense attorney can dramatically improve 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 NJP Defense Process What to Expect

1. Review of Allegations and Government Evidence

Your attorney reviews all available information, including statements, command summaries, and investigative findings, to determine the strongest defense strategy.

2. Strategic Decision on Accepting or Refusing NJP

Your lawyer evaluates the evidence, potential penalties, and the likelihood of success at NJP versus court-martial to help you make an informed decision.

3. Preparation and Presentation of Defense Evidence

If you proceed with NJP, your attorney helps you prepare statements, gather mitigation materials, and organize a defense package that directly challenges the allegations or minimizes impact.

4. NJP Appeals and Administrative Follow-Up

If the command imposes punishment, your attorney can prepare an appeal, assist with responding to adverse marks, and defend you in any subsequent administrative actions.

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 NJP What Comes Next

Even after NJP is completed, its effects may continue. Military Justice Attorneys provides additional support with:

Rebuttals to negative evaluations
Restoration of promotion eligibility (where possible)
Administrative separation defense
Correction of records through the BCMR
Appeals of unjust NJP findings

You can learn more about the Coast Guard Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR) and its authority to correct unjust or erroneous records at: https://www.uscg.mil/Resources/Legal/BCMR/.

We stay by your side to ensure one allegation does not define your Coast Guard career.

Available 24/7 to Help Anyone in the World

Client Testimonials Their Words. Their Cases. Their Results.

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"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 Military Lawyers With Coast Guard Insight

Our attorneys understand Coast Guard operations, command expectations, and disciplinary processes, allowing us to build compelling NJP defense strategies.

Proven Track Record in Criminal and Administrative Defense

We have defended service members in NJP cases involving misconduct allegations, alcohol incidents, property offenses, and operational disputes.

Mission-Focused Advocacy That Protects Your Future

We deliver direct attorney access, strategic legal guidance, and aggressive defense aimed at safeguarding your rank, benefits, and advancement opportunities.

Military Justice Attorneys stands ready to defend Coast Guard members with the diligence and commitment their service deserves.

Coast Guard Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP) Defense FAQs

Can I refuse NJP in the Coast Guard?

In many cases, yes. Coast Guard members can refuse NJP and demand court-martial unless they are attached to or embarked on a vessel. Your attorney helps determine whether refusing NJP is strategically beneficial based on the evidence and command environment.

Can I bring a lawyer to my NJP hearing?

You may consult a lawyer beforehand, but you generally cannot have an attorney speak on your behalf during the hearing itself. A defense lawyer prepares your statement, organizes evidence, and helps you present a strong, coherent case to your command.

How do I appeal an NJP decision?

You may appeal to a higher authority if the NJP was unjust or unsupported by the evidence. Your attorney prepares a written appeal explaining errors in the command’s findings, procedural violations, or mitigating factors that were overlooked.

Will NJP affect my promotion or advancement?

Yes. NJP can have significant effects on advancement eligibility and competitiveness. A defense attorney helps minimize these long-term impacts by preparing rebuttals and pursuing administrative corrections when necessary.

What if NJP leads to separation proceedings?

Commands may initiate administrative separation after NJP, especially for repeated or serious misconduct. An attorney can represent you at separation boards, challenge evidence, and advocate for retention.

Protect Your Career With Strong NJP Defense

Schedule a confidential consultation with Coast Guard Non-Judicial Punishment defense attorneys who understand the system—and know how to fight for your future.