Court-Martial Defense Coast Guard

Name: Court-Martial Defense
Brand: Military Justice Attorneys
Rating: 5 (44 reviews)

When Coast Guard members face court-martial charges, experienced defense attorneys provide the disciplined, strategic representation needed to fight the allegations and protect your career, reputation, and future.

A Court-Martial Can Reshape Your Coast Guard Career Forever

A court-martial is one of the most serious events a Coast Guard member can endure. Allegations—whether involving misconduct, operational incidents, drug offenses, sexual misconduct, or dereliction—can escalate quickly and create immense pressure on the accused. Coast Guard commands often initiate action early, sometimes based on incomplete investigations or assumptions made by CGIS or command leadership.

The consequences of a conviction are severe: confinement, loss of rank and pay, punitive discharge, firearm restrictions, and lifelong federal criminal records. Even before trial, members may endure duty restrictions, suspended qualifications, operational removal, and damaged reputations. With so much at stake, you need court-martial attorneys who understand the Coast Guard justice system and know how to dismantle the government’s case. Military Justice Attorneys represents Coast Guard members worldwide, providing aggressive, informed defense rooted in deep experience with military investigations, trial litigation, and strategic defense planning.

What Is a Coast Guard Court-Martial?

A court-martial is the military’s criminal justice process, applying the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to Coast Guard service members. You can learn more about the UCMJ and its application to courts-martial at: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/subtitle-A/part-II/chapter-47. Depending on the seriousness of the alleged offense, cases may be tried as:

Summary Court-Martial
Special Court-Martial
General Court-Martial

Common Coast Guard court-martial cases include:

Drug use or distribution
Sexual assault or harassment
Domestic violence
Operational misconduct
Hazing or abusive conduct
Fraud, theft, or financial crimes
Assault and violent offenses
Unauthorized absence or dereliction
Misuse of government equipment or systems

A court-martial defense attorney advises you at every stage—from CGIS questioning through trial and sentencing—to ensure your rights stay protected and your defense is built on solid ground.

The Benefits of Working With a Court-Martial Defense Attorney

Comprehensive Case Review and Investigation - Your attorney analyzes government evidence, interviews witnesses when appropriate, evaluates investigative errors, and develops a proactive defense strategy to challenge the charges.
Aggressive Trial Representation Built on Experience - A court-martial defense lawyer raises critical motions, challenges unlawful searches, attacks unreliable evidence, cross-examines government witnesses, and advocates forcefully for acquittal or case dismissal.
Protection From Career-Ending Consequences - Convictions affect rank, pay, benefits, retirement, and post-service employment. Your attorney works to reduce exposure, avoid punitive outcomes, and preserve your Coast Guard career whenever possible.
Strong Mitigation and Sentencing Advocacy - If the case proceeds to sentencing, your attorney presents powerful evidence, expert testimony, and character documentation to protect your long-term future.

Is Court-Martial Defense Representation Relevant to My Situation?

You may need immediate legal counsel if you:

Are contacted by CGIS for questioning
Were ordered to give a statement or provide digital devices
Face allegations of misconduct or criminal offenses
Received charge sheets or Article 32 hearing notice
Were relieved for cause or placed on administrative hold
Believe your command is predisposed against you
Are concerned about the long-term impact on your career

Court-martial lawyers frequently defend Coast Guard members in cases involving:

Sexual misconduct
Assault or domestic violence
Drug offenses
DUI or alcohol-related incidents
Dereliction or operational negligence
Hazing
Theft or fraud offenses
Cyber or electronic misuse

Whether the allegation is minor or career-threatening, early intervention is vital.

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 Court-Martial Process What to Expect

1. Investigation and Rights Protection

Your attorney ensures you do not provide self-incriminating statements, consent to unnecessary searches, or inadvertently strengthen the government’s case. Article 31(b) rights governing questioning of service members are outlined at: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/831.

2. Article 32 Preliminary Hearing (for General Courts-Martial)

Your lawyer challenges probable cause, questions government witnesses, exposes evidentiary weaknesses, and begins shaping your defense strategy.

3. Discovery, Motions, and Trial Preparation

Your court-martial defense attorney reviews evidence, files motions to suppress unlawful searches or statements, requests experts, and prepares witness testimony.

4. Trial and Sentencing

Your attorney cross-examines witnesses, challenges forensic evidence, presents your defense case, and advocates aggressively for acquittal—or mitigates sentencing if necessary.

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 Court-Martial What Comes Next

Even after your trial, you may need additional legal support. Military Justice Attorneys assists with:

Court-martial appeals
Clemency requests
Correction of military records
Discharge upgrade petitions
Administrative appeals tied to the conviction
Security clearance issues

Post-trial relief and appellate review within the military justice system are governed by statute and overseen through authorities described at the Joint Service Committee on Military Justice: https://jsc.defense.gov/.

Your defense does not end with the verdict; we continue fighting to protect your future.

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 Military Trial Lawyers With Deep Service Knowledge

Our attorneys have extensive experience litigating cases involving sexual misconduct, digital forensics, drug allegations, operational incidents, and violent offenses.

Proven Strategies for High-Stakes Military Defense

We understand CGIS procedures, command influence, and how to identify weaknesses in the government’s case from the start.

Mission-Driven Advocacy Focused on Protecting Your Future

We offer direct attorney access, clear communication, and disciplined, strategic representation designed to safeguard your rights and your Coast Guard career.

Military Justice Attorneys stands ready to defend those who serve at sea and ashore.

Coast Guard Court-Martial Defense FAQs

Should I talk to CGIS if I believe I did nothing wrong?

No. CGIS agents are trained interrogators who may interpret innocent statements as evidence of guilt. A lawyer protects your rights, ensures you do not accidentally incriminate yourself, and reviews the government’s evidence before you speak to investigators.

Can a court-martial be stopped before trial?

Yes. Many cases are dismissed or resolved favorably through aggressive pretrial motions, evidentiary challenges, or strategic engagement with the command. Early legal intervention significantly increases the chances of stopping the case before trial.

Will a court-martial conviction affect my civilian future?

Yes. Court-martial convictions are federal convictions and can limit employment opportunities, firearm rights, benefits eligibility, and clearance access. A strong defense minimizes or eliminates these long-term consequences.

What if my command pressures me to accept NJP instead of fighting charges?

Commands may recommend NJP, but accepting it may still harm your record and career. A lawyer helps you evaluate all options, including whether to refuse NJP and demand court-martial.

Can I appeal a court-martial conviction?

Absolutely. A court-martial appeal attorney examines the trial record for legal errors, procedural violations, and constitutional issues that may justify overturning or reducing the conviction.

Fight Your Court-Martial With Experienced Military Defense

Schedule a confidential consultation today with Coast Guard court-martial attorneys who understand the stakes—and know how to win.