Attorney Jon Shelburne

About Jon

Jon Shelburne is an experienced trial attorney who works primarily in the area of military criminal defense. Jon has defended complex cases for more than 30 years and has successfully defended military service members accused of some of the most serious offenses under the UCMJ, including murder and sexual assault. He maintains a global practice and has tried cases throughout Europe, Asia, and the United States. Jon is certified to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States and the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, and is admitted in both Rhode Island and Texas.

Prior to joining Military Justice Attorneys, Jon served as a Professor and Acting Director of the Roger Williams University School of Law Criminal Defense Clinic. He taught Trial Advocacy, Advanced Trial Advocacy, Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, and seminars on Military Law, Terrorism and the First Amendment, and International Law.

Jon served on active duty with the United States Marine Corps for more than ten years before transitioning to the Reserves and joining the Roger Williams faculty in 2002. He recently retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Marine Corps Reserves. During his reserve service, Jon held several key billets, including Regional Judge Advocate for the Northeast Region, Assistant Regional Defense Counsel for the East Coast, and Assistant Regional Defense Counsel for the Pacific Region. Jon deployed to Iraq in 2004 and was activated again in 2007 to defend Marines charged in connection with the Haditha allegations. Shortly after returning from Iraq, Jon was certified as a military judge.

In addition to defending service members and veterans, Jon remains active in professional service organizations and legal education. He previously served as Chair of the Military and Veterans Law Section of the State Bar of Texas and currently serves as co-Chair of the Veterans Committee for the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. Jon also serves as President of the Board of Directors for Dare to Dream Ranch, a nonprofit organization providing equine therapy and support services to veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress.