When “Minor” Discipline Isn’t Minor

Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP) is often presented as a quick or informal way to handle alleged misconduct, but the consequences can be serious and long-lasting. Loss of rank, forfeiture of pay, adverse evaluations, and damage to your professional reputation can follow you throughout your military career. For service members in Florida and New Jersey, NPDES decisions are often made quickly and under pressure. At Military Justice Attorneys, we help service members understand their rights, evaluate their options, and respond strategically when NJP is on the table.

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What Is Non-Judicial Punishment?

Non-Judicial Punishment is a disciplinary process that allows commanders to address alleged violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) without a court-martial. NJP is commonly referred to as Article 15 in the Army and Air Force, Captain’s Mast in the Navy and Coast Guard, or Office Hours in the Marine Corps. While NJP is not a criminal conviction, it is governed by federal law and service regulations, and it can significantly impact rank, pay, promotion eligibility, and future assignments.

The Benefits of Legal Representation for NJP

  • Informed Decision-Making: Legal counsel helps you understand whether accepting NJP or demanding a court-martial is the better option for your situation.
  • Strategic Written or Oral Defense: A well-prepared defense can influence the commander’s findings and punishment decisions.
  • Protection of Your Military Record: Effective advocacy can reduce or avoid lasting negative impacts on evaluations, promotions, and retention.
  • Early Damage Control: Addressing NJP properly can prevent future administrative separation or escalation to more severe action.
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Is Non-Judicial Punishment Right for My Case?

NJP is typically offered for alleged misconduct that a commander believes can be handled without court-martial, but service members are not required to accept it in all situations. You may be facing NJP if you have been accused of disobedience, minor assault, drug-related misconduct, fraternization, or other UCMJ violations. Service members in Florida should seek legal advice immediately upon notification of NJP, as critical decisions must often be made within very short timelines.

Former Military Judge Advocates United By Service

Our NJP 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
Gerry Healy

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
Josh Hill

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
Chip Hodge

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
Paul Murray

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
Jon Shelburne

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
Amy Thomas
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The Non-Judicial Punishment Process What to Expect

1. Notification of Alleged Misconduct

You are formally notified of the allegations and the commander’s intent to impose NJP.

2. Rights Advisement and Election

You are advised of your rights, including the right to consult with counsel and, in many cases, the right to demand trial by court-martial instead of NJP.

3. Presentation of Defense

You may submit a written defense, present witnesses, or make a personal statement for the commander’s consideration.

4. Command Decision and Punishment

The commander determines whether misconduct occurred and, if so, imposes punishment within authorized limits.

NJP procedures are governed by Article 15 of the UCMJ and service-specific regulations issued by the Department of Defense and individual military branches.

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After NJP The Non-Judicial Punishment Process

Following NJP, we help service members understand the long-term implications of the outcome, including its effects on evaluations, promotions, reenlistment, and the risk of administrative separation. In some cases, appeals or requests for relief may be available. Our goal is to minimize lasting damage and position you for the strongest possible future, whether you remain in uniform or transition to civilian life.

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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
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Why Choose Military Justice Attorneys?

Military Justice Attorneys was founded to defend those who defend us, and we bring that mission to every NJP case we handle.

Former Military Judge Advocates

All of our nonjudicial punishment lawyers served as active-duty Marine Corps officers and Judge Advocates, giving us firsthand insight into how commanders evaluate NJP cases.

Early-Stage Defense Focus

We routinely assist service members before NJP decisions are finalized, when legal guidance can make the greatest difference.

Direct Attorney Access

Clients have direct access to their attorneys throughout the NJP process, ensuring timely advice during fast-moving disciplinary actions.

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Non-Judicial Punishment Lawyers Serving Florida FAQs

Is NJP the same as a criminal conviction?

No. NJP is not a criminal conviction, but it can still have serious and lasting career consequences.

Can I refuse NJP and demand a court-martial?

In many cases, yes. Whether this is advisable depends on the facts, evidence, and potential exposure.

Will NJP affect promotions or reenlistment?

Yes. NJP can negatively impact evaluations, promotion eligibility, and decisions regarding retention and career advancement.

Should I talk to my commander before consulting a lawyer?

You should consult experienced military defense counsel before making statements or elections regarding NJP.

Does NJP stay in my record permanently?

Some NJP actions remain in personnel files and can affect your career long-term, depending on rank and service regulations.

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Protect Your Career

NJP decisions move fast, so your defense should too. Contact Military Justice Attorneys today to schedule a confidential consultation about Non-Judicial Punishment in Florida.

Contact Us When Your Future Is On The Line

Our decentralized approach to military defense ensures that we can represent service members from any branch of the military, of any rank, at any military base or installation stateside or abroad.

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