Federal Protections While You Serve

Active-duty service members are often required to balance financial obligations with the demands of military service. When deployments, PCS orders, or training interfere with civilian life, federal law steps in to offer protection. Unfortunately, lenders and creditors do not always follow the rules. Service members in Florida frequently face unlawful foreclosures, vehicle repossessions, or excessive interest charges while on active duty. At Military Justice Attorneys, we help service members enforce their rights under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and hold violators accountable.

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What Is the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act?

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) is a federal law that protects active-duty service members from certain civil and financial actions that could negatively impact them while serving. The SCRA provides protections related to mortgage foreclosures, vehicle repossessions, interest rate caps, default judgments, and lease terminations. These protections apply during active service and, in some cases, after service ends. The law is enforced through federal courts, and guidance is published by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of Defense to ensure lenders and creditors comply.

The Benefits of SCRA Legal Representation

  • Protection From Unlawful Foreclosure: The SCRA restricts when and how lenders may foreclose on a service member’s home during active duty.
  • Defense Against Vehicle Repossession: Creditors may not repossess vehicles without obtaining court approval when SCRA protections are in effect.
  • Interest Rate Caps: Eligible service members can have certain pre-service debts capped at a rate of six percent interest during active duty.
  • Enforcement of Federal Rights: When lenders violate the SCRA, legal action may provide relief, damages, and accountability.
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Is an SCRA Case Right for Me?

You may have a valid SCRA claim if you are on active duty and facing foreclosure, repossession, or excessive interest charges related to pre-service debts. These cases often arise when creditors fail to verify military status or ignore statutory protections.

Many service members in Florida do not realize that violations have already occurred until significant financial harm has been done. Early legal involvement can stop unlawful actions and preserve your rights under federal law.

Former Military Judge Advocates United By Service

Our SCRA lawyers serving Florida 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 SCRA Legal Process What to Expect

1. Case Evaluation

We review your military status, loan documents, timelines, and creditor actions to determine whether SCRA protections apply to your situation.

2. Evidence and Compliance Review

Our team analyzes whether the lender complied with SCRA requirements, including court-order mandates and interest rate limitations.

3. Legal Action or Negotiation

When violations are identified, we pursue enforcement through negotiation or federal litigation, depending on the circumstances.

4. Resolution and Ongoing Protection

We work to stop unlawful actions, secure appropriate remedies, and help ensure continued compliance while you remain on active duty.

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After Your SCRA Matter What Comes Next

Once an SCRA issue is resolved, we help you understand any ongoing protections that apply during the remainder of your service. If financial harm occurred, we assess available remedies and next steps. Our goal is not only to address the immediate violation, but to ensure your rights are protected moving forward so you can focus on your mission without unnecessary financial stress.

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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?

We were founded to defend those who defend us, and that mission guides our advocacy in every SCRA case we handle.

Former Military Judge Advocates

Our SCRA attorneys, who served as active-duty Marine Corps officers and Judge Advocates, bring a firsthand understanding of how military service impacts civilian financial obligations.

Focused Federal Litigation Experience

SCRA cases are federal civil matters, and we bring proven litigation experience enforcing service member rights against large financial institutions.

Direct Attorney Access

Clients have direct access to their attorneys and responsive support throughout the case, because communication and trust are essential when your financial stability is at stake.

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SCRA Lawyers Serving Florida FAQs

Does the SCRA apply only during deployment?

No. SCRA protections apply during active-duty service, not just deployments, and some protections extend beyond separation.

Can the SCRA stop a foreclosure in Florida?

In many cases, yes. The SCRA restricts foreclosures without court approval while protections are in effect.

Does the SCRA cap all interest rates at six percent?

The six percent cap generally applies to qualifying debts incurred before active duty, not new obligations.

What if my lender already violated the SCRA?

Past violations may still be actionable, and legal remedies may be available even after foreclosure or repossession occurs.

Is the SCRA the same as state consumer protection laws?

No. The SCRA is a federal statute that provides unique protections specifically for service members.

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Protect Your Rights Today

You serve your country—and we serve you. Contact Military Justice Attorneys to schedule a confidential consultation about your SCRA protections 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.

Available 24/7 to Help Anyone in the World

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