Guidance When Command Actions Put Your Career at Risk

Many military legal issues do not begin with charges—they start with subtle indicators: sudden counseling statements, command-directed inquiries, or investigators asking questions. These moments matter. The wrong response can jeopardize promotions, security clearances, and even continued service.

Military Justice Attorneys provides early, strategic intervention for servicemembers stationed across Georgia, including those at Fort Stewart, Fort Moore, Robins AFB, Moody AFB, Kings Bay, and other installations. Whether you’re facing a reprimand, NJP, adverse evaluation, or potential separation, a JAG defense lawyer in Georgia ensures your rights are protected and your options remain open.

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What Is JAG Defense?

JAG defense involves legal representation for servicemembers encountering administrative, disciplinary, or investigative issues under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and branch-specific regulations. The UCMJ is codified in Title 10, Chapter 47 of the U.S. Code and is available through the official government database at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCODE-2024-title10/USCODE-2024-title10-subtitleA-partII-chap47.

These issues often arise long before any formal charges and may include:

  • Command investigations
  • Article 15 / NJP proceedings
  • GOMORs or written reprimands
  • Adverse performance evaluations
  • Article 138 complaints
  • Administrative separation notifications
  • Security clearance concerns

A JAG defense attorney in Georgia helps servicemembers understand the risks, develop a plan of action, and effectively respond to command actions that could harm their career.

The Benefits of Working With a Military Defense Attorney for JAG Matters

  • Early Intervention Before Issues Escalate - Your attorney helps you avoid missteps, prevent damaging statements, and respond strategically when command or investigators initiate contact.
  • Strong Responses to Administrative Actions - Your attorney prepares effective rebuttals, responses, and documentation that challenge unjust allegations or prevent negative evaluations from taking effect.
  • Preparation for Boards and Hearings - If your case leads to an NJP, separation board, or board of inquiry, your attorney prepares your case, identifies key evidence, and supports you through each stage.
  • Long-Term Protection of Your Military Career - Your attorney helps safeguard your promotability, retention eligibility, and service reputation, ensuring one incident does not derail your future.
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Is JAG Defense Relevant to My Situation?

You may need immediate legal representation if:

  • Investigators contact you
  • You receive a counseling, reprimand, or adverse evaluation
  • Command issues a rights advisement
  • You are notified of potential NJP or administrative separation
  • You suspect an inquiry is targeting you

Many investigative and disciplinary procedures referenced above are governed by the Manual for Courts-Martial, published by the Joint Service Committee and available at https://jsc.defense.gov/Military-Law/Current-Publications-and-Updates/Manual-for-Courts-Martial-MCM/.

These issues affect servicemembers across all branches—including soldiers, Marines, sailors, airmen, and Coast Guardsmen—and can quickly escalate without timely legal protection. A JAG defense lawyer in Georgia helps ensure due process and reinforces your standing within the military.

Former Military Judge Advocates United By Service

Our JAG defense 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 JAG Defense Process What to Expect

1. Case Review and Right-Advisement

Your attorney reviews all documents, communications, and command actions to identify what triggered the issue and what risks you face.

2. Strategic Response and Evidence Development

Your attorney helps gather statements, timelines, evidence, and documents that support your defense and challenge inaccuracies.

3. Engagement With Command or Investigators

Your attorney assists with written responses, mitigation materials, and legal arguments aimed at influencing command decisions and preventing escalation.

4. Defense During Hearings or Further Action

If the matter progresses to a board, NJP, or separation action, your attorney prepares you thoroughly and advocates for the strongest possible outcome.

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After Your JAG Case What Comes Next

Even after a reprimand, evaluation, or NJP is resolved, you may face additional hurdles—such as negative impacts on reenlistment, promotions, or clearances. Military Justice Attorneys helps servicemembers pursue further remedies, including record corrections, appeals, and petitions to address lingering damage to their service record.

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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
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Why Choose Military Justice Attorneys?

Seasoned Former Marine Corps Judge Advocates

Our JAG defense lawyers have extensive experience navigating command actions, investigations, administrative processes, and disciplinary procedures.

Proven Defense Strategies for Georgia Servicemembers

We have successfully represented servicemembers at major installations across Georgia, achieving strong results in both administrative and disciplinary matters.

Client-Focused Representation Rooted in Military Culture

Clients receive direct access to their attorney, clear guidance, and a defense strategy grounded in honesty, diligence, and mission-focused advocacy.

Together, these strengths make Military Justice Attorneys a trusted JAG defense attorney in Georgia for servicemembers who need early, decisive legal protection.

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JAG Defense in Georgia FAQs

Do I need an attorney even if no charges have been filed?

Yes. Early legal intervention can prevent command actions from escalating and protect your rights before damaging decisions are made.

Can an attorney help with a GOMOR or written reprimand?

Absolutely. A strong rebuttal prepared by an attorney can influence whether the reprimand is filed locally, permanently, or removed entirely.

What if investigators ask me to provide a statement?

Do not speak to them without consulting an attorney. Even innocent explanations can harm your case.

Can administrative actions affect my security clearance?

Yes. Adverse paperwork or allegations may trigger clearance reviews that impact your career.

Do you help servicemembers from all branches?

Yes. We represent soldiers, Marines, sailors, airmen, and Coast Guardsmen stationed throughout Georgia.

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Protect Your Career Before It Slips Away

Schedule a confidential consultation today with a JAG defense lawyer in Georgia who can defend your rights and guide your next steps.

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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