Support When an NJP Threatens Your Future

Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP) is often described as a “minor” disciplinary action, but its consequences can be severe. Loss of rank, forfeitures, extra duty, restriction, negative evaluations, and even administrative separation can follow an NJP conviction. For servicemembers stationed at Fort Stewart, Fort Moore, Robins AFB, Moody AFB, Kings Bay, and bases across Georgia, these repercussions can affect promotions, retention, and future assignments.

Military Justice Attorneys provides early, strategic assistance to help servicemembers respond to NJP allegations before they escalate. Whether you plan to accept NJP and present evidence or demand a trial by court-martial, having experienced representation significantly strengthens your chances of a favorable outcome.

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What Is Non-Judicial Punishment?

Non-Judicial Punishment is a disciplinary process under Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), codified at 10 U.S.C. § 815 and available through the official government database at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCODE-2010-title10/USCODE-2010-title10-subtitleA-partII-chap47-subchapIII-sec815. Each branch uses a different term:

  • Army & Air Force: Article 15
  • Marine Corps: Office Hours
  • Navy & Coast Guard: Captain’s Mast

General NJP procedures and limitations are also addressed in 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/.

Although NJP is not a criminal conviction, the consequences can be career-altering. A Non-Judicial Punishment lawyer in Georgia can help you determine the best course of action—whether to accept NJP, fight the allegations, present mitigating evidence, or refuse NJP and request a trial.

The Benefits of Working With a Military Defense Attorney for NJP

  • Guidance on Whether to Accept or Refuse NJP - Your attorney explains the risks and benefits of demanding court-martial versus accepting NJP, helping you choose the approach most likely to protect your long-term career.
  • Preparation of Written Responses and Evidence - Even when accepting NJP, servicemembers may present statements, documents, witness letters, or mitigation evidence. A legal professional ensures these materials strengthen your presentation.
  • Protection Against Long-Term Career Damage - NJP outcomes can affect promotion eligibility, MOS assignments, reenlistment, and evaluations. An attorney helps you prevent or lessen these consequences.
  • Support With Appeals and Follow-On Actions - If the command imposes punishment, your attorney can guide you through appeals, record corrections, and preparation for administrative separation boards if they arise.
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Is Non-Judicial Punishment Relevant to My Situation?

You may be facing NJP if you have received:

  • A written notification of Article 15 or Captain’s Mast
  • A rights advisement or command inquiry
  • Requests for statements or interviews
  • Allegations of misconduct that do not initially warrant court-martial

Common NJP allegations include:

  • Alcohol-related incidents
  • Unauthorized absence or tardiness
  • Disrespect or insubordination
  • Minor assault or altercations
  • Fraternization
  • Violations of lawful orders
  • Drug-related allegations
  • Misuse of government property

If you believe the allegations are exaggerated, unfair, or based on misunderstandings, contacting a Non-Judicial Punishment lawyer in Georgia early can help protect your record.

Former Military Judge Advocates United By Service

Our non-judicial punishment 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 and Rights Explanation

Your attorney reviews the notification and explains your rights, the possible outcomes, and the choices you have moving forward.

2. Decision to Accept or Demand Trial

This critical decision depends on evidence strength, command dynamics, and your career goals. Your attorney helps you assess the best path.

3. Preparation for the NJP Hearing

Your attorney assists with gathering evidence, preparing written statements, requesting witnesses when appropriate, and building a strong mitigation package.

4. Post-Hearing Actions and Appeals

If punishment is imposed, your attorney may help file an appeal, prepare rebuttals, or respond to follow-on administrative actions that stem from the NJP result.

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After Your NJP What Comes Next

Even after the NJP hearing ends, further consequences may arise. You may need assistance with:

  • Negative evaluations
  • Denial of reenlistment
  • Loss of special duty opportunities
  • Involuntary separation notifications
  • Correction of military records

Our NJP lawyers remain available to support you with appeals, record repairs, and long-term career protection.

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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?

Experience With NJP and Administrative Actions

As former Marine Corps Judge Advocates, our attorneys understand how commanders make disposition decisions and what evidence can influence those determinations.

Proven Track Record Defending Georgia Servicemembers

We represent servicemembers at installations across the state and understand local command climates, procedures, and expectations.

Client-Focused Advocacy Rooted in Military Culture

Clients receive direct access to their attorney, strategic case planning, and support grounded in honesty, diligence, and mission-focused values.

These strengths make Military Justice Attorneys a trusted Non-Judicial Punishment lawyer in Georgia for servicemembers who need strong, informed representation.

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Non-Judicial Punishment in Georgia FAQs

Should I accept NJP or demand a court-martial?

The best option depends on the strength of the evidence, command climate, and your personal goals. An attorney can help you make an informed decision.

Can an attorney attend the NJP hearing with me?

No, but your attorney can prepare your case, build your defense strategy, and help craft written submissions for the hearing.

Can NJP be removed from my record?

In many cases, yes. Appeals and correction board petitions may be available depending on the circumstances.

Does NJP affect promotions and reenlistment?

Yes. NJP can negatively influence evaluations and retention decisions, making early representation crucial.

Can NJP lead to administrative separation?

Yes. Many commands initiate separation actions after NJP findings, especially in cases involving misconduct or repeated issues.

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Protect Your Rank, Reputation, and Career

Schedule your confidential consultation today with an NJP attorney in Georgia prepared to 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.

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