Understanding Criminal Defense for Servicemembers Stationed in Germany

A criminal allegation in Germany immediately disrupts your stability and creates uncertainty about your future. Whether you serve at Ramstein Air Base, Spangdahlem Air Base, U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria, Stuttgart, Wiesbaden, Rheinland-Pfalz, Ansbach, or Garmisch, you may be dealing with both U.S. military investigators and German police.

Military Justice Attorneys (MJA) understand these pressures. As former Marine Judge Advocates, we defend servicemembers worldwide against criminal accusations, ensuring rights are protected, and long-term military careers are not destroyed by rushed assumptions or flawed investigations.

Topography textured background
soldier climbing into a tank

What Is Criminal Defense in a Military Context?

Criminal defense involves representing servicemembers accused of violating the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) or local host-nation laws. The UCMJ’s foundational rules, including Article 31(b) rights, are outlined through the Joint Service Committee at https://jsc.defense.gov.

Overseas cases often involve civilian authorities, foreign procedures, and military law enforcement agencies such as CID, NCIS, OSI, or CGIS. Knowing how these rights apply overseas is essential, especially when foreign agencies participate in questioning.

The Benefits of Working With a Military Defense Attorney for Criminal Allegations

  • A Strong Understanding of Overseas Jurisdiction. We know how SOFA rules influence which country may prosecute and how evidence collected by German authorities affects a U.S. military case.
  • Strategic Defense at Every Stage. We identify weaknesses in the investigation, challenge improper questioning, and develop targeted strategies to protect your rights and professional standing.
  • Direct Access to Experienced Counsel. Service members in Germany rely on clear communication during stressful situations. We provide consistent access, ensuring your defense remains proactive and thorough.
Banner media

Is Criminal Defense Relevant to My Situation?

Criminal defense becomes necessary whenever misconduct allegations escalate beyond routine disciplinary actions. This includes incidents involving alcohol, assault, sexual misconduct, orders violations, drug allegations, theft, or off-base interactions with German civilians.

Many cases begin with misunderstandings or reports influenced by cultural differences or language barriers. Servicemembers should seek representation immediately if investigators request interviews, if German authorities become involved, or if command expresses concern about potential UCMJ violations.

Former Military Judge Advocates United By Service

Our 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
Topography textured background

The Criminal Defense Process What to Expect

Step One: Early Case Assessment and Rights Protection

We begin by reviewing all available evidence, including statements, reports, digital records, and foreign documentation. We advise you on Article 31(b) rights and ensure no further statements are made that could harm your position.

Step Two: Investigative Strategy and Evidence Analysis

We determine how CID, NCIS, OSI, CGIS, or German police collected evidence and evaluate whether any rights violations or translation errors occurred. We identify weaknesses, inconsistencies, or procedural issues that support your defense.

Step Three: Command Engagement and Negotiation

We communicate directly with command and legal authorities to clarify the facts and advocate for fair treatment. Early engagement may prevent charges, reduce exposure, or shift the case toward administrative resolution rather than criminal referral.

Step Four: Preparation for Hearings or Trial

If charges proceed, we build a comprehensive defense using witness statements, expert testimony, and legal argumentation. This includes preparation for Article 32 hearings and trial proceedings under the Manual for Courts-Martial, accessible at https://www.esd.whs.mil/DD/.

Topography textured background

After Your Criminal Case What Comes Next

After a criminal case concludes, additional steps may be necessary to protect your career. Even when charges are dismissed or downgraded, commands may issue adverse paperwork, initiate separation proceedings, or adjust evaluations. MJA helps address these follow-on actions through rebuttals, mitigation packages, and strategic guidance. Our goal is not only to defend against allegations but also to preserve long-term career opportunities and stability.

Two fighter jets flying through cloudy sky

Available 24/7 to Help Anyone in the World

Contact us media

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
Topography textured background

Why Choose Military Justice Attorneys?

Deep Military Justice Experience

Our attorneys are former Marine Judge Advocates with extensive courtroom experience. We understand how criminal cases develop in overseas environments and how to challenge evidence collected under foreign procedures, ensuring your rights remain fully protected.

Proven Results and Strategic Defense

We have defended servicemembers worldwide in high-stakes criminal matters involving complex jurisdictional questions, foreign police involvement, and command pressure. Our strategies are precise, disciplined, and focused on protecting both immediate and long-term interests.

Dedicated Support for Service Members

Clients stationed in Germany receive direct access to experienced counsel who understand the stress and isolation associated with overseas allegations. We provide consistent communication, guidance, and advocacy designed to restore confidence and stability during difficult moments. We deliver the strong, informed defense servicemembers need when facing criminal allegations overseas.

Topography textured background

Criminal Defense Attorney Serving Germany FAQs

Can Germany and the U.S. military both prosecute me?

Yes. Under SOFA rules, Germany may assert jurisdiction for off-base offenses, while the U.S. military may pursue its own action. Understanding jurisdiction early is essential.

Do Article 31(b) rights apply if German police question me?

Your Article 31(b) rights apply to U.S. questioning, but statements to German authorities can still influence military cases. Always request counsel before speaking.

Can criminal allegations affect my military career even without a conviction?

Yes. Commands may initiate administrative separation, issue adverse paperwork, or restrict opportunities based on allegations alone. Early legal defense helps mitigate these outcomes.

What should I do if investigators ask to interview me?

Politely decline and request legal counsel. Speaking without representation often harms the case, even if you believe you did nothing wrong.

When should I contact a criminal defense attorney?

Immediately. Early involvement allows your attorney to protect your rights, assess the evidence, and prevent avoidable mistakes during the investigation.

Textured background

Stand Strong Against Criminal Allegations

A criminal accusation does not have to define your career or future. Contact Military Justice Attorneys today to schedule your confidential consultation with a former Marine Judge Advocate.

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

(843) 755-6535
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
Submit Information
Contact us media
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (843) 755-6535.
Contact Us