Protection When You Feel Outnumbered

For servicemembers stationed across Germany, financial challenges can escalate quickly when creditors misunderstand military orders, ignore legal requirements, or attempt unlawful collection actions. Whether you serve at Ramstein, Spangdahlem, USAG Bavaria, Stuttgart, Wiesbaden, Rheinland-Pfalz, Ansbach, or Garmisch, the distance from home makes it harder to correct problems before they cause damage.

Military Justice Attorneys (MJA) defend servicemembers whose rights under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) are violated. As former Marine Judge Advocates, we understand the pressure of overseas service and help ensure your financial stability remains protected.

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What Is the SCRA?

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act is a federal law shielding active-duty personnel from harmful financial and civil actions. The law restricts vehicle repossessions, mortgage foreclosures, interest rates above six percent, default judgments, and certain eviction actions.

These protections apply worldwide and require creditors to verify military status before taking action. Guidance from the Department of Justice at https://www.justice.gov/servicemembers explains how the SCRA is enforced and how violations occur.

The Benefits of Working With a Military Defense Attorney for SCRA Violations

  • Experienced Enforcement of Federal Rights. We understand how lenders and landlords violate the SCRA and know how to escalate cases when creditors fail to comply with federal law.
  • Strategic Protection From Financial Harm. We intervene early to stop repossessions, foreclosures, or collection actions and work to reverse damage already caused by improper creditor behavior.
  • Support Tailored to Overseas Service. Living in Germany complicates communication with stateside lenders. We help bridge that gap and ensure distance does not prevent you from asserting your rights.
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Is the SCRA Relevant to My Situation?

If a financial problem arises while serving overseas, SCRA protections may apply even when creditors insist otherwise. You may need legal help if a lender refuses to reduce interest rates, threatens repossession, or demands payments inconsistent with your deployment or PCS orders.

Problems often begin when creditors misunderstand foreign duty stations, disregard documentation, or issue default notices to old U.S. addresses. Servicemembers at German installations frequently report difficulty resolving issues due to time-zone differences, slow mail delivery, and communication delays with businesses in the United States.

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
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The SCRA Process What to Expect

Step One: Confirming Eligibility and Reviewing Documents

We begin by reviewing orders, loan documents, lease agreements, and creditor communications. This allows us to determine which SCRA protections apply and whether violations have already occurred under federal enforcement standards.

Step Two: Notifying Creditors and Demanding Compliance

Once eligibility is confirmed, we contact lenders or landlords and provide the required documentation. The Defense Manpower Data Center at https://dwp.dmdc.osd.mil/dwp/app/main assists in confirming service status, which creditors must verify before taking adverse action.

Step Three: Stopping Violations and Reversing Damage

We demand immediate correction of unlawful actions such as repossessions, interest-rate overcharges, or improper court filings. If necessary, we prepare litigation options or negotiate relief tailored to your financial needs.

Step Four: Ensuring Long-Term Protection

After immediate issues are resolved, we help servicemembers document compliance, monitor accounts, and address lingering credit or financial effects. Proper follow-through prevents recurring problems and protects long-term stability.

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After Your SCRA Case What Comes Next

Even after a creditor corrects an error, further steps may be needed. You may need assistance restoring credit scores, reversing improper fees, or documenting your rights for future lenders. Some servicemembers also face follow-on issues involving housing contracts, auto financing, or civil court actions initiated before deployment. MJA supports clients through these next phases by ensuring protections remain active throughout their Germany tour and by addressing any new violations promptly.

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Available 24/7 to Help Anyone in the World

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?

Deep Military Justice Experience

Our attorneys are former Marine Judge Advocates with extensive experience enforcing SCRA protections. We understand how financial problems harm readiness, family stability, and long-term careers, particularly for servicemembers far from home.

Proven Results and Strategic Defense

We have challenged unlawful repossessions, interest-rate violations, foreclosures, and default judgments on behalf of overseas servicemembers. Our strategies focus on stopping harm quickly, correcting long-term damage, and holding creditors accountable for misconduct.

Dedicated Support for Service Members

Clients in Germany receive direct access to experienced counsel, not case managers. We provide clear communication despite time-zone differences and offer reliable guidance throughout every stage of the process. We deliver disciplined advocacy that protects your finances so you can focus on your mission.

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SCRA Attorney Serving Germany FAQs

Do SCRA protections still apply if I am stationed overseas?

Yes. SCRA protections apply worldwide, and creditors must comply regardless of your duty location, including all U.S. military bases in Germany.

Can I terminate a lease in the United States because of orders to Germany?

Yes. PCS orders to Germany qualify for residential and vehicle lease termination under the SCRA when proper notice is provided.

What if my vehicle were repossessed while I was deployed?

Repossession without a court order often violates the SCRA. You may be entitled to compensation and return of the vehicle or its value.

Can a lender refuse to lower my interest rate to six percent?

No. If the debt qualifies, lenders must reduce the interest rate once they receive your documentation. Refusal violates federal law.

When should I contact an SCRA attorney?

As soon as you suspect a violation. Early action prevents additional harm and allows us to stop creditors before damage becomes permanent.

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Protect Your Rights and Your Peace of Mind

If a lender or landlord violates your SCRA rights while you serve in Germany, you do not have to face it alone. 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

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