Your Defense Starts Here

A court-martial places everything at risk—your rank, benefits, reputation, and the life you’ve built through service. The fear and uncertainty can be overwhelming, especially when investigators push for statements or command pressure intensifies.

Military Justice Attorneys is a team of former Marine Corps Judge Advocates with extensive trial experience across every branch. Whether you need a court-martial defense attorney in Hawaii to challenge evidence, defend your rights, or guide you through the Article 32 process, our firm provides the disciplined, strategic, and unwavering representation your situation demands.

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What Is a Court-Martial?

A court-martial is the military’s criminal justice process, governed by the Uniform Code of Military Justice and the Manual for Courts-Martial.

The Uniform Code of Military Justice is codified in federal law and published by Cornell Law School at https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/subtitle-A/part-II/chapter-47.

Charges may arise from investigations by NCIS, CID, or OSI, or from command-driven allegations.

Conviction can result in confinement, forfeitures, reduction in rank, sex-offender registration, or a punitive discharge. Service members facing these accusations need skilled court-martial lawyers in Hawaii who understand the system, the burdens of proof, and the high stakes at play.

The Benefits of Working With a Military Defense Attorney for Court-Martial Charges

  • Experienced Representation in High-Stakes Trials - A court-martial defense lawyer in Hawaii understands the tactics used by prosecutors and investigators, allowing them to anticipate weaknesses, challenge evidence, and build a defense rooted in trial-tested strategy.
  • Comprehensive Understanding of Military Procedure - A knowledgeable attorney interprets UCMJ provisions, Article 32 requirements, and the standards used by military judges and panels—ensuring your rights are fully protected at every stage.
  • Strategic Pretrial Guidance and Case Preparation - Your attorney evaluates evidence, identifies constitutional violations, and prepares witnesses and experts. This holistic approach significantly strengthens your position before the trial even begins.
  • Determined Advocacy Through Appeals and Post-Trial Actions - If you need a court-martial appeal attorney in Hawaii after conviction, your legal team can challenge legal errors, improper rulings, and violations of due process to protect your long-term future.
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Is Court-Martial Defense Relevant to My Situation?

If you have been questioned by NCIS, CID, or OSI, received a rights advisement, or learned you are the subject of an investigation, court-martial proceedings may be underway.

Allegations can involve sexual assault, drug use, domestic violence, financial crimes, property offenses, or violations of orders. Even if charges are not yet filed, statements you make now can dramatically affect your case.

Whether you need court-martial defense lawyers in Hawaii for an active investigation or court-martial appeal lawyers in Hawaii for post-trial action, immediate representation is critical to preserving your rights and preventing irreversible damage.

Former Military Judge Advocates United By Service

Our court-martial 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 Court-Martial Process What to Expect

1. Early Representation and Rights Protection

Your attorney advises you before questioning, prevents harmful statements, and ensures that investigators respect your constitutional and UCMJ protections. Early involvement often shapes the entire outcome of the case.

2. Evidence Review and Independent Investigation

Your attorney analyzes reports, forensic evidence, and witness interviews. Court-martial procedures and evidentiary rules are governed by the Manual for Courts-Martial, maintained by the Joint Service Committee on Military Justice at https://jsc.defense.gov/Military-Law/Current-Publications-and-Updates/.

3. Article 32 Hearing and Pretrial Strategy

Before a general court-martial, your attorney prepares for the Article 32 preliminary hearing. This stage is crucial for challenging probable cause, testing the government’s evidence, and shaping the defense strategy.

4. Trial Preparation and Court-Martial Representation

If your case proceeds to trial, your attorney challenges evidence, cross-examines witnesses, presents experts, and advocates aggressively for your innocence. A skilled court-martial defense attorney in Hawaii knows how to counter prosecution strategy and protect your future.

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After Your Court-Martial What Comes Next

Even after a verdict, your legal journey may not be over. You may require clemency submissions, sentence relief, or appellate review. A court-martial appeal lawyer in Hawaii can identify legal errors, improper rulings, or constitutional violations that occurred at trial.

Military Justice Attorneys also assists with post-trial issues such as discharge upgrades, record corrections, or petitions to military correction boards. Our support continues long after the courtroom battle ends.

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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?

Deep Military Justice Experience

Every attorney on our team is a former Marine Corps Judge Advocate with extensive courtroom and trial experience, providing skilled representation grounded in decades of collective practice.

Proven Results and Strategic Defense

We have defended service members worldwide against serious criminal allegations, achieving dismissals, acquittals, and sentence reductions through disciplined preparation and decisive litigation strategy.

Dedicated Support for Service Members

You receive direct access to your attorney, clear communication, and a team-based approach that strengthens your defense from every angle. Whether you need court-martial attorneys in Hawaii or post-trial appellate support, we stand with you.

Together, these strengths make Military Justice Attorneys a trusted advocate for service members facing court-martial proceedings.

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Court Martial Attorney Serving Hawaii FAQs

Do I need an attorney if I haven’t been charged yet?

Yes. Investigations often begin long before charges are filed. Early representation protects you from self-incrimination and ensures investigators follow proper procedures.

What happens during an Article 32 hearing?

The Article 32 hearing is a preliminary inquiry where evidence is reviewed and witnesses may be examined. Your attorney uses this stage to challenge the government’s case and narrow the charges.

Can I appeal my court-martial conviction?

Yes. A court-martial appeal attorney in Hawaii can challenge legal errors, command influence, improper rulings, or violations of your rights. Appeals may lead to reduced sentences or overturned convictions.

What penalties could I face at court-martial?

Depending on the charges, consequences may include confinement, loss of rank, forfeitures, or a punitive discharge. Skilled court-martial defense lawyers in Hawaii work to minimize or eliminate these outcomes.

Do military courts treat civilian attorneys differently?

Civilian attorneys with military backgrounds are highly effective. Former JAGs understand both military culture and courtroom strategy, giving you an advantage throughout the process.

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Fight Back Against Court-Martial Charges

Schedule your confidential consultation today and speak with experienced court-martial attorneys in Hawaii who can protect your rights and your future.

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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