Protecting Your Career and Your Freedom

A criminal allegation in the military can threaten everything—your rank, reputation, benefits, and years of earned service. The uncertainty is overwhelming, especially when command pressure builds and investigators push for statements that could be used against you.

Military Justice Attorneys provides the experience, discipline, and strategic strength you need. Every attorney on our team is a former Marine Corps Judge Advocate with extensive trial experience across the branches. Whether you need a military criminal defense lawyer in Hawaii or representation tailored to Navy or Army procedures, our team stands ready to defend you with the full force of our collective expertise.

Topography textured background
soldier climbing into a tank

What Is Military Criminal Defense?

Military criminal defense involves representing service members accused of violating the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). The Uniform Code of Military Justice is codified under federal law and published by Cornell Law School at https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/subtitle-A/part-II/chapter-47.

Investigations may be initiated by command or military law enforcement agencies such as NCIS, CID, or OSI. Charges can lead to courts-martial, confinement, punitive discharge, loss of career, or long-term consequences for civilian life. Military prosecutions 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/. A skilled military criminal defense attorney ensures your rights are protected and your case is strategically positioned for the best possible outcome.

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

  • Experienced Trial Advocacy in High-Stakes Cases - A seasoned military criminal defense lawyer in Hawaii understands investigative tactics, court-martial procedures, and how to dismantle the government’s case through targeted cross-examination and evidence challenges.
  • Branch-Specific Knowledge for Navy and Army Cases - Whether you need a Navy criminal defense attorney or an Army criminal defense attorney in Hawaii, an attorney familiar with service-specific culture and processes can strategically counter command expectations and investigative assumptions.
  • Protection From Command Pressure and Improper Interference - Your attorney ensures investigators and command respect your rights, preventing coercive interviews, retaliatory actions, or unlawful command influence—an issue closely monitored under DoD directives.
  • Strategic Defense Built on Experience and Collaboration - With a team-based approach, every attorney contributes to evaluating evidence, defenses, and trial strategy, giving you a stronger, more comprehensive legal position.
Banner media

Is Military Criminal Defense Relevant to My Situation?

Military criminal defense applies any time you are questioned, investigated, or charged under the UCMJ. You may need an attorney immediately if NCIS, CID, or OSI contacts you, if your command initiates an inquiry, or if you receive a no-contact order, rights advisement, or search authorization. Allegations may involve assault, drug offenses, sexual misconduct, theft, property crimes, or violations of lawful orders.

Whether you serve in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard, the consequences can be life-changing. If you are unsure where you stand, a military criminal defense attorney in Hawaii can help you understand your rights and risks before speaking with investigators.

Former Military Judge Advocates United By Service

Our military criminal 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
Topography textured background

The Military Criminal Defense Process What to Expect

1. Initial Consultation and Rights Protection

Your attorney reviews the allegations, advises you on statements, and ensures you do not provide information that could be used against you. Early intervention is critical, especially in cases involving NCIS or CID investigations.

2. Evidence Review and Independent Investigation

Your attorney analyzes command reports, digital evidence, witness statements, and law enforcement actions. They may conduct a parallel investigation to uncover inconsistencies or violations of procedure under the Manual for Courts-Martial.

3. Strategic Negotiations or Article 32 Preparation

Depending on the case, your military criminal defense lawyer in Hawaii may negotiate with command, seek case dismissal, or prepare for an Article 32 hearing. This phase determines which charges are referred to trial and establishes the framework of your defense.

4. Court-Martial Representation and Trial Advocacy

If your case proceeds to trial, your attorney challenges evidence, cross-examines witnesses, presents expert testimony, and builds a compelling defense narrative. Their role is to counter government strategy and protect your rights at every stage.

Topography textured background

After Your Case What Comes Next

Following your case, you may face administrative actions, discharge considerations, appeals, or requests for record correction. A Navy criminal defense lawyer or Army criminal defense lawyer in Hawaii can continue supporting you through post-trial processes, clemency submissions, and matters before the service appellate courts.

Military Justice Attorneys remains committed to protecting your future long after the verdict. Whether you need assistance with an appeal, discharge upgrade, or correction board petition, our team stands by you as a long-term legal partner.

Unmanned aircraft flying above clouds

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 bring decades of combined experience as Marine Corps Judge Advocates, with extensive trial backgrounds defending service members in high-stakes cases across every branch.

Proven Results and Strategic Defense

We have handled complex criminal allegations, major felony charges, and challenging investigations, achieving dismissals, acquittals, and reduced charges through disciplined preparation and tactical precision.

Dedicated Support for Service Members

You receive direct access to your attorney, responsive communication, and the strength of a team-based defense. Whether you need a Navy criminal defense lawyer or Army criminal defense lawyer in Hawaii, we provide the clarity and confidence you need.

Together, these strengths make us a trusted military criminal defense attorney in Hawaii for service members facing serious charges.

Topography textured background

Criminal Defense Attorney Serving Hawaii FAQs

Do I need a lawyer even if I haven’t been charged yet?

Yes. Investigations often begin long before charges are filed. Early representation prevents mistakes, protects your rights, and ensures you do not make statements that damage your case.

What should I do if NCIS, CID, or OSI contacts me?

Do not answer questions, consent to searches, or discuss your situation until you speak with an attorney. Investigators are trained to gather statements that may later be used against you.

Can a lawyer really stop my command from taking action?

While no attorney can control command decisions, a strong legal defense can influence outcomes, prevent unlawful command influence, and expose procedural errors under UCMJ standards.

What are the penalties if I’m convicted at court-martial?

Penalties vary by charge but may include confinement, reduction in rank, forfeitures, punitive discharge, or loss of benefits. A military criminal defense lawyer in Hawaii can help minimize these consequences.

What if I’m in the Navy or Army? Do I need a branch-specific defense?

Yes. Each branch has unique culture, procedures, and investigative agencies. Choosing a Navy criminal defense attorney or an Army criminal defense attorney in Hawaii ensures your defense aligns with branch-specific expectations.

Textured background

Get the Defense You Deserve

Schedule your confidential consultation today and speak with a military criminal defense attorney in Hawaii who can protect your rights, career, and 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

(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