Protecting Your Rights From Day One

When command scrutiny intensifies or military investigators begin asking questions, the pressure is immediate and overwhelming. Your rank, reputation, and years of hard-earned service can feel like they’re slipping away.

Military Justice Attorneys provides the focused, disciplined representation you need. Our all-attorney team consists of former Marine Corps Judge Advocates with extensive experience defending service members worldwide. Whether you need early guidance, strategic preparation, or full litigation support, working with a JAG defense lawyer in Hawaii ensures you have an advocate who understands both military culture and the complexities of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

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What Is JAG Defense?

JAG defense refers to legal representation for service members facing actions under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). This includes investigations, administrative actions, adverse findings, and courts-martial. The Uniform Code of Military Justice is codified in federal law and publicly available through Cornell Law School at https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/subtitle-A/part-II/chapter-47. JAG defense attorneys navigate the rules set forth in the Manual for Courts-Martial, service-specific regulations, and investigative procedures used by NCIS, CID, and OSI. These investigative agencies operate under official military authority, including:

Their role is to protect your rights, challenge improper command actions, and build a strategic defense tailored to your case. Effective JAG defense can prevent charges, dismiss allegations, or significantly reduce long-term consequences.

The Benefits of Working With a Military Defense Attorney for JAG Matters

  • Early Intervention That Protects Your Rights - A skilled JAG defense lawyer guides you before speaking with investigators or command, ensuring you do not make statements that could jeopardize your case or limit your future options.
  • Strategic Defense Built on Military Experience - A JAG defense attorney in Hawaii understands how military cases are built, how evidence is evaluated, and how to identify procedural errors, unlawful command influence, or constitutional violations.
  • Representation Through Administrative and Criminal Actions - Whether you face a command investigation, a board of inquiry, nonjudicial punishment, or potential court-martial charges, an attorney ensures each stage is handled with precision and strength.
  • Focused Advocacy for Your Career and Reputation - Your attorney evaluates long-term risks such as discharge characterization, loss of benefits, and future promotion impacts—defending both your immediate rights and your long-term military standing.
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Is JAG Defense Relevant to My Situation?

You may need a JAG defense lawyer in Hawaii if you have been contacted by NCIS, CID, or OSI; received a rights advisement; been issued a no-contact order; or learned that your command is initiating an inquiry or investigation.

These situations frequently arise from allegations involving misconduct, drug use, sexual assault, fraternization, domestic issues, financial concerns, or violations of lawful orders. Even if no charges have been filed, your words and decisions at this stage can shape the entire outcome of your case.

JAG defense also applies to administrative actions such as nonjudicial punishment, GOMORs, boards of inquiry, and adverse evaluation reports. Early attorney involvement is critical to protecting your rights and career trajectory.

Former Military Judge Advocates United By Service

Our JAG 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
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The JAG Defense Process What to Expect

1. Consultation and Rights Protection

Your attorney reviews the allegations, advises you on interactions with investigators, and ensures you do not make statements that could harm your defense. This early stage often determines whether charges move forward.

2. Evidence Review and Independent Fact-Finding

Your attorney analyzes government evidence, interviews witnesses, reviews digital data, and evaluates investigative procedures. Court-martial and investigative standards are maintained by the Joint Service Committee on Military Justice at https://jsc.defense.gov/Military-Law/Current-Publications-and-Updates/.

3. Pre-Action Strategy and Command Engagement

Your attorney communicates with command, prepares responses, and challenges improper actions. This may include rebuttals, witness statements, legal memoranda, or advocacy designed to prevent escalation to court-martial or adverse findings.

4. Administrative or Court-Martial Representation

If your case advances, your attorney represents you at boards, administrative hearings, Article 32 proceedings, or court-martial. Every stage is approached with disciplined preparation and a strategy focused on protecting your rank, benefits, and future service.

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After Your Case What Comes Next

Following the conclusion of your case, you may still face administrative risks or long-term consequences. Many service members require assistance with discharge characterization, adverse paperwork, appeals, or further review by boards.

A JAG defense attorney in Hawaii can guide you through post-trial processes, clemency submissions, appeals, or petitions to military correction boards. Military Justice Attorneys remains a dedicated resource long after the initial action is resolved.

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Available 24/7 to Help Anyone in the World

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

Our all-attorney team consists exclusively of former Marine Corps Judge Advocates with extensive experience in investigations, administrative actions, and courts-martial across every military branch.

Proven Results and Strategic Advocacy

We have defended service members worldwide in complex, high-stakes cases involving criminal allegations, administrative boards, and appeals, achieving outcomes that preserve careers and protect futures.

Dedicated Support for Service Members

Clients receive direct attorney access, consistent communication, and a coordinated team-based approach designed to anticipate challenges and strengthen your defense from every angle.

Together, these strengths make Military Justice Attorneys a trusted choice for anyone seeking a JAG defense lawyer in Hawaii.

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JAG Defense Attorney Serving Hawaii FAQs

Do I need a lawyer before speaking with investigators?

Yes. Investigators are trained to obtain statements that may later be used against you. You should never answer questions without first consulting an attorney.

What if my command is pressuring me to participate in an investigation?

An attorney protects you from improper command influence and ensures your rights are respected. Legal guidance can prevent missteps that harm your defense.

Can a JAG defense attorney help with administrative issues and not just criminal charges?

Absolutely. JAG defense applies to NJP, GOMORs, boards of inquiry, adverse evaluations, and other administrative actions—not only courts-martial.

What happens if my case goes to a board or hearing?

Your attorney prepares evidence, challenges allegations, and advocates on your behalf. Strong representation can prevent discharge, rank loss, or long-term career harm.

Are civilian defense attorneys as effective as uniformed JAG counsel?

Civilian attorneys with prior JAG experience often offer greater availability, deeper preparation, and more strategic flexibility than active-duty counsel.

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Protect Your Career and Your Future

Schedule your confidential consultation today to speak with an experienced JAG defense attorney in Hawaii who can defend your rights from day one.

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
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