Non-Judicial Punishment Attorneys Serving Hawaii

Name: Non-Judicial Punishment
Brand: Military Justice Attorneys
Rating: 5 (44 reviews)

If you are facing Article 15 or Non-Judicial Punishment proceedings, an experienced Non-Judicial Punishment lawyer in Hawaii can help you protect your rank, career, and future from long-lasting consequences.

Defend Your Career Before It’s Too Late

Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP) may seem less severe than a court-martial, but the outcome can still damage your reputation, derail promotions, reduce pay, or push you toward involuntary separation. Many service members feel pressured to accept NJP without fully understanding their rights or the long-term impact.

Military Justice Attorneys—an all-attorney team of former Marine Corps Judge Advocates—provides strategic guidance and strong representation at every stage. Whether you need help deciding whether to accept NJP, preparing a rebuttal, or navigating the appeals process, working with a Non-Judicial Punishment attorney in Hawaii ensures your rights and career are fully protected.

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What Is Non-Judicial Punishment?

Non-Judicial Punishment, known as Article 15 in the Army and Air Force and Captain’s Mast or Office Hours in the Navy and Marine Corps, is a disciplinary action used by commanders to address alleged misconduct without resorting to a court-martial.

Although NJP is not a criminal conviction, it can result in rank reduction, extra duty, restriction, forfeitures, and negative entries in your service record. These actions are guided by regulations and policies outlined in the Manual for Courts-Martial.

The current Manual for Courts-Martial is maintained by the Joint Service Committee on Military Justice and available at https://jsc.defense.gov/Military-Law/Current-Publications-and-Updates/Manual-for-Courts-Martial-MCM/. Because NJP decisions can influence your long-term standing, experienced legal counsel is essential.

The Benefits of Working With a Military Defense Attorney for NJP

Strategic Guidance on Whether to Accept or Refuse NJP - Your attorney evaluates the evidence, explains your rights, and helps you determine whether accepting NJP or demanding a court-martial is in your best interest.
Strong Written and In-Person Advocacy - A Non-Judicial Punishment lawyer in Hawaii can prepare written responses, gather witness statements, and represent you during presentations to command, significantly improving your chances of favorable findings.
Protection Against Procedural Errors and Unfair Command Pressure - Your attorney ensures the command follows legal requirements, prevents unlawful influence, and challenges improper actions or unsupported allegations.
Assistance With Appeals and Record Protection - If NJP is imposed unfairly, your attorney can guide you through the appeals process and prepare submissions that protect your long-term career and advancement opportunities.

Is Non-Judicial Punishment Relevant to My Situation?

NJP may apply if you are accused of minor misconduct, such as disrespect, failure to obey orders, alcohol-related incidents, fraternization, property offenses, or minor UCMJ violations.

Commands often rely on NJP because it is faster and requires a lower burden of proof than a court-martial. However, that lower standard does not eliminate your rights.

Service-specific NJP procedures are governed by official regulations, including Navy and Marine Corps guidance under the Judge Advocate General’s Corps, available through https://www.jag.navy.mil. If you have received written notification, been advised of your rights, or feel pressured to accept NJP, speaking with an attorney immediately can prevent mistakes that could harm your record, rank, or promotion eligibility.

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

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

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

Paul Murray

Partner

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

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

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

The NJP Process What to Expect

1. Rights Advisement and Evidence Review

After notification, you receive the chance to examine the evidence against you. Your attorney analyzes the government’s case, identifies weaknesses, and advises whether accepting or refusing NJP is strategically beneficial.

2. Preparation of Your Response or Hearing Strategy

Your attorney prepares written rebuttals, supporting statements, and documentary evidence. This preparation is essential for persuading the commander that the allegations are inaccurate, misleading, or unsupported.

3. Presentation Before the Commander

If you choose to appear before the commander, your attorney helps prepare your statement, organizes evidence, and ensures you understand what to say—and what not to say—during the hearing. Even without in-person representation, legal preparation significantly improves outcomes.

4. Appeal or Further Administrative Action

If NJP is imposed unjustly, your attorney can file an appeal, arguing procedural error, insufficient evidence, or unfair treatment. They also advise you on additional steps, such as rebutting adverse paperwork or preparing for possible separation actions.

After Your NJP What Comes Next

Even after NJP is imposed, further consequences may follow, including negative evaluations, administrative separation boards, or long-term career limitations.

An attorney can help mitigate downstream effects by preparing appeals, responding to adverse paperwork, or guiding you through processes such as correction board petitions. Military Justice Attorneys remains available to support you long after the initial NJP decision, helping you protect your career and preserve your future opportunities.

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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

Why Choose Military Justice Attorneys?

Deep Military Justice Experience

Our team consists entirely of former Marine Corps Judge Advocates with extensive experience handling NJP cases, administrative boards, and military investigations across every branch.

Proven Results and Strategic Defense

We have successfully defended service members against unfair NJP actions, prevented rank reductions, and overturned adverse findings through strategic advocacy and disciplined preparation.

Dedicated Support for Service Members

Clients receive direct attorney access, coordinated defense strategies, and guidance tailored to the realities of command dynamics in Hawaii and abroad.

Together, these strengths make Military Justice Attorneys a trusted choice when you need a Non-Judicial Punishment lawyer in Hawaii.

Non-Judicial Punishment Attorney Serving Hawaii FAQs

Should I accept or refuse NJP?

It depends on the strength of the evidence, your career goals, and the risks of a potential court-martial. An attorney can evaluate your case and help you make the best decision.

Can I see the evidence before deciding?

Yes. You are entitled to review the evidence before choosing whether to accept NJP. Legal review is crucial to understanding your options.

Can NJP affect my chances of promotion?

Absolutely. NJP can lead to adverse entries in your record that impact promotions, assignments, and long-term career progression.

Can I appeal the NJP decision?

Yes. You may appeal if the punishment is unjust or unsupported by evidence. An attorney can prepare a strong, well-documented appeal.

Does NJP mean I will be discharged?

Not necessarily. Many service members continue serving after NJP, but it can trigger administrative separation actions. Legal representation can help protect your career.

Protect Your Rank and Your Career

Schedule your confidential consultation today and speak with an experienced Non-Judicial Punishment lawyer in Hawaii who can defend your rights at every step.