Stronger Protections During Service

When financial pressures collide with military duties, the stress can feel overwhelming. Missed payments, aggressive lenders, and unexpected deployment-related burdens can place your home, vehicle, and financial stability at risk.

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) exists to prevent exactly these scenarios. Military Justice Attorneys—a team of former Marine Corps Judge Advocates—helps service members in Hawaii enforce their rights, stop unlawful lender actions, and secure the protections they are entitled to under federal law.

With a deep understanding of military life and extensive national experience, we stand ready to protect your financial security while you focus on the mission.

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What Is the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)?

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act is a federal statute designed to protect active-duty service members from unfair or harmful financial actions while they serve. The full text of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act is published by Cornell Law School’s Legal Information Institute at https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/50/chapter-50.

The SCRA limits interest rates, pauses certain civil actions, and prohibits lenders from repossessing property or foreclosing on homes without a court order. These protections apply to mortgages, auto loans, credit cards, leases, and other financial obligations. The U.S. Department of Justice provides official SCRA guidance and enforcement information at https://www.justice.gov/servicemembers.

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

  • Immediate Protection Against Unlawful Lender Actions - A SCRA lawyer can stop repossessions, foreclosures, and collection efforts, ensuring lenders comply with federal law and respect your rights as an active-duty service member.
  • Accurate Assessment of Your SCRA Eligibility and Benefits - A military attorney examines your active-duty status, deployment history, and financial documents to determine exactly which protections apply and how they can be enforced.
  • Legal Enforcement and Financial Restitution - If a lender violates the SCRA, an attorney can pursue damages, statutory penalties, corrected records, and compensation for financial harm—even if the violation occurred years earlier.
  • Strategic Representation Against Powerful Institutions - Banks, lenders, and finance companies often push the limits of SCRA compliance. A skilled attorney ensures service members are not intimidated or disadvantaged by corporate legal teams.
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Is the SCRA Relevant to My Situation?

The SCRA applies to active-duty service members stationed in Hawaii or deployed worldwide.

You may need legal support if you have received notices of repossession, foreclosure threats, aggressive collection attempts, or interest charges above the SCRA’s 6% limit. The protections also extend to certain activated Guard and Reserve members who meet federal status requirements.

Common triggers include sudden deployments, training cycles, financial hardships, or clerical errors by lenders who fail to verify service status through the Department of Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC). Lenders are required to verify military status through the DoD Manpower Data Center (DMDC), which is accessible at https://scra.dmdc.osd.mil/scra. If a lender is pressuring you, refusing to honor rate caps, or threatening legal action, you should contact an attorney immediately.

Former Military Judge Advocates United By Service

Our SCRA 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

1. Case Evaluation and Verification of Active-Duty Status

Your attorney reviews service records, lender documents, and DMDC verification to determine which SCRA protections apply and whether violations have occurred. This step establishes the foundation for immediate legal intervention.

2. Lender Notification and Enforcement of Protections

Your attorney formally notifies the lender and demands compliance with the SCRA, including halting legal actions, applying the interest rate cap, or reversing improper charges. Federal agencies such as the Department of Justice provide enforcement guidelines that lenders must follow.

3. Investigation and Evidence Development

If a violation is suspected, your attorney gathers statements, financial records, service orders, and communication logs to build a strong claim. This documentation is essential when seeking damages or injunctive relief.

4. Legal Action, Settlement, or Litigation

If the lender refuses to comply, your attorney may pursue damages, settlement, or a lawsuit in federal court. Relief can include financial compensation, corrected records, statutory damages, and legal fees. This step ensures lenders are held accountable under federal law.

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After Your SCRA Case What Comes Next

Once protections are enforced or violations resolved, your attorney helps ensure lenders continue complying with federal requirements. Service members may need future assistance if deployments, PCS moves, or contract renewals trigger new financial obligations.

Military Justice Attorneys remains available to review updated agreements, monitor lender behavior, and enforce your rights throughout your military career. If you suffered financial harm, we also assist with follow-on claims or additional violations that may surface over time.

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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
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Why Choose Military Justice Attorneys?

Deep Military Justice Experience

Every attorney at MJA is a former Marine Corps Judge Advocate with extensive knowledge of federal law, military regulations, and the financial challenges service members face while on active duty.

Proven Results and Strategic Defense

We have successfully confronted lenders, finance companies, and mortgage institutions, ensuring they honor the SCRA’s strict protections and compensate service members for violations.

Dedicated Support for Active-Duty Personnel

Our team provides direct attorney access, clear communication, and strategic guidance tailored to the realities of military service and deployment demands.

Together, these strengths make Military Justice Attorneys a trusted advocate for service members needing financial protection.

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SCRA Attorney Serving Hawaii FAQs

Does the SCRA apply if I am deployed overseas but live in Hawaii?

Yes. SCRA protections apply regardless of where you are physically located, as long as you are on active-duty orders. Hawaii-based service members stationed abroad remain fully covered under the law.

Can a lender repossess my vehicle without a court order?

No. The SCRA prohibits repossession of a vehicle purchased before active duty unless the lender obtains a court order. If they fail to do so, you may be entitled to compensation and damages.

How do I know if I qualify for the 6% interest rate cap?

Active-duty service members who entered into qualifying loans before service are eligible. Your attorney can review your contracts and deployment dates to determine whether lenders must reduce your interest rate.

What if a lender charged fees or penalties during my deployment?

Improper fees, penalties, or interest charges can be violations of the SCRA. An attorney can help you pursue reimbursement and corrective action through federal enforcement mechanisms.

Can I pursue damages if a lender violated the SCRA years ago?

Yes. Many service members discover violations long after they occur. Depending on the timeline and documentation, you may still be able to pursue financial relief.

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Protect Your Financial Security Today

Schedule your confidential consultation to learn how Military Justice Attorneys can help you enforce your SCRA rights in Hawaii.

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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