Nonjudicial Punishment Attorney Serving Japan

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

NJP overseas can shape your evaluations, qualifications, and future career opportunities, often before you fully understand your rights.

Experienced Representation When NJP Threatens Your Future

Service members stationed across Japan—from Yokota Air Base, Misawa Air Base, and Kadena Air Base to MCAS Iwakuni, Camp Foster, Camp Hansen, Camp Courtney, Camp Schwab, Camp Kinser, Camp Zama, Torii Station, NAF Atsugi, Naval Base Yokosuka, Naval Base Sasebo, and White Beach Naval Facility—operate under high expectations and constant visibility.

When an allegation leads to nonjudicial punishment (NJP), the consequences can affect promotions, assignments, and long-term standing. Military Justice Attorneys (MJA), a team of former Marine Judge Advocates, helps servicemembers respond effectively and protect their careers.

soldiers sitting off the edge of an airplane

What Is NJP in Japan?

Nonjudicial punishment, commonly known as Article 15, Captain’s Mast, or Office Hours, allows commanders to address alleged misconduct without referring the case to a court-martial. Overseas NJP cases may arise from interpersonal disputes, misunderstandings off base, alcohol-related incidents, or digital communication concerns.

Procedures guiding NJP often reference instructions and standards found within the Manual for Courts-Martial, accessible through https://www.esd.whs.mil/DD/.

The Benefits of Working With a Military Defense Attorney for NJP

Immediate Protection of Your Rights. Many servicemembers unintentionally make harmful statements early. We ensure your rights and choices are protected from the start.
Structured, Evidence-Driven Defense. We review investigations, statements, digital records, and command documents to identify errors or unfair assumptions.
Focused Advocacy for Long-Term Careers. NJP outcomes can influence qualifications, reenlistment, and advancement. We protect both present and future interests.

Is NJP Relevant to My Situation?

NJP becomes relevant any time command believes misconduct occurred that does not warrant a court-martial. In Japan, incidents involving off-base interactions, cultural misunderstandings, public disputes, or misinterpreted digital messages are especially common.

Because NJP can also trigger administrative reviews, qualification concerns, and leadership impacts, the consequences extend well beyond a single punishment. If you receive notification or are asked for a statement, you should seek representation immediately.

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

Step One: Notification and Rights Consultation

You will receive written notice of the alleged misconduct and an opportunity to respond. We review this notice with you and explain your Article 31(b) rights—found in UCMJ authorities maintained by the Joint Service Committee at https://jsc.defense.gov.

Step Two: Evidence Review and Preparation

We obtain and analyze the full investigative record, including statements, digital communications, and any Japanese police or command reports. Many NJP cases involve assumptions or gaps in information that can be corrected through targeted rebuttal.

Step Three: Presentation at the NJP Hearing

We help you prepare a clear, structured response supported by evidence, performance history, witness statements, or mitigation regarding stress-related factors or operational demands. An effective presentation can significantly influence the commander’s decision.

Step Four: Appeals and Protection Against Escalation

If NJP is imposed, we guide you through the appeal process and assist in preventing additional consequences, such as qualification loss or administrative separation. Certain fairness standards may be informed by DOJ guidance available at https://www.justice.gov/servicemembers.

After Your NJP What Comes Next

Even after the NJP decision, servicemembers in Japan may face long-term effects such as downgraded evaluations, denied qualifications, or reduced opportunities for reenlistment or special assignments. These outcomes can follow you even after leaving Japan. MJA assists with appeals, record corrections, and long-term planning to minimize these effects. Our continued support helps ensure that one incident does not permanently alter your military trajectory.

Military aircraft cockpit with star insignia

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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

Why Choose Military Justice Attorneys?

Deep Military Justice Experience

Our attorneys are former Marine Judge Advocates with extensive experience defending servicemembers in overseas environments. We understand SOFA considerations, operational demands, and the high scrutiny placed on service members in Japan.

Proven Results and Strategic Advocacy

We have overturned NJP findings, corrected inaccurate records, and prevented escalation into administrative separation. Our disciplined approach emphasizes thorough preparation and clear, effective communication with command.

Dedicated Support for Servicemembers in Japan

Clients receive direct access to experienced attorneys, not intermediaries. We provide precise, reliable guidance across time zones and remain engaged from initial notice to final resolution. We bring mission-focused advocacy that protects your career, your reputation, and your future.

Non-Judicial Punishment Attorney Serving Japan FAQs

Can NJP affect my promotion eligibility?

Yes. NJP can negatively impact evaluations and limit eligibility for promotion or special assignments. Strong early defense reduces long-term career harm.

Can I refuse NJP in Japan?

In many cases, yes, but refusing NJP may result in court-martial referral. Legal advice ensures you make the best decision based on the evidence.

Will NJP records follow me after leaving Japan?

Yes. NJP can appear in your service record and influence future commands unless corrected or mitigated through proper channels.

Can statements during NJP be used in later proceedings?

Yes. Statements may influence administrative decisions, so careful preparation and rights advisement are essential.

When should I contact an NJP attorney?

Immediately upon receiving NJP notification or being asked for a statement. Early representation strengthens your position and protects your rights.

Protect Your Career From Unfair NJP Outcomes

You do not have to face NJP alone, especially overseas. Contact Military Justice Attorneys today to schedule your confidential consultation with a former Marine Judge Advocate.