Protection When Financial Stress Follows You Abroad

Servicemembers living and working across Japan, from Yokota Air Base and Misawa Air Base to Kadena Air Base, MCAS Iwakuni, Camp Foster, Camp Hansen, Camp Courtney, Camp Schwab, Camp Kinser, Camp Zama often face aggressive or misinformed creditors who ignore the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA).

Naval Base Yokosuka, Naval Base Sasebo, and White Beach Naval Facility, often face aggressive or misinformed creditors who ignore the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). Military Justice Attorneys (MJA), a team of former Marine Judge Advocates, helps enforce these protections and stop illegal repossessions, unlawful interest rates, and improper debt collection that threaten your financial security.

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What Is the SCRA?

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act provides financial and legal protections to servicemembers on active duty, including safeguards against repossessions, reduced interest rates on eligible loans, protections from eviction, and restrictions on default judgments.

Creditors must verify military status through the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) at https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/scra, and federal enforcement guidance appears through the Department of Justice at https://www.justice.gov/servicemembers.

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

  • Immediate Action to Stop Financial Harm. We intervene quickly in cases involving repossession threats, improper fees, or creditor harassment.
  • Precise Interpretation of Federal Protections. We ensure lenders comply with reduced interest rates, lease-termination rules, and notice requirements.
  • Representation Tailored to Overseas Challenges. Service in Japan involves rapid moves, operational demands, and time-zone barriers, factors that often contribute to disputes.
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Is the SCRA Relevant to My Situation?

SCRA protections apply whenever active-duty service affects your ability to manage financial obligations. Servicemembers in Japan often face issues with auto loans, credit cards, personal loans, leases, or storage contracts.

Violations can occur when lenders fail to adjust interest rates, attempt unauthorized repossessions, refuse lawful lease terminations, or file civil actions without proper military verification. These situations can escalate quickly, particularly when communication delays occur overseas.

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
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 Enforcement Process What to Expect

Step One: Review of Orders, Status, and Creditor Actions

We begin by reviewing your orders, duty status, and the financial documents involved. This allows us to determine which SCRA sections apply and identify immediate risks. Procedural references appear in certain DoD issuances available at https://www.esd.whs.mil/DD/.

Step Two: Creditor Notification and Verification

We contact the creditor directly to confirm active-duty status and notify them of SCRA violations. Many cases resolve quickly once the creditor understands their federal obligations and potential penalties for noncompliance.

Step Three: Correcting Violations and Preventing Further Harm

We work to reverse improper repossessions, restore accurate loan terms, correct unauthorized fees, and secure compliance with interest-rate caps. In some cases, litigation or federal reporting may be appropriate if the violation is severe.

Step Four: Ensuring Long-Term Financial Protection

After resolving the immediate issue, we help servicemembers document future protections for PCS moves, deployments, and extended overseas service. Proper planning prevents repeat violations.

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After Your SCRA Case What Comes Next

Many servicemembers continue to experience financial consequences even after a violation is corrected. These may include credit reporting errors, inaccurate balances, or issues securing essential services in Japan. MJA assists with these follow-on matters by coordinating documentation, disputing inaccurate credit entries, and advising on how to maintain SCRA protections during future relocations. Our goal is to ensure long-term stability and confidence.

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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

Our attorneys are former Marine Judge Advocates with significant experience applying federal protections in overseas environments. We understand creditor behavior and the challenges of enforcing your rights while stationed abroad.

Proven Results and Strategic Advocacy

We have resolved unlawful repossessions, corrected inaccurate loan terms, and compelled compliance from creditors who ignored SCRA requirements. Our strategies focus on speed, clarity, and documented enforcement.

Dedicated Support for Servicemembers in Japan

You receive direct access to experienced attorneys—not case managers—who understand the demands of military life overseas. We provide clear communication across time zones and continuous support throughout your case. We secure the protections you earned by serving the United States.

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SCRA Attorney Serving Japan FAQs

Can I terminate a lease in Japan due to PCS orders?

Yes. The SCRA allows lawful termination of housing and vehicle leases with proper notice. Landlords and leasing companies must comply regardless of their overseas location.

Does the SCRA reduce interest rates automatically?

No. You must submit documentation showing active-duty service, but creditors are legally required to adjust the rate once they receive it.

Can a repossession occur while I’m stationed in Japan?

Not lawfully without a court order. Unauthorized repossessions violate federal law and may require corrective action.

Does the SCRA help if a creditor sues me in a U.S. court while I’m overseas?

Yes. Courts must verify military status before entering a default judgment. Failure to do so may render the judgment invalid.

When should I contact an SCRA attorney?

At the first sign of creditor resistance or financial pressure. Early legal involvement prevents further harm and protects your credit and readiness.

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Protect Your Rights and Your Financial Security

You should never face creditor misconduct alone, especially while stationed overseas. Contact Military Justice Attorneys today to schedule your confidential consultation with a former Marine Judge Advocate.

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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