Protecting Your Rights From the Start

Military investigations move quickly—commands issue no-contact orders, investigators begin interviews, and administrative action can escalate before you fully understand what’s happening. For service members in Kentucky, this pressure can feel overwhelming, especially when your career, benefits, and reputation are at stake.

Military Justice Attorneys is a team of former Marine Corps Judge Advocates with extensive experience defending service members nationwide. Whether you’re dealing with a command investigation, Article 15/NJP, adverse paperwork, or potential charges, having a knowledgeable JAG defense lawyer in Kentucky gives you a strong advocate from the very first step.

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What Is JAG Defense?

JAG defense refers to representing service members facing legal or administrative actions under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). The UCMJ is federal law and is publicly available through Cornell Law School at https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/subtitle-A/part-II/chapter-47. This includes investigations, adverse counseling, command inquiries, administrative separations, boards of inquiry, GOMORs, and courts-martial.

The Manual for Courts-Martial, service-specific regulations, and Department of Defense policies guide how these actions unfold. The Manual for Courts-Martial is published and updated by the Joint Service Committee on Military Justice at https://jsc.defense.gov/Military-Law/Current-Publications-and-Updates/. Because these proceedings can move fast and carry long-term consequences, the support of a skilled JAG defense attorney in Kentucky is invaluable.

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

  • Early Strategic Intervention - An attorney advises you before speaking with investigators or command, helping prevent statements or actions that may harm your case. Early involvement can completely change the trajectory of your matter.
  • Protection During Investigations and Command Proceedings - A JAG defense lawyer in Kentucky understands the limits of command authority, ensuring your rights are respected and challenging improper pressure, unlawful influence, or procedural errors. Investigations are commonly conducted by agencies such as Army CID (https://www.cid.army.mil/ ), NCIS (https://www.ncis.navy.mil/ ), and Air Force OSI (https://www.osi.af.mil/).
  • Strong Advocacy in Administrative and Criminal Actions - Whether you face NJP, a GOMOR, a command investigation, or a court-martial referral, your attorney builds a defense strategy grounded in experience and evidence.
  • Long-Term Career and Record Protection - Your attorney works to prevent negative entries, discharge actions, or long-term consequences that may affect promotion, reenlistment, retirement, or veterans’ benefits.
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Is JAG Defense Relevant to My Situation?

If you are being questioned, advised of your rights, issued adverse paperwork, or told you are the subject of an investigation, JAG defense representation is critical.

You may need legal support if you are dealing with:

  • Article 15/NJP
  • Adverse counseling or reprimands
  • GOMOR rebuttals
  • Command investigations
  • BOIs or separation boards
  • Titling or indexing actions
  • Administrative separation notifications
  • Early indications of potential UCMJ charges

Whether you serve in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard, early legal guidance from a JAG defense attorney in Kentucky can protect you from long-term consequences.

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. Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation

Your attorney reviews the situation, evaluates potential allegations, and identifies immediate risks. This step includes explaining your rights and advising you on all interactions with investigators and command.

2. Evidence Review and Independent Analysis

Your attorney examines command documentation, witness statements, digital evidence, and investigative reports. Because military investigations vary in quality, independent analysis often reveals inconsistencies or violations of procedure under UCMJ and service regulations.

3. Strategic Response and Representation

Depending on your case, your attorney may prepare rebuttals, respond to adverse actions, present evidence to command, or negotiate to prevent escalation to more serious proceedings.

4. Administrative or Court-Martial Defense

If your case progresses, your attorney represents you at NJP hearings, boards of inquiry, separation boards, Article 32 hearings, or at court-martial. Strategic preparation and experienced advocacy are critical at this stage.

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After Your JAG Case What Comes Next

Even when an investigation or administrative action ends, consequences may continue. You may face negative evaluations, denied reenlistment, or delayed promotions.

A JAG defense lawyer in Kentucky can help challenge adverse records, pursue administrative corrections, prepare appeals, or guide you through mitigation steps that protect your long-term career. Military Justice Attorneys remains committed to supporting you long after the initial action is resolved.

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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
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Why Choose Military Justice Attorneys?

Deep Military Justice Experience

Our attorneys are former Marine Corps Judge Advocates with extensive experience navigating investigations, administrative actions, and courts-martial across every branch of service.

Proven Advocacy for Service Members

We have successfully defended clients against allegations ranging from minor misconduct to serious criminal accusations, achieving dismissals, mitigated actions, and prevented separations through focused, strategic legal work.

Dedicated Support Throughout the Process

Clients receive direct access to their attorney, clear communication, and a team-driven approach designed to strengthen every aspect of your defense.

Together, these strengths make Military Justice Attorneys a trusted JAG defense attorney in Kentucky for service members seeking strong, reliable representation.

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JAG Defense Attorney Serving Kentucky FAQs

Should I talk to investigators without a lawyer?

No. You should never speak with CID, OSI, NCIS, or command investigators without legal counsel. Even informal conversations can have serious consequences.

Can an attorney prevent NJP or administrative action?

While no attorney can control command decisions, effective representation can expose weaknesses, challenge improper findings, and influence whether adverse actions move forward.

Do I need a lawyer even if this is “just administrative”?

Yes. Administrative actions—including reprimands, adverse evaluations, and separation boards—can negatively impact your entire career. Early legal support is critical.

Can JAG defense help if I’m facing separation?

Absolutely. Your attorney can represent you at separation boards, prepare rebuttals, and challenge the basis for separation to protect your career and benefits.

What if my case turns into a court-martial?

Your attorney continues representing you through Article 32 hearings and trial, ensuring continuity and a fully developed defense strategy.

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Protect Your Career and Your Future

Schedule your confidential consultation today to speak with a JAG defense lawyer in Kentucky about safeguarding your rights and defending your service.

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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