An Unjust Conviction Doesn’t Have to Be the Final Word

Court-martial convictions carry serious and lasting consequences—punitive discharge, confinement, loss of pay, loss of rank, and the lifelong impact of a federal criminal record. But mistakes happen. Commands overreach, prosecutors misapply the law, evidence is admitted improperly, rights are violated, and trial defense counsel sometimes fail to raise critical objections.

The Marine Corps justice system is fast-moving and unforgiving, but it also offers powerful appellate protections when errors or injustices occur. Whether you were convicted at a summary, special, or general court-martial, our court-martial attorneys review every detail of your case, identify grounds for appeal, and fight to secure the relief you deserve.

As former Marine Judge Advocates, we understand both the courtroom realities of trial practice and the technical precision required in appellate litigation.

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What Is a Court-Martial Appeal?

A court-martial appeal is a legal process allowing a convicted Marine to challenge the findings or sentence imposed at trial. Appeals may focus on legal errors, procedural violations, unlawful command influence, insufficient evidence, or ineffective assistance of counsel. Depending on the case type and sentence, appeals may go to:

  • The Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals (NMCCA)
  • The Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (CAAF)
  • Clemency or special clemency/parole boards
  • The Board for Correction of Naval Records (BCNR) for administrative relief

You can learn more about the structure and authority of the military appellate system through the Joint Service Committee on Military Justice at https://jsc.defense.gov/.

Information about the Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals, which reviews most Marine Corps court-martial convictions, is available at https://www.jag.navy.mil/.

A court-martial appeal attorney analyzes the entire trial record—including transcripts, exhibits, rulings, and instructions—to determine whether the conviction or sentence should be overturned or reduced.

The Benefits of Working With a Court-Martial Appeal Attorney

  • Comprehensive Review of the Trial Record - Your attorney examines transcripts, motions, witness testimony, evidentiary rulings, and sentencing arguments to identify legal or procedural errors that may justify overturning the conviction or modifying the sentence.
  • Strong Written Briefs and Persuasive Legal Argumentation - Appellate courts rely heavily on written briefs. A court-martial appeal lawyer prepares detailed, well-supported arguments grounded in the law, precedent, and constitutional protections.
  • Strategic Use of Multiple Avenues for Relief - Your attorney may pursue clemency, sentence reduction, appellate review, administrative correction, or petitions to higher courts—whichever path offers the greatest likelihood of success.
  • Protection of Your Long-Term Civilian and Military Future - Appellate relief can restore rank, pay, benefits, and reputation, preventing long-lasting damage to employment prospects and post-service opportunities.
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Is Court-Martial Appeal Representation Relevant to My Situation?

You may need appellate counsel if you:

  • Were convicted at a special or general court-martial
  • Believe your rights were violated during the investigation or trial
  • Suspect your trial counsel failed to raise important objections
  • Believe evidence was admitted improperly
  • Think the sentence was excessive or disproportionate
  • Experienced unlawful command influence
  • Face long-term consequences such as discharge, confinement, or sex offender registration

Appeals commonly address issues like:

  • Improper search or seizure
  • Coerced confessions
  • Discovery violations
  • Ineffective assistance of counsel
  • Improper instructions to the members
  • Prosecutorial misconduct
  • Evidentiary errors
  • Insufficient evidence
  • Constitutional violations

If any of these concerns apply to your case, you may have strong grounds for appeal.

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 Court-Martial Appeal Process What to Expect

1. Record of Trial Review and Issue Identification

Your attorney obtains the complete record, including transcripts, exhibits, rulings, and pretrial documents, then conducts a line-by-line review to identify errors.

2. Written Appellate Briefing

After identifying appealable issues, your lawyer prepares a detailed brief arguing why the conviction or sentence should be reversed, dismissed, or modified based on legal precedent and procedural errors.

3. Oral Argument (If Granted)

In some cases, the appellate court schedules oral arguments. Your court-martial lawyers present your case directly to appellate judges, answering questions and reinforcing key arguments.

4. Post-Appeal Actions and Additional Remedies

If the appeal does not grant full relief, your attorney may pursue clemency, BCNR petitions, habeas petitions, or appeals to higher courts such as CAAF.

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Case Results We’ve been in the fight & know how to win

View All Results

MARINE SNCO PROMOTED

Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Marine Staff Sergeant (E-6) refused NJP, avoids court-martial and earns promotion.

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REACHES RETIREMENT

A Marine Master Sergeant (E-8) suspected of misconduct and questioned in multiple JAGMAN investigations reaches retirement.

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NO ADVERSE ACTION

Quantico, Virginia. No Adverse Action Against Marine Sergeant (E-5) Investigated for Alleged Article 92 Violations.

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NO ADVERSE ACTION

MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina. Marine SNCO arrested for suspicion of DUI onboard military installation.

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RETAINED

Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Marine Raider Accused of Using Cocaine Wins at Administrative Separation Board Hearing.

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RETAINED

Camp Pendleton, California. Marine facing administrative separation due to a pattern of misconduct retained.

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HONORABLE DISCHARGE

Quantico, Virginia. Marine Corporal (E-4) Separated for Condition Not a Disability Receives Fully Honorable Discharge.

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RETAINED

Parris Island, South Carolina. Charges dismissed against Marine charged with recruit abuse, retained at board.

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HONORABLE DISCHARGE

Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Marine Raider Pending Criminal Charges Faces General Discharge, Receives Honorable.

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UNSUBSTANTIATED

Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Allegations of hazing unsubstantiated against Marine Corporal (E-4), earns promotion.

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After Your Court-Martial Appeal What Comes Next

Even after the appeal concludes, additional legal avenues remain available, including:

  • Sentencing rehearings
  • New trials based on newly discovered evidence
  • Correction of records
  • Discharge upgrade applications
  • Restoration of rank or pay
  • Relief from sex offender registration (in some cases)

Our attorneys continue fighting to ensure every available remedy is pursued on your behalf.

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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

"Worth. Every. Penny."

The team is professional, surg...

Don't waste your time scrolling for other representation. I'm an Active Duty Marine who's been in approximately 18 years. I had two allegations that were unsubstantiated due to Gerald Healy and Clare Hodge's phenomenal representation. The team is professional, surgical, likable, and subject matter expertise is second to none. Worth. Every. Penny.
-CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER 2, USMC

"Successful Discharge Upgrade!"

My discharge was upgraded to F...

Josh was professional, understanding and very clear on his plan to assist and appeal my discharge to the Naval Discharge Review Board. Thanks to his expert guidance and instruction, the process went smoothly, and I am grateful for the positive outcome. My discharge was upgraded to Fully Honorable and Josh worked incredibly hard for me every step of the way.
-Marine Veteran

"Fearless, aggressive and confident defense lawyer."

Attorney Gerald Healy is the g...

General Court-Martial 2015 for an alleged kiss with two charges and two specifications each charges. Attorney Gerald Healy is by far one of the most experienced, fearless, and confident defense lawyer I have ever known. He fought for me in my very complicated case in the Marine Corps. In his insurmountable knowledge and years of experienced in Military Laws and Regulations, he was successful in defending my case and getting all the charges fully acquitted.

Attorney Gerald Healy is the guy who never gives up. He kept me updated on my case. He is a very approachable lawyer and he will address all your concerns as much as he can. As a matter of fact, though his duty and responsibilities to me has been long done, he was still helping me address my concern in providing certain documents I have been looking for. I owe him a lot. He saved my life.

I would not hesitate to recommend Attorney Gerald Healy to anybody when they need a lawyer. He is the kind of guy you want to get when you need a lawyer to fight your battle against the world. He is worth every single penny that you would pay for a lawyer.

-CORPORAL, USMC

"Phenomenal Lawyer!"

I seeked out legal assistance ...

I got caught up in a situation that escalated almost beyond my control. I seeked out legal assistance and found Joshua Hill online. He is a great lawyer and helped me stay in the Marine Corps. I highly recommend him as an attorney and if I know people who need an attorney Joshua Hill would be the first I tell them to contact. Overall great person and attorney that is more than willing to help and is super understanding.

-LANCE CORPORAL, USMC

"Fantastic and Effective Attorney"

This is an effective and trust...

I have unfortunately had a wealth of experience with attorneys of various disciplines over a year and half period of legal battles including military, criminal, civil, and family law. Of the six attorneys I have had to retain in that timeframe, and the many others I have consulted with, Josh Hill has been hands down the easiest to work with.

Many attorneys will be difficult to reach or will try to nickel and dime you for every email or phone call. Josh is reliably easy to get in touch with, keeps you well informed, and has been nothing but generous and fair with his time and fees. The man has sound instinct and judgement, and fantastic planning and communication skills. He shifts gears quickly: we never had to go to bat for the initial reason I retained him – but the legal battlescape is capricious, and I later found myself on the hook for a matter that was related but not on the contract I signed. He was well within his rights to charge me new fees and write new contracts, but he didn’t pull that move. He stuck with me, applied my initial fees to the new task, and put a lot of work into my matter over a year and a half after I had first hired him for a different reason.

He constructed a 160-some page package for a two-star general on the ludicrous time constraint of about one week. His work directly resulted in the outcome that I desired. But here is the thing – I also listened to what he told me to do. If you do the same, you can have a good result. This is an effective and trustworthy attorney. What’s more, he is the only lawyer who I think legitimately cared about my outcome. If you are seeking a military law attorney, this is the one you should hire.

-STAFF SERGEANT, USMC

"Top Choice for a Military Defense Representation"

Mr. Hodge was relentless in hi...

After a false allegation of misconduct was leveled against me, I was placed on legal hold and not allowed to complete my obligated service in the timeframe expected. Special Court-Martial charges had been directed. I became a target of harassment, and my life was at an absolute standstill. I called MJA. Mr. Hodge was relentless in his defense of me. He did his own investigation and presented facts and circumstances that unquestionably absolved me of any wrongdoing under the UCMJ. He also made himself available 24/7. I reached my end of active service without charges or involuntary separation. I emphatically recommend Mr. Hodge and his team to any service member that needs a solid military defense lawyer advocating for them. Mr. Hodge should be your top choice!
-CORPORAL, USMC

"Mr. Hodge was relentless in his defense of me."

He did his own investigation a...

After a false allegation of misconduct was leveled against me, I was placed on legal hold and not allowed to complete my obligated service in the timeframe expected. Special Court-Martial charges had been directed. I became a target of harassment, and my life was at an absolute standstill. I called MJA. Mr. Hodge was relentless in his defense of me. He did his own investigation and presented facts and circumstances that unquestionably absolved me of any wrongdoing under the UCMJ. He also made himself available 24/7. I reached my end of active service without charges or involuntary separation. I emphatically recommend Mr. Hodge and his team to any service member that needs a solid military defense lawyer advocating for them. Mr. Hodge should be your top choice!
-CORPORAL, USMC

"Quality of the Highest Tier"

10/10 would recommend. I was e...

10/10 would recommend. I was extremely fortunate to stumble upon Mr. Healy during the early stages of my legal process. From the beginning, Mr. Healy was with me every step of the way, guiding me through the chaos of the military legal system. He broke down complex problems into easily digestible concepts that I would normally be hard pressed to understand. His extensive knowledge of the military legal system shows in his confidence and competency both in and out of the courtroom. Every step my command took against me, Mr. Healy was there to meet them with equal to greater push back. My process involved challenging a multitude of 6105s, adverse fitreps, and a final confrontation at an Administrative Separations Board. I’m happy to report a victory at the board that was originally thought not possible by other representation. To quote my military counsel upon achieving a victory at the board ‘Of all the civilian representation I have seen, both good and bad, he was one of the best.’ If there is one major takeaway, Mr. Healy gets results. If you want to win then you need the most suited Subject Matter Expert on your side. To any who reads this, you’re already in the right place. If you hire Mr. Healy, you will be hiring Quality of the Highest Tier.
-SERGEANT, USMC
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Why Choose Military Justice Attorneys?

Marine Judge Advocates With Deep Appellate Knowledge

Our attorneys are former Marine JAGs with extensive experience analyzing trial records, preparing appellate briefs, and litigating cases before military courts.

Proven Success Identifying Errors and Securing Relief

We understand the technical details of appellate practice, how to expose procedural mistakes, and how to build compelling arguments for overturning or reducing convictions.

Dedicated Representation Focused on Protecting Your Future

We provide clear communication, thorough review, and mission-driven advocacy aimed at restoring your reputation and preserving your opportunities. Military Justice Attorneys stands ready to challenge injustice and correct errors in the military justice system.

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Court-Martial Appeals FAQs

How long does the military appeals process take?

Appeals can take months to several years, depending on the complexity of the case, the size of the record, and appellate court workloads. During this time, your attorney actively monitors deadlines, prepares filings, and pursues any available interim relief, such as clemency or sentence reduction.

Can a court-martial conviction really be overturned?

Yes. Many convictions are reversed or modified each year due to legal errors, improper evidence, constitutional violations, or ineffective assistance of counsel. An experienced court-martial appeal lawyer identifies these issues and argues for the maximum possible relief.

What if my trial attorney made mistakes?

Ineffective assistance of counsel (IAC) is one of the most common bases for appeal. If your trial attorney failed to investigate evidence, make objections, call witnesses, or provide sound legal advice, your appellate attorney may raise IAC claims to challenge the verdict or sentence.

Is an appeal the same as a clemency request?

No. Appeals challenge legal errors in the conviction or sentence, while clemency asks the convening authority to grant mercy regardless of legal error. Many Marines pursue both avenues to maximize their chances of relief.

Can I appeal if I pled guilty?

Yes. Even guilty pleas may be appealed if the plea was not made voluntarily, the sentence was unlawful or excessive, or the government or judge made mistakes during the proceedings. Your attorney evaluates all possible grounds for appeal.

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Fight for the Justice You Deserve

Schedule a confidential consultation with Marine Corps court-martial appeals attorneys who know how to defend your rights and overturn unfair convictions.

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.

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