Your Defense Begins the Moment Allegations Surface

A court-martial threatens everything you have worked for—your rank, your benefits, your freedom, and the future you envisioned after your service. When CID, NCIS, OSI, or command begins asking questions, the pressure mounts quickly, and mistakes made early in the process can shape the entire outcome of your case.

Military Justice Attorneys brings together former Marine Corps Judge Advocates with extensive trial experience across every branch of the military. Whether you serve in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard, having a knowledgeable court-martial defense attorney in Maryland ensures your rights are protected and your defense is built with precision and strength.

Topography textured background

What Is a Court-Martial?

A court-martial is a criminal trial conducted under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). It is used to prosecute service members accused of violating military or federal law. The UCMJ is codified at 10 U.S.C. Chapter 47 and published through Cornell Law at https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/subtitle-A/part-II/chapter-47. Depending on the severity of the allegations, you may face a Summary, Special, or General Court-Martial. The process includes investigations, evidence review, an Article 32 preliminary hearing (for General Court-Martial cases), and trial before a military judge or panel.

Court-martial procedures are governed by the Manual for Courts-Martial, published by the Joint Service Committee on Military Justice and available at https://jsc.defense.gov/Military-Law/Current-Publications-and-Updates/.

Because the stakes are high and the procedures are unique, working with experienced court-martial lawyers in Maryland is crucial to navigating the process and securing a strong defense.

The Benefits of Working With a Military Defense Attorney for Court-Martial Charges

  • Immediate Protection Against Investigative Pressure - Your attorney ensures you do not make statements that can be used against you, providing guidance before you engage with CID, NCIS, OSI, or command representatives.
  • Comprehensive Defense Strategy Tailored to Your Case - A skilled court-martial defense lawyer in Maryland evaluates the evidence, investigates independently, and identifies weaknesses or inconsistencies in the government’s case.
  • Strong Representation for Article 32 Hearings and Trial - Your attorney prepares you for the Article 32 hearing, challenges probable cause, cross-examines witnesses, and develops a trial strategy aligned with your goals. Article 32 procedures are defined under 10 U.S.C. § 832, published at https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/832.
  • Support for Appeals and Post-Trial Actions - If you have already been convicted, a court-martial appeal attorney in Maryland can review the record, identify legal errors, and pursue relief through the appellate courts.
Banner media

Is Court-Martial Defense Relevant to My Situation?

You may need representation if you were questioned by investigators, issued a rights advisement, received a no-contact order, or heard from your chain of command that allegations are underway.

Court-martial charges often arise from allegations involving:

  • Sexual assault or harassment
  • Domestic violence
  • Drug use or distribution
  • Violations of lawful orders
  • AWOL or desertion
  • Financial misconduct
  • Assault, larceny, or other UCMJ offenses

Even before charges are filed, investigators often gather statements and evidence that can negatively impact your case. Speaking with a court-martial defense attorney in Maryland early in the process provides critical protection.

Former Military Judge Advocates United By Service

Our court-martial attorneys in Maryland 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
Topography textured background

The Court-Martial Process What to Expect

1. Consultation and Assessment

Your attorney reviews the allegations, advises you on your rights, and explains the investigative process. This stage prevents damaging missteps and establishes a foundation for your defense.

2. Evidence Analysis and Independent Investigation

Your attorney examines digital records, witness statements, forensic reports, and government evidence. They may conduct interviews or secure expert evaluations to challenge the prosecution’s narrative and expose weaknesses.

3. Article 32 Hearing and Pretrial Strategy

For General Court-Martial cases, your attorney prepares for the Article 32 preliminary hearing—challenging probable cause, cross-examining government witnesses, and shaping the defense strategy long before trial begins.

4. Court-Martial Representation

Your attorney advocates for you in court, presenting evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and delivering a defense designed to achieve acquittal or significantly reduce your exposure. Experienced court-martial lawyers in Maryland understand the nuances of military procedure and courtroom dynamics.

Topography textured background

After Your Court-Martial What Comes Next

A conviction is not always the end of your case. You may be eligible to pursue appeals, clemency, or corrections to your military records.

A knowledgeable court-martial appeal lawyer in Maryland can identify legal errors, due process violations, or improper command influence that may have affected the outcome. Military Justice Attorneys also assists with discharge upgrades, administrative actions, and other post-trial matters to help service members rebuild their careers and futures.

Silhouetted missiles pointed skyward at sunset

Available 24/7 to Help Anyone in the World

Contact us media

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
Topography textured background

Why Choose Military Justice Attorneys?

Extensive Trial Experience in Military Courts

Our attorneys are former Marine Corps Judge Advocates with years of trial experience defending service members in complex and high-stakes court-martial cases.

Proven Track Record of Strong Defense

We have secured acquittals, dismissals, and reductions in charges through disciplined preparation and strategic litigation for service members across all branches.

Dedicated Support for Maryland Service Members

Our clients benefit from direct attorney access, honest guidance, and a team-based defense approach designed to anticipate challenges and strengthen every part of the case.

Together, these strengths make Military Justice Attorneys a trusted choice for court-martial attorneys in Maryland when everything is on the line.

Topography textured background

Court Martial Attorney Serving Maryland FAQs

Do I need a lawyer even if no charges have been filed yet?

Yes. Investigations start long before charges are announced. Early legal intervention protects your rights and prevents mistakes.

What is the purpose of an Article 32 hearing?

It is a preliminary hearing to assess probable cause for a General Court-Martial. Your attorney uses it to challenge evidence and strengthen your defense.

Can I appeal a court-martial conviction?

Yes. A court-martial appeal attorney in Maryland can determine whether legal errors, improper rulings, or command influence affected your case.

What penalties could I face at court-martial?

Penalties may include confinement, forfeitures, rank reduction, or a punitive discharge. Skilled defense can significantly reduce or eliminate these consequences.

Does the branch I serve in affect my case?

Procedures vary slightly by branch, but all fall under the UCMJ. Experienced court-martial lawyers in Maryland can defend service members from any branch.

Textured background

Take Immediate Action to Protect Your Future

Schedule your confidential consultation today with a court-martial defense lawyer in Maryland and begin building a strong defense from the very first step.

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

(843) 755-6535
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
Submit Information
Contact us media
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (843) 755-6535.
Contact Us