Protecting Your Career the Moment Trouble Begins

For service members in Maryland, legal issues rarely start with formal charges. They begin with subtle signs—questions from investigators, unusual command attention, sudden meetings, or written counseling. These early steps can quickly escalate into administrative actions, nonjudicial punishment, separation proceedings, or criminal allegations.

Military Justice Attorneys, a team of former Marine Corps Judge Advocates, understands the pressure these situations impose. Whether you’re dealing with NJP, a command investigation, adverse paperwork, or potential UCMJ allegations, a skilled JAG defense lawyer in Maryland can intervene early, protect your rights, and guide you through every stage of the military justice process.

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What Is JAG Defense?

JAG defense refers to legal representation for service members facing military investigations, administrative actions, or criminal proceedings under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). The UCMJ is codified at 10 U.S.C. Chapter 47 and is published through Cornell Law at https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/subtitle-A/part-II/chapter-47. These cases may involve:

  • Command-directed investigations
  • Article 15/NJP proceedings
  • Administrative separation boards
  • Boards of inquiry
  • GOMORs or adverse counseling
  • Referred performance evaluations
  • Article 138 complaints
  • Court-martial exposure

These actions are governed by service-specific regulations and the Manual for Courts-Martial. The Manual for Courts-Martial is issued by the Joint Service Committee on Military Justice and is available at https://jsc.defense.gov/Military-Law/Current-Publications-and-Updates/. Because the consequences can affect your rank, benefits, and long-term service, having an experienced JAG defense attorney in Maryland can make an enormous difference in the outcome.

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

  • Immediate Protection During Investigations - A knowledgeable attorney ensures you do not make statements that can be used against you, safeguarding your rights during CID, NCIS, OSI, or CGIS interviews.
  • Strong Advocacy in Administrative Proceedings - A JAG defense attorney in Maryland can prepare rebuttals, challenge adverse actions, and advocate directly with command to prevent escalation.
  • Strategic Defense Across Multiple Military Actions - From GOMOR rebuttals to NJP hearings to separation boards, a skilled attorney builds a unified defense strategy designed to protect your military career at every stage.
  • Long-Term Record and Career Protection - Your attorney also assists with appeals, corrections to service records, and mitigation efforts that help preserve promotions, reenlistment eligibility, and post-service benefits.
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Is JAG Defense Relevant to My Situation?

JAG defense representation may be necessary if you have experienced any of the following:

  • Questioning by military law enforcement
  • Notification of investigation
  • Receipt of adverse counseling
  • NJP/Article 15 proceedings
  • A pending separation action
  • A board notification
  • Referred performance evaluations

Service members in Maryland—from Fort Meade to Aberdeen Proving Ground to Navy and Marine Corps installations—frequently face administrative actions that carry long-term consequences.

Early representation from a JAG defense attorney in Maryland helps prevent mistakes and ensures that your side of the story is clearly and effectively presented.

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 JAG Defense Process What to Expect

1. Evaluation and Rights Protection

Your attorney reviews the allegations, explains your rights, and advises you on interactions with investigators or command. Immediate legal counsel helps prevent damaging missteps.

2. Evidence Review and Independent Analysis

Your attorney analyzes command documents, investigative files, digital evidence, and witness statements. They identify inconsistencies, procedural errors, and opportunities to challenge the government's case under UCMJ and service regulations.

3. Defense Strategy and Command Engagement

Your attorney prepares legal responses, rebuttals, and memoranda, and may engage directly with command to contest findings or provide mitigating evidence. This step often determines whether the case escalates or ends favorably.

4. Representation in Administrative or Judicial Proceedings

If your case proceeds to NJP, separation boards, boards of inquiry, or court-martial, your attorney provides full representation—challenging evidence, presenting witnesses, and advocating for your rights in hearings or trial.

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After Your JAG Case What Comes Next

Even when an investigation closes or an administrative action concludes, further consequences may follow. You may face adverse paperwork, negative evaluations, denied reenlistment, or loss of benefits.

A JAG defense lawyer in Maryland can help pursue appeals, correction board petitions, or supplemental submissions to mitigate long-term damage. Military Justice Attorneys continues to support clients beyond the initial action, ensuring the full protection of their career and reputation.

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Available 24/7 to Help Anyone in the World

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?

Extensive Military Justice Experience

Our attorneys are former Marine Corps Judge Advocates with decades of combined experience navigating command investigations, administrative actions, NJP, and courts-martial.

Proven Advocacy for Service Members

We have successfully defended service members across all branches—preventing separations, overturning adverse actions, and challenging unfair or unsupported allegations.

Dedicated Defense for Maryland Personnel

Clients receive direct access to their attorney, clear communication, and a strategic, team-based approach tailored to the service member’s goals and circumstances.

Together, these strengths make Military Justice Attorneys a trusted JAG defense attorney in Maryland for service members seeking protection and skilled legal advocacy.

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JAG Defense Attorney Serving Maryland FAQs

Do I need a lawyer before speaking with investigators?

Yes. Even casual conversations can be used against you. An attorney protects your rights and prevents damaging statements.

Can a JAG defense attorney stop administrative action?

While no attorney can control command decisions, strong advocacy often prevents escalation, mitigates consequences, or results in favorable outcomes.

What if I’m facing separation?

You should seek counsel immediately. An attorney can represent you at boards, challenge the basis for separation, and work to preserve your career and benefits.

Do you handle NJP and GOMOR rebuttals?

Absolutely. NJP, written reprimands, and adverse paperwork can have long-term consequences. Early, strategic representation is essential.

What if my case develops into a court-martial?

Your attorney continues representing you at every stage—from investigation to Article 32 to trial—ensuring continuity and a coordinated defense strategy.

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Protect Your Rights and Your Military Career

Schedule your confidential consultation today to speak with a JAG defense lawyer in Maryland who can defend your future from the very beginning.

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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