Protecting Your Financial Stability While You Serve

Military service brings significant challenges—long hours, demanding training cycles, and unpredictable deployments. The last thing you should face is unlawful financial pressure from lenders, repossession threats, or foreclosure notices.

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides powerful federal protections designed to prevent exactly these situations, but violations still occur far too often. Military Justice Attorneys—a team of former Marine Corps Judge Advocates—helps Maryland service members enforce their rights, stop unlawful actions, and hold creditors accountable.

Working with an experienced SCRA lawyer in Maryland ensures you have an advocate who understands both military life and the complex federal rules lenders are required to follow.

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What Is the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)?

The SCRA is a federal law designed to protect active-duty service members and certain Reservists from financial harm while serving. It provides protections such as interest rate limits, protection against default judgments, delays in civil proceedings, and restrictions on repossessions and home foreclosures. The SCRA is codified at 50 U.S.C. §§ 3901–4043 and is published through Cornell Law at https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/50/chapter-50.

Under guidance issued by the Department of Justice and the Department of Defense, lenders, landlords, and creditors must comply with strict requirements when dealing with service members. The Department of Justice’s official SCRA enforcement guidance is available at https://www.justice.gov/servicemembers/servicemembers-civil-relief-act-scra.

Failure to follow these rules may entitle the affected service member to compensation, reinstatement, or reversal of adverse actions. A knowledgeable SCRA attorney in Maryland can help determine which protections apply to your situation and take action when those rights are violated.

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

  • Immediate Intervention to Stop Unlawful Actions - An attorney can halt repossessions, foreclosure attempts, interest rate overcharges, or collection efforts while forcing creditors to comply with federal law.
  • Clear Assessment of Your Eligibility and Rights - A skilled SCRA attorney in Maryland reviews your orders, service dates, contracts, and lender communications to determine exactly which protections apply.
  • Recovery of Compensation for Violations - When your rights are violated, your attorney can pursue damages, corrected credit reporting, and statutory penalties from lenders who fail to comply with SCRA requirements.
  • Representation Against Large Financial Institutions - Whether dealing with national banks, auto lenders, property managers, or debt collectors, your attorney ensures your rights are respected and enforced at every stage.
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Is SCRA Protection Relevant to My Situation?

The SCRA applies to active-duty service members stationed in Maryland or deployed worldwide. It also applies to qualifying Reserve and National Guard members called to active service. You may need legal assistance if you have experienced:

  • Vehicle repossession threats
  • Foreclosure or eviction notices
  • Denial of the 6% interest rate cap
  • Lawsuits filed without notice
  • Improper collection or credit actions
  • Loan or lease issues tied to PCS or deployment

Many violations occur because lenders fail to verify military status through the Department of Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC).

​​The DMDC SCRA status verification system used by lenders is maintained at https://scra.dmdc.osd.mil/scra/.

If you believe a creditor is ignoring your rights, speak with an SCRA attorney in Maryland immediately.

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

1. Service Verification and Case Evaluation

Your attorney reviews your service orders, lender documents, court filings, and financial history to determine eligibility and identify any violations under the SCRA.

2. Notification and Demand for Compliance

Your attorney formally notifies the creditor or lender, demands immediate compliance, and requires the cessation or reversal of improper actions such as repossessions, interest increases, or pending civil judgments.

3. Evidence Gathering and Legal Enforcement

Your attorney gathers documentation, communication logs, payment records, and credit reports to establish the facts and prepare for potential settlement or litigation.

4. Resolution Through Negotiation or Federal Action

If the lender refuses to comply, your SCRA lawyer in Maryland may pursue damages, corrected records, and legal remedies through the federal courts. The Department of Justice guidelines support strong enforcement of SCRA rights.

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After Your SCRA Case What Comes Next

Even after resolving an SCRA violation, service members may require continued monitoring to ensure lenders do not repeat the same conduct. Your attorney can assist with reviewing future contracts, advising on protections during deployments, or addressing unresolved credit issues connected to the violation.

Military Justice Attorneys remains available to support your long-term financial security and ensure your rights are protected throughout your military career.

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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 Insight

Our attorneys are former Marine Corps Judge Advocates with extensive knowledge of federal protections for service members, including the SCRA’s financial and legal safeguards.

Proven Advocacy for Service Members

We have held lenders, landlords, and financial institutions accountable for violations—securing compensation, correcting credit records, and restoring financial stability for those who serve.

Dedicated Support for Maryland Service Members

Clients benefit from direct attorney access, strategic guidance, and clear communication throughout every stage of their case. Our team understands the burdens of military life and the importance of financial protection during service.

Together, these strengths make Military Justice Attorneys a trusted SCRA attorney in Maryland for enforcing servicemember financial rights.

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SCRA Attorney Serving Maryland FAQs

Does the SCRA apply if I am deployed overseas but live in Maryland?

Yes. SCRA protections apply regardless of physical location as long as you are on qualifying active-duty orders.

Can my vehicle be repossessed while I'm on duty?

Not without a court order. Unauthorized repossession attempts may violate the SCRA and entitle you to compensation.

Does the 6% interest rate cap apply automatically?

No. You must notify your lender and provide documentation of active-duty service. An attorney can help prepare and submit this request.

What if a lender refused to halt legal proceedings?

Your attorney can pursue enforcement, damages, and reversal of any improper court actions filed against you.

Can violations from years ago still be addressed?

Often, yes. Many service members uncover violations long after they occur. Legal review can determine whether remedies are still available.

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Protect Your Rights Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act

Schedule your confidential consultation today and speak with an experienced SCRA lawyer in Maryland about enforcing your federal protections.

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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