Criminal Defense Attorney for Military Academy Cadets and Graduates

Name: Criminal Defense
Brand: Military Justice Attorneys
Rating: 5 (44 reviews)

Protecting cadets, midshipmen, and academy graduates when their future is at stake.

Protection When Your Future Feels Uncertain

Criminal allegations involving students from the United States Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy, or Merchant Marine Academy require rapid and experienced legal intervention. Investigations at academies often unfold under intense scrutiny, making it easy for misunderstandings, incomplete evidence, or procedural errors to escalate into life-altering consequences.

Military Justice Attorneys (MJA), a team of former Marine Judge Advocates, defends academy cadets, midshipmen, and recent graduates. We protect rights, challenge flawed investigations, and ensure your future is not defined by allegations made during training.

What Is Criminal Defense for Academy Cadets and Midshipmen?

Criminal defense in academy settings involves representing individuals accused of violating the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), state criminal laws, or academy-specific codes of conduct. Investigations may involve military police, academy leadership, or civilian authorities in nearby towns.

Rules related to criminal procedures and rights can be reviewed through the Joint Service Committee at https://jsc.defense.gov, which helps frame how allegations progress toward disciplinary action or court-martial referral.

The Benefits of Working With a Military Defense Attorney for Criminal Allegations

Protection Against Rapid Escalation. Academy investigations move quickly and can influence administrative, honor, or military justice outcomes simultaneously.
Strategic Evidence Analysis. We examine whether investigative steps were appropriate and whether statements or reports were interpreted fairly.
Experienced Advocacy That Protects Long-Term Careers. Our team understands how one allegation can affect commissioning, service selection, and future assignments.

Is Criminal Defense Relevant to My Situation?

Criminal defense applies when a cadet or midshipman is accused of misconduct that could lead to suspension, disenrollment, honor actions, or UCMJ exposure. These situations often arise from interpersonal misunderstandings, alcohol-related incidents, digital communication concerns, property disputes, or alleged violations of academy regulations.

Because academies blend academic, military, and character assessments, even minor allegations can create disproportionate risk. If you face questioning, command discussions, or early disciplinary steps, legal counsel is essential to preserve your rights and your future commission.

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

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

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

Paul Murray

Partner

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

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

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

The Criminal Defense Process What to Expect

Step One: Rights Protection and Initial Case Review

We begin by advising you on Article 31(b) rights and reviewing the available evidence. This helps prevent damaging statements and ensures academy officials follow proper procedures. Relevant governing documents, including portions of the Manual for Courts-Martial, are available through https://www.esd.whs.mil/DD/.

Step Two: Independent Evidence Evaluation

We examine the investigation carefully, reviewing digital records, witness statements, academy reports, and any documentation produced by civilian law enforcement. This step identifies inconsistencies, procedural errors, or gaps that can shape a strong defense strategy.

Step Three: Engagement With Academy Leadership

We work directly with academy legal staff or command representatives to present mitigating information, correct misunderstandings, and ensure your perspective is fully considered. This advocacy can influence whether administrative action or criminal proceedings move forward.

Step Four: Preparation for Hearings or Military Justice Proceedings

If allegations progress toward formal action, we build a detailed defense grounded in evidence, academy regulations, and UCMJ standards. This includes preparing statements, expert documentation, character evidence, and strategic arguments to protect your commission and future career.

After Your Criminal Case What Comes Next

Even if charges are dismissed or reduced, academy leadership may impose administrative consequences, including honor board reviews, probation, delayed commissioning, or disenrollment. These secondary actions can have a lasting impact, particularly for students nearing graduation.

MJA continues supporting clients after the initial case concludes. This may include representing individuals before boards, pursuing corrections of academic or military records, and guiding graduates through follow-on actions needed to protect officer career paths.

Available 24/7 to Help Anyone in the World

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

Why Choose Military Justice Attorneys?

Deep Military Justice Experience

Our attorneys are former Marine Judge Advocates with extensive experience defending servicemembers and academy students. We understand the unique pressures of military education, the authority structure at academies, and the stakes associated with an early-career allegation.

Proven Results and Strategic Defense

We have successfully defended cadets and midshipmen nationwide in cases involving complex evidence, contested witness accounts, ambiguous academy policies, and situations where administrative and criminal consequences overlap. Our strategy is methodical, evidence-driven, and shaped by years of trial experience.

Dedicated Support for Cadets and Midshipmen

Clients receive direct access to senior attorneys, not case managers, who provide clear, reliable communication. We offer steady guidance through every phase of your case, acting as an advocate when academy systems feel overwhelming.

We deliver mission-focused advocacy designed to protect your future as an officer in the United States military.

Criminal Defense for Military Academies FAQs

Do criminal allegations automatically result in disenrollment?

Not always. Disenrollment depends on the strength of the evidence, the academy regulations, the board findings, and how the case is presented. Strategic legal representation can prevent unnecessary separation and protect commissioning eligibility.

Can I refuse questioning by academy investigators?

Yes. Cadets have the right to remain silent, decline interviews, and consult an attorney first. Exercising these rights cannot legally be treated as evidence of guilt or noncooperation by academy authorities.

What if I face both civilian and military consequences?

When allegations involve overlapping jurisdictions, MJA provides coordinated defense to ensure your rights are protected in both systems. Strategic alignment prevents conflicting outcomes and reduces long-term risk to your career.

Can honor violations be linked to criminal cases?

Yes. Even if criminal charges are dismissed or never filed, academies may pursue honor or conduct actions. These administrative processes can still affect your standing, requiring an integrated defense strategy.

When should I contact a defense attorney?

Immediately. Speak with counsel before talking to investigators, classmates, academy staff, or command. Early legal guidance prevents harmful statements and strengthens your ability to protect your reputation and future commission.

Defend Your Future With Experienced Counsel

Your career should not be defined by a single allegation or misunderstanding. Contact Military Justice Attorneys today to schedule your confidential consultation with a former Marine Judge Advocate.