JAG Defense Attorney for Military Academy Cadets and Graduates

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

Protecting cadets, midshipmen, and future officers during investigations, discipline, and administrative actions.

Guidance When Your Future Officer Career Is at Risk

Cadets and midshipmen at the United States Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy face unique pressures when leadership initiates investigations or administrative actions. Even minor allegations can trigger honor reviews, conduct boards, or JAG-level scrutiny that impacts your standing, training, and commissioning potential.

Military Justice Attorneys (MJA), a team of former Marine Judge Advocates, provides reliable, strategic advocacy for academy students navigating complex administrative or disciplinary processes. Our mission is to preserve your rights and protect the future you’ve built.

What Is JAG Defense at a Service Academy?

JAG defense involves representing academy students facing investigations, command inquiries, adverse paperwork, reprimands, or administrative actions that may lead to removal from leadership roles or disenrollment. These actions can be tied to conduct issues, performance concerns, interpersonal disputes, or alleged violations of academy rules.

Many of these proceedings rely on standards contained in service regulations and the Manual for Courts-Martial, accessible through https://www.esd.whs.mil/DD/, which outlines rights, procedures, and due-process requirements relevant to academy disciplinary systems.

The Benefits of Working With a Military Defense Attorney for Academy-Related JAG Actions

Protection From Early Procedural Errors. Many cadets unintentionally provide statements without understanding the consequences. We ensure your rights are protected immediately.
Clear Strategy Across Overlapping Systems. Academy discipline can involve military law, honor rules, and administrative processes. We help you navigate all three effectively.
Focused Advocacy Designed for Future Officers. Our defense approach protects not only the current allegation but also your long-term military and professional goals.

Is JAG Defense Relevant to My Situation?

JAG defense applies when academy officials initiate any process that may affect your record, standing, or commissioning. This includes allegations involving conduct, leadership performance, honor concerns, alcohol incidents, or misunderstandings tied to digital communication or interpersonal relationships.

Because academy systems carry academic, military, and character implications, even minor incidents can escalate quickly. If you face questioning, adverse paperwork, counseling, or early administrative steps, legal representation helps ensure fairness and protects your future service.

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 JAG Defense Process What to Expect

Step One: Rights Advisement and Initial Review

We begin by reviewing available documentation and ensuring you understand your Article 31(b) rights. These protections, outlined through the Joint Service Committee at https://jsc.defense.gov, apply whenever misconduct is suspected, even in early questioning.

Step Two: Evidence Evaluation and Identification of Procedural Issues

We examine academy reports, statements, digital communications, and witness accounts. This step identifies unclear findings, conflicting evidence, or investigative gaps that can form the basis of a strong rebuttal or corrective submission.

Step Three: Developing Rebuttals, Statements, or Response Packages

We build structured, persuasive responses for command or academy officials. These submissions highlight context, mitigation, performance history, and any relevant considerations such as stress-related impacts or misunderstanding of rules.

Step Four: Protection From Escalation and Long-Term Consequences

If actions appear likely to progress toward honor proceedings, administrative hearings, or separation consideration, we prepare comprehensive evidence packages and represent you throughout each step of the process.

After Your JAG Case What Comes Next

Even when immediate action concludes successfully, academy students may face secondary consequences such as leadership restrictions, additional monitoring, academic stress, or concerns about commissioning. These effects can influence service selection or opportunities following graduation. MJA continues to support cadets and midshipmen after the initial case by assisting with evaluation corrections, mitigation materials, or follow-on administrative responses. Our goal is to ensure one event does not define your career trajectory.

Soldiers silhouetted beneath helicopter at sunset

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 backgrounds in administrative law and military justice. We understand academy environments, chain-of-command expectations, and the complexities of mixed military and academic discipline.

Proven Results and Strategic Advocacy

We have represented academy students nationwide in matters involving allegations of misconduct, misunderstanding of regulations, and administrative errors. Our approach emphasizes clarity, evidence-based analysis, and strong written and verbal advocacy.

Dedicated Support for Cadets and Midshipmen

Clients receive direct access to attorneys, not intermediaries, who provide consistent guidance, structured planning, and clear communication. We help ensure your voice is heard during processes that often feel overwhelming.

We deliver mission-focused representation that safeguards your future as an officer in the United States military.

JAG Defense for Military Academies FAQs

Do cadets have the right to remain silent during investigations?

Yes. Cadets may decline questioning and request legal counsel before responding. Exercising this right cannot be treated as guilt and often prevents harmful statements that investigators or academy officials might misinterpret.

Can academy discipline affect commissioning?

Absolutely. Even noncriminal findings, such as honor violations, conduct issues, or negative evaluations, can significantly delay, limit, or permanently block commissioning. Strong legal representation helps protect your service eligibility and ensure disciplinary processes remain fair and evidence-based.

Are academy investigations always fair?

Not necessarily. Investigations may be rushed, incomplete, or influenced by peer reports and command pressure. Legal review ensures investigative procedures comply with regulations and helps identify flawed evidence or due process concerns that may impact the outcome.

Can a cadet be separated without criminal charges?

Yes. Cadets can be disenrolled for honor violations, conduct issues, academic problems, or other administrative grounds. These actions can occur even without criminal allegations, making a strong legal defense essential to protecting future military opportunities.

When should I contact a JAG defense attorney?

Immediately, and before speaking with investigators, peers, instructors, or academy staff. Early legal guidance is critical to avoiding mistakes, protecting your rights, and shaping the strategy needed to safeguard your academic standing and future commissioning.

Protect Your Standing and Your Future

You do not have to navigate academy investigations or administrative action alone. Contact Military Justice Attorneys today to schedule your confidential consultation with a former Marine Judge Advocate.