SCRA Attorney for Military Academy Cadets and Graduates

Protecting cadets, midshipmen, and academy graduates from unlawful financial harm.

Protecting Your Rights During Demanding Transitions

Graduates and former students from the United States Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy often experience rapid duty changes, deployments, or training assignments that disrupt financial stability. When lenders or landlords fail to honor the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), the consequences can be immediate and damaging.

Military Justice Attorneys (MJA), a team of former Marine Judge Advocates, works to enforce SCRA protections and stop unlawful financial actions before they affect your career, credit, or security clearance.

What Is the SCRA?

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act shields active-duty personnel from harmful creditor actions during military service. These protections include reduced interest rates on eligible loans, restrictions on repossession, protection against default judgments, and rights related to housing and vehicle leases.

The U.S. Department of Justice provides enforcement guidance at https://www.justice.gov/servicemembers, and lenders are required to verify military service through the Defense Manpower Data Center’s SCRA portal at https://scra.dmdc.osd.mil/scra/#/home. Additional DoD policy resources can be found at https://www.esd.whs.mil/DD/.

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

Immediate Intervention to Stop Creditor Misconduct. We act quickly to halt repossession efforts, unlawful collection practices, and improper legal filings.
Precise Enforcement of Federal Protections. We ensure lenders comply with interest-rate requirements, lease-termination rights, and notice provisions mandated by law.
Representation Tailored to Academy Graduates. We understand how training, deployments, and relocations affect financial stability during early career stages.

Is the SCRA Relevant to My Situation?

SCRA protections apply when servicemembers encounter financial hardship or face creditor actions during active-duty service. Many academy graduates face SCRA issues during their first duty assignments, foreign deployments, or PCS moves following commissioning.

Violations often involve improper repossession attempts, interest rates exceeding six percent, denied lease terminations, or lawsuits filed without verifying military service. Early legal intervention prevents these issues from escalating and protects your long-term financial standing.

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 SCRA Process What to Expect

Step One: Reviewing Your Orders and Financial Obligations

We begin by reviewing your active-duty status, deployment or PCS orders, loan agreements, and communications from the creditor. This determines which SCRA provisions apply and whether violations have occurred.

Step Two: Creditor Notification and Documentation

We notify the creditor directly and provide documentation of your military status. Creditors must verify eligibility through the DMDC system, and failure to do so before taking action violates federal law.

Step Three: Stopping Violations and Correcting Financial Harm

We work to reverse unlawful repossessions, correct improper interest charges, and stop court actions initiated without adequate military verification. DOJ enforcement standards help guide the corrective steps creditors must take.

Step Four: Safeguarding Future Financial Security

After resolving the immediate violation, we help servicemembers document protections for future moves, deployments, and training cycles. This reduces the likelihood of repeated violations during subsequent assignments.

After Your SCRA Case What Comes Next

Even when a creditor corrects an error, additional steps may be needed to restore your financial footing. Some servicemembers must address credit reporting issues, dispute inaccurate balances, or reestablish agreements affected by the violation.

MJA assists with these follow-on tasks by coordinating documentation, reviewing financial statements, and advising how to maintain SCRA coverage throughout ongoing service obligations. Our goal is to create long-term stability for academy graduates and former students.

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 handling SCRA matters. We understand the unique pressures faced by academy graduates transitioning into high-tempo service environments.

Proven Results and Strategic Advocacy

We have stopped unlawful repossessions, corrected incorrect interest rates, and resolved improper legal actions for servicemembers nationwide. Our approach emphasizes fast action, credible documentation, and strong legal demands grounded in federal law.

Dedicated Support for Former Cadets and Midshipmen

We provide direct attorney access, clear communication, and guidance tailored to your service commitments. Our representation helps prevent financial issues that could harm your readiness or career.

We deliver mission-focused advocacy that protects your financial rights while supporting your service to the nation.

SCRA for Military Academies FAQs

Do SCRA protections apply to cadets?

Yes. When cadets receive qualifying orders for active duty, training, or mobilization, SCRA protections may apply depending on the nature of the orders.

Can a cadet terminate a lease under the SCRA?

Yes. If qualifying military orders require relocation or training, cadets may terminate residential leases without penalty.

What should I do if my vehicle is repossessed during training?

Contact an attorney immediately. Repossession without a court order may violate the SCRA, especially if the vehicle was purchased before service obligations.

Can student loans be reduced under the SCRA?

For qualifying active-duty periods, certain pre-service student loans may be capped at 6% interest.

When should I seek legal help?

As soon as you believe your rights were violated, or a creditor is unwilling to apply SCRA protections correctly, you should contact a lawyer.

Protect Your Rights and Your Financial Stability

You do not have to face an SCRA violation alone. Contact Military Justice Attorneys today to schedule your confidential consultation with a former Marine Judge Advocate.