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Protect Your Naval Career Before NJP Becomes Permanent

Captain’s Mast—known formally as Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP)—is one of the most consequential administrative actions in the Navy. Although it is not a criminal conviction, the penalties can be severe: reduction in rank, forfeiture of pay, extra duties, restrictions, and long-term damage to evaluations, promotion opportunities, and reenlistment potential. Because NJP is driven by command discretion, Sailors often feel the outcome is predetermined or unfair.

Military Justice Attorneys helps Sailors prepare strong rebuttals, assert their rights, and make informed decisions about whether to accept or refuse NJP. When handled strategically, NJP can often be mitigated, challenged, or even avoided entirely.

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What Is Captain’s Mast (NJP)?

Captain’s Mast is a disciplinary process that allows a commanding officer to address alleged misconduct without resorting to court-martial. While often viewed as “less serious,” NJP can significantly impact a Sailor’s military career. Common reasons for NJP include:

  • Unauthorized absence or tardiness
  • Minor drug offenses
  • Disrespect or insubordination
  • Failing inspections or duty responsibilities
  • Alcohol-related misconduct
  • Fraternization or inappropriate relationships
  • Minor financial or property offenses

Although NJP is administrative, any finding of guilt becomes part of your service record and may influence advancement boards, special duty assignments, and reenlistment decisions. The Navy’s official explanation of NJP and Captain’s Mast procedures can also be found at: https://stjececmsdusgva001.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/public/documents/Nonjudicial_Punishment.pdf.

The Benefits of Working With a Military Defense Attorney for Captain’s Mast

  • Guidance on Whether to Accept or Refuse NJP - In many cases, Sailors may request trial by court-martial instead of accepting NJP. An attorney helps weigh the risks, strength of evidence, command climate, and long-term career implications before you decide.
  • Strong Written and Verbal Presentations to the Commanding Officer - Your attorney assists with preparing statements, witness letters, documentation, and evidence that present your position clearly and persuasively during the NJP hearing.
  • Mitigation of Penalties and Protection of Your Record - Even if the command finds misconduct, a lawyer can help reduce punishment, preserve your rank, and prevent unnecessary administrative consequences.
  • Support With Appeals and Follow-On Actions - If NJP is imposed unfairly, your attorney can pursue an appeal and prepare for potential negative outcomes such as adverse evaluations or separation boards.
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Is Captain’s Mast Defense Relevant to My Situation?

You may need an NJP defense attorney if you:

  • Received notice that your command intends to impose NJP
  • Believe the allegations are unfair, exaggerated, or factually incorrect
  • Are considering refusing NJP and demanding court-martial
  • Fear a reduction in rank or loss of pay
  • Already have prior disciplinary issues that may influence the outcome
  • Were pressured to make statements or admit misconduct
  • Face collateral consequences such as loss of qualifications or security access

If your career or future opportunities are at risk, legal counsel can help protect your rights and present your strongest defense.

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 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
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 Captain’s Mast (NJP) Process What to Expect

1. Notification and Rights Advisement

You receive written notice of the alleged misconduct and your rights. An attorney explains your options, including refusing NJP if allowed for your circumstances.

2. Evidence Review and Defense Preparation

Your attorney reviews command evidence, interviews witnesses when appropriate, and helps prepare written statements, character letters, and supporting documents.

3. NJP Hearing Before the Commanding Officer

At the hearing, your attorney advises you on what to say—and what not to say—helping you present your case clearly while avoiding self-incrimination or unnecessary admissions.

4. Appeal or Follow-On Actions

If found guilty, your attorney may assist with appealing the NJP, addressing adverse evaluations, or defending against administrative separation triggered by the incident. NJP appeal procedures are governed by Navy regulations, including the MILPERSMAN, which you can learn more about at: https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/References/MILPERSMAN/.

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Case Results We’ve been in the fight & know how to win

View All Results

NEGATIVE EVALUATIONS REMOVED

U.S. Navy Reserve. Negative Evaluation and Counseling Removed from Records for Senior Enlisted Sailor.

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NCIS GRANTS TITLING EXPUNGEMENT

Department of the Navy. NCIS Grants Titling Appeal, Removes Sailor from DCII, NCIC, and III Databases.

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ADSEP TERMINATED

San Antonio, Texas. Adsep terminated for Navy Petty Officer accused of ignoring orders from command.

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CAREER SAVED

Norfolk, Virginia. Navy Petty Officer investigated for alleged harassment of a fellow Sailor informally counseled.

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ADSEP TERMINATED

United States Navy Reserve. Petty Officer Third Class threatened with termination for refusing COVID-19 vaccine.

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NO MISCONDUCT

Pensacola, Florida. Separation Board Finds “No Misconduct” by Sailor Accused of Drug Abuse.

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"NO BASIS" FINDING ("DELTA-9" THC)

San Diego, California. Sailor Retained, Adsep Board Finds "No Basis" After Sailor Tests Positive for “Delta-9” THC.

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"NO BASIS" FOR ALLEGED SEX ASSAULT

Yokosuka, Japan. Adsep Board Unsubstantiates Sexual Assault Allegations, Retains Sailor in the Navy.

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RELEASED FROM CONFINEMENT

Camp Pendleton, California. Marine Lance Corporal (E-3) Accused of Domestic Violence Released From Navy Brig.

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CHARGES DISMISSED

Naval Base Coronado, California. Navy Senior Chief (E-8) under NCIS investigation avoids court-martial.

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View All Results
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After Captain’s Mast What Comes Next

NJP can have lasting consequences that continue long after the hearing:

  • Adverse evaluations (FITREPs/EVALs)
  • Loss of advancement eligibility
  • Security clearance complications
  • Reassignment or removal from special programs
  • Administrative separation processing

Military Justice Attorneys supports Sailors with rebuttals, appeals, separation defense, and correction of Navy records to help limit long-term damage and protect your future.

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Available 24/7 to Help Anyone in the World

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Client Testimonials Their Words. Their Cases. Their Results.

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"Professional and Understanding"

I'm very grateful that he went...

Mr. Healy was very professional and understanding. He was very fierce when he was speaking on my behalf and was very thorough with everything. I'm very grateful that he went to bat for me and saved me my job, my career and I would recommend him to any military member going through a situation I did. Thanks Gerry for all the hard work.

-PETTY OFFICER SECOND CLASS, USN

"Worth Every Cent if You Need a Military Defense Attorney!"

I cannot thank Gerry enough fo...

I had the unfortunate experience to become involved in an investigation on a Marine Corps Officer while I was TAD with the Marine Corps. I immediately began looking for a civilian attorney to help with the process. I came across the MJA website and put in a request for a consult. Gerry called that night and spent over an hour on the phone with me discussing the case until that point.After refusing NJP, the CO sent it for an administrative separation for my misconduct, but thanks to Gerry’s advice, I didn’t have substantiated charges as I had not gone to NJP where I would have no rights, It was not referred to court martial.I received the notice right as I was informed that I was on 48 hours notice to deploy in response to the COVID response. Gerry was able to get an extension for the response, and then was able to contact the witness I provided. His expertly written brief was worth everything I had paid for and was written so much better then I could have ever hoped to have written myself. Gerry was able to point out the flaws with the command’s lack of investigation, was able to cite case law to support why the charges were not supported and forced the command to look at my entire career. It was submitted and the day that Gerry followed up with the Command JAG, I was notified that the CO was dropping the charge for dereliction of duty and would issue a NPLOC for the Conduct Unbecoming Charge and a report of no misconduct was routed to PERS. I cannot thank Gerry enough for the work he put into my response and saving my career! I would recommend him to anyone and vouch that he is worth every penny to save your career.

-LCDR, USN

"The Best Choice for a Military Defense Counsel"

I trusted him with my career o...

When I was put under investigation with my Command pending Court Martial, I didn’t know who to turn to for help. Thankfully I came across MJA’s law firm website and immediately hired Mr. Hill after consultation and looking over their reviews. After 7 long months of waiting, the week of my Court Martial came and I would see the fearlessness and confidence of Mr. Hill in the courtroom. He tore apart the government’s theory piece by piece which would result in the outcome in our favor. I trusted him with my career on the line, and he was outstanding. I 10/10 would highly recommend Mr. Hill to anyone who is going through legal challenges with their command.

-PETTY OFFICER THIRD CLASS, USN

"I trusted him with my career on the line, and he was outstanding. I 10/10 would highly recommend Mr. Hill."

When I was put under investiga...

When I was put under investigation with my Command pending Court Martial, I didn’t know who to turn to for help. Thankfully I came across MJA’s law firm website and immediately hired Mr. Hill after consultation and looking over their reviews. After 7 long months of waiting, the week of my Court Martial came and I would see the fearlessness and confidence of Mr. Hill in the courtroom. He tore apart the government’s theory piece by piece which would result in the outcome in our favor. I trusted him with my career on the line, and he was outstanding. I 10/10 would highly recommend Mr. Hill to anyone who is going through legal challenges with their command.
-PETTY OFFICER THIRD CLASS, USN

"Titling & Indexing Petition for Expungement"

Josh Hill brought in a big win...

Josh laid a course of action to petition against a ‘titling’ from a military investigation on my criminal record and worked diligently through every step of the process to make my case. It was an uphill battle, requiring us to petition at each level of authority. It didn’t come quickly and certainly not without effort – but Josh Hill brought in a big win for me that will have a positive change for the rest of my life. He was open & honest from the start, didn’t make any promises & was real about what we were up against. What I appreciate about Josh is that he knows what he’s doing. I consulted with other attorneys & it seemed like a cash grab with them – but with Josh I could tell he had experience. There was a good chance my petition could have been denied, but Josh worked it through to put up the best fight we could & it really paid off.
-CHIEF PETTY OFFICER, USN
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Why Choose Military Justice Attorneys?

Experienced Former Judge Advocates With Navy Case Expertise

Our attorneys have defended Sailors around the world in NJP, administrative boards, and court-martial matters, giving us deep insight into naval command procedures.

Strategic, Personalized Defense for Every Sailor

We understand that every NJP case is unique. We build tailored defense strategies that support your career goals and protect your standing in the Navy.

Dedicated Advocacy From Start to Finish

From the moment you receive notice of NJP to the final appeal, our team ensures your rights are protected and your voice is heard. These qualities make Military Justice Attorneys a trusted choice for Sailors facing Captain’s Mast.

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Captain's Mast (NJP) Defense FAQs

Can I refuse Captain’s Mast in the Navy?

In many cases, yes. Sailors have the right to refuse NJP and demand trial by court-martial, except when attached to or embarked on a vessel. An attorney helps evaluate whether refusal is strategically beneficial based on the evidence and command environment.

What happens if I’m found guilty at NJP?

Punishments can include reduction in rank, forfeiture of pay, extra duty, restriction, or reprimands. These penalties may also affect evaluations, future promotions, and reenlistment decisions. A lawyer can help mitigate punishments and pursue an appeal if warranted.

Does NJP show up on my permanent record?

Yes. An NJP finding may be included in your service record and can influence decisions made by advancement boards, special duty screeners, and administrative separation authorities. Legal support can reduce the long-term impact.

Can a lawyer attend the NJP hearing with me?

Civilian attorneys cannot speak at the NJP hearing, but they can prepare you extensively beforehand, help develop your defense package, and guide you on how to communicate effectively during the proceedings.

Can I appeal an NJP decision?

Yes. Sailors may appeal an NJP if they believe the punishment is unjust or disproportionate. An attorney can draft a persuasive appeal and advise on additional steps if the command imposes follow-on administrative actions.

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Protect Your Rank, Your Career, and Your Future

Schedule a confidential consultation today with Navy NJP defense attorneys who understand command culture—and know how to defend Sailors effectively.

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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