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You Must Act Quickly When NCIS Becomes Involved

NCIS investigations are often high-stakes, fast-moving, and quietly coordinated with command leadership, making them one of the most dangerous situations a servicemember can face. Agents are trained to gather statements, extract digital devices, observe behavior, and build criminal cases long before charges are ever discussed. Many Sailors unintentionally harm themselves by agreeing to interviews or providing access to information without legal guidance, believing cooperation will “clear things up.”

Military Justice Attorneys provides immediate, strategic representation during NCIS investigations. Whether the allegation involves misconduct, digital evidence, sexual assault, theft, or classified information, a skilled Navy criminal defense attorney ensures you do not navigate this process alone—or make damaging statements that cannot be undone.

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What Is an NCIS Investigation?

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) investigates felony-level offenses involving Navy and Marine Corps personnel, as well as national security threats. NCIS investigations frequently involve:

  • Sexual assault or sexual misconduct
  • Domestic violence incidents
  • Drug use, distribution, or possession
  • Fraud involving government property or travel claims
  • Larceny or financial crimes
  • Cyber and computer-based misconduct
  • Classified information mishandling
  • Hazing, assault, or violent offenses

NCIS investigative authority exists within the broader Department of Defense law-enforcement framework, which is governed by DoD criminal investigation policy. You can learn more about the standards governing military criminal investigations in DoD Instruction 5505.07, available at: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Directives/issuances/dodi/.

NCIS agents use specialized techniques such as digital forensics, controlled calls, undercover communications, social media monitoring, and coordinated witness interviews. Working with a knowledgeable Navy criminal defense lawyer ensures that your rights are protected throughout every phase of the investigation.

The Benefits of Working With a Military Defense Attorney for NCIS Investigations

  • Protection Against Self-Incrimination and Interrogation Tactics - NCIS agents rely heavily on interviews to obtain admissions or inconsistencies. Legal counsel ensures you do not inadvertently harm your case by answering questions without full understanding of their intent.
  • Challenges to Search and Seizure of Digital Devices - NCIS commonly seizes phones, computers, and electronic storage. An attorney examines whether these searches followed proper authorization and challenges unlawful or overly broad seizures.
  • Strategic Guidance Through Command Notifications and Administrative Fallout - Commands may place you on legal hold, suspend duties, or initiate administrative actions. Your attorney helps mitigate these early consequences and preserves your career options.
  • Preparation for NJP, Administrative Separation, or Court-Martial - NCIS investigations frequently lead to adverse actions. Working with an attorney early strengthens your defense long before the command decides whether to proceed with charges.
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Is NCIS Investigation Defense Relevant to My Situation?

You may already be under investigation if:

  • NCIS requested an interview or “just wants to ask a few questions”
  • Your phone, computer, or electronic devices were seized
  • Agents questioned your friends, coworkers, or chain of command
  • You received a rights advisement under Article 31(b)
  • You were asked for DNA, fingerprints, or consent to search
  • Your command removed you from duty or restricted your access
  • You sense unusual monitoring of your communications or behavior

Because NCIS rarely reveals the true scope of an investigation, early legal counsel is critical—even if the allegation seems minor or unfounded.

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 NCIS Investigation Process What to Expect

1. Initial Contact and Invocation of Rights

Once NCIS approaches you, the most important step is to decline questioning until you have spoken with an attorney. Your lawyer ensures your rights are properly invoked and respected.

2. Evidence Collection and Witness Interviews

NCIS gathers digital evidence, physical items, and witness statements. Your attorney evaluates the legality of searches, identifies gaps in the investigation, and prepares counter-evidence.

3. Command Coordination and Preliminary Decisions

NCIS updates the command throughout the investigation. Your attorney works to counter incomplete or biased narratives before decisions escalate to formal charges or administrative action.

4. Case Disposition: NJP, Administrative Action, or Court-Martial

When NCIS completes its report, the command may pursue:

  • No action
  • Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP)
  • Administrative separation
  • Court-martial referral

If charges are referred, the prosecution and trial process is governed by the Manual for Courts-Martial, which is publicly available through the Department of Defense at: https://jsc.defense.gov/Military-Law/Current-Publications-and-Updates/.

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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 the NCIS Investigation What Comes Next

Even if NCIS takes no criminal action, the investigation may still result in:

  • Adverse evaluations
  • Letters of Instruction or Reprimand
  • Loss of clearance or access
  • Administrative separation
  • Disqualification from billets or reenlistment

Military Justice Attorneys provides continued support to rebut adverse actions, defend against separation, or appeal unjust administrative consequences.

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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?

Extensive Experience Defending Sailors and Marines Under NCIS Investigation

Our attorneys have handled some of the most complex NCIS investigative cases involving digital forensics, sensitive allegations, and high-level security concerns.

Former Judge Advocates With Deep Insight Into NCIS Tactics and Procedures

We understand how NCIS builds cases—and how to identify weaknesses in their investigative strategy.

Dedicated, Personalized Defense Through Every Stage

Clients receive direct support from experienced counsel, ensuring clarity, strategic planning, and strong advocacy from initial contact through final resolution. These strengths make Military Justice Attorneys a trusted choice for those targeted by NCIS investigations.

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NCIS Investigation Defense FAQs

Should I talk to NCIS if I have nothing to hide?

No. NCIS agents are trained to elicit statements that can later be used against you—even truthful statements can be misinterpreted or taken out of context. Speaking without counsel often strengthens the government’s case while weakening your defense.

Can NCIS search my phone or computer without my consent?

They may obtain authorization through command channels or a search warrant, but not all searches are lawful. An attorney can review how the evidence was acquired and challenge improperly authorized or overly broad electronic searches.

Will my command know I am under investigation?

Yes. NCIS routinely communicates with command leadership throughout the investigation. Your command may take administrative actions based on partial information, which makes early legal representation essential for damage control.

How long do NCIS investigations take?

Investigations can last from weeks to many months, depending on digital forensics, witness interviews, and case complexity. A lawyer helps monitor the process, gather counter-evidence, and prepare for upcoming decisions long before the case concludes.

Can a Navy criminal defense attorney help even if charges haven’t been filed yet?

Absolutely. Early intervention is often the most important stage of the case. A Navy criminal defense lawyer can stop harmful statements, protect your rights, guide your interactions with NCIS, and significantly improve your chances of avoiding charges or administrative punishment.

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Protect Your Rights Before You Speak With NCIS

Schedule a confidential consultation today with NCIS investigation defense attorneys who know how to defend Sailors and Marines against serious allegations and investigative pressure.

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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