You Need Strong Representation Before Charges Are Filed

A court-martial is one of the most serious legal challenges a servicemember can encounter. Even before charges appear, investigators may question you, seize property, or interview witnesses. Your command may distance itself. Rumors may circulate. These early stages can determine the entire trajectory of your case.

Military Justice Attorneys—a team of former Marine Corps Judge Advocates—provides immediate, strategic defense for servicemembers stationed at Fort Liberty, Camp Lejeune, Cherry Point, New River, and Coast Guard or Air Force installations across North Carolina. When everything you’ve built is at risk, a skilled court-martial defense attorney in North Carolina can protect your rights and begin constructing a powerful defense strategy from day one.

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What Is a Court-Martial?

A court-martial is a military criminal trial governed by the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and the Rules for Courts-Martial. The UCMJ is federal law maintained by the Joint Service Committee on Military Justice: https://jsc.defense.gov/Military-Law/Current-Publications-and-Updates/. Cases may involve minor misconduct or the most serious offenses under military law. Depending on the allegation, charges may be referred to:

  • Summary Court-Martial
  • Special Court-Martial
  • General Court-Martial

Each level carries unique sentencing powers, evidentiary rules, and procedures. Detailed trial procedures and evidentiary standards are established in the Department of Defense’s Manual for Courts-Martial: https://jsc.defense.gov/Military-Law/Current-Publications-and-Updates/Manual-for-Courts-Martial/. Because the military justice system is complex—and often moves quickly—servicemembers benefit from working with court-martial lawyers in North Carolina who understand both legal strategy and command dynamics.

The Benefits of Working With a Military Defense Attorney for Court-Martial Cases

  • Protection From Investigators and Command Pressure - Investigators often rely on statements to build their case. Your attorney protects your rights before you interact with CID, NCIS, OSI, or CGIS, helping avoid damaging missteps.
  • Deep Understanding of Military Evidence and Procedure - A court-martial lawyer in North Carolina reviews digital forensics, witness statements, video evidence, medical records, and command documents to identify inconsistencies and weaknesses.
  • Strong Advocacy at Article 32 Hearings - Article 32 hearings serve as the military’s version of a preliminary hearing. A skilled attorney challenges probable cause, cross-examines witnesses, and influences how charges proceed.
  • Defense After Conviction Through the Appellate System - If you are convicted, a court-martial appeal attorney in North Carolina can identify legal or constitutional errors, file appellate briefs, and pursue relief before military appellate courts.
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Is Court-Martial Defense Relevant to My Situation?

You may need legal representation if:

  • Investigators questioned you or asked for a written statement
  • DNA or digital devices were seized
  • You received a no-contact order
  • You suspect allegations are forming behind the scenes
  • You received a rights advisement under Article 31(b)
  • Your command has begun a command inquiry

Common UCMJ offenses that lead to court-martial include:

  • Sexual assault or harassment
  • Domestic violence
  • Drug use, possession, or distribution
  • AWOL or desertion
  • Assault or violent misconduct
  • Fraud, theft, or financial crimes
  • Violations of orders or regulations
  • Internet and digital misconduct

Whether you serve in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard, consulting a court-martial defense attorney in North Carolina early in the process is critical to preserving your rights.

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 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 Court-Martial Process What to Expect

1. Initial Consultation and Rights Protection

Your attorney explains the allegations, advises you on safe communication, and ensures your rights are protected before you speak to investigators or command personnel.

2. Evidence Review and Independent Investigation

Your attorney reviews government evidence while conducting an independent investigation—interviewing witnesses, requesting records, and uncovering exculpatory information.

3. Article 32 Hearing (If Applicable)

In General Court-Martial cases, the Article 32 preliminary hearing allows your attorney to challenge the government’s case, examine witnesses, and shape trial strategy.

4. Court-Martial Trial Representation

Your attorney aggressively defends you at trial—cross-examining witnesses, challenging forensic evidence, presenting expert testimony, and pursuing acquittal or reduced charges.

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After Your Court-Martial What Comes Next

Even after a verdict, your case may continue. You may need to pursue:

  • Clemency
  • Appeals
  • Sentence reduction
  • Correction of military records
  • Administrative separation defense

A court-martial appeal lawyer in North Carolina can identify trial errors, improper command influence, ineffective assistance of counsel, or constitutional issues that may result in relief. Military Justice Attorneys remains by your side through every phase of your case.

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Client Testimonials Their Words. Their Cases. Their Results.

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"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
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Why Choose Military Justice Attorneys?

Extensive Court-Martial Experience

Our attorneys are former Marine Corps Judge Advocates with years of trial experience defending servicemembers facing serious UCMJ allegations.

Proven Defense Strategies and Strong Courtroom Advocacy

We have secured acquittals, dismissal of charges, favorable plea agreements, and appellate victories through disciplined preparation and aggressive representation.

Dedicated Support for North Carolina Servicemembers

Servicemembers across North Carolina rely on us for clear communication, strategic planning, and a team-based defense approach designed to protect careers and futures.

Together, these strengths make Military Justice Attorneys a trusted choice for court-martial attorneys in North Carolina.

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Court Martial Attorney Serving North Carolina FAQs

Should I speak to investigators if I haven’t been charged yet?

No. Even a small statement can be used against you. Always consult an attorney first.

What is the purpose of an Article 32 hearing?

It serves as a preliminary hearing where evidence is reviewed, witnesses are examined, and your attorney challenges the government’s case.

Can I appeal a court-martial conviction?

Yes. A court-martial appeal attorney in North Carolina can evaluate trial errors and pursue relief through the military appellate courts.

What penalties can a court-martial impose?

Penalties may include confinement, forfeitures, reduction in rank, and punitive discharge. Skilled legal representation can significantly affect the outcome.

Do I need an attorney familiar with my branch?

Yes. Branch-specific experience helps anticipate investigative methods and command culture, strengthening your defense.

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Protect Your Freedom, Rank, and Military Career

Schedule a confidential consultation today with a court-martial defense lawyer in North Carolina to begin building a strategic defense.

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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