Protecting Servicemembers From Unfair Financial Pressure

Active-duty military service is demanding, leaving little room to manage unexpected financial disputes. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) ensures that those serving our nation are not disadvantaged by predatory lenders, wrongful repossessions, or civil actions filed without proper notice.

Yet, every year, North Carolina servicemembers encounter unlawful interest charges, premature collections, denied protections, and repossessions—often while deployed or training. Military Justice Attorneys helps active-duty servicemembers hold financial institutions accountable. Working with a knowledgeable SCRA lawyer in North Carolina ensures your rights are respected and your readiness is not compromised by civilian financial disputes.

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What Is the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)?

The SCRA is a federal law designed to protect military personnel from certain legal and financial obligations during active-duty service. These protections apply to members of all branches—including those stationed at Fort Liberty, Camp Lejeune, MCAS Cherry Point, and installations across North Carolina.

The SCRA is enforced by the U.S. Department of Justice and outlined in detail on the DOJ’s official Servicemembers Civil Relief Act page: https://www.justice.gov/servicemembers/servicemembers-civil-relief-act-scra.

Key protections under the SCRA include:

  • A 6% interest rate cap on pre-service loans and credit obligations
  • Protection against vehicle repossession without a court order
  • Protection from wrongful foreclosure or eviction
  • Delayed civil court proceedings during active duty
  • Lease termination rights for PCS moves or deployments

Federal guidance on these protections is also published by the Department of Defense, including lender and landlord compliance requirements: https://www.defense.gov/Resources/Servicemembers-Civil-Relief-Act/.

Because violations often occur without the servicemember’s knowledge, consulting an SCRA attorney in North Carolina is essential for identifying misconduct and enforcing your rights.

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

  • Immediate Action to Stop Illegal Creditor Behavior - Lenders and debt collectors can be forced to halt repossessions, foreclosure proceedings, and improper charges once an attorney intervenes.
  • Review of Eligibility and Protection Scope - An SCRA attorney in North Carolina verifies your orders, evaluates your financial documents, and identifies all available protections under federal law.
  • Pursuit of Damages for Violations - When institutions violate the SCRA, you may be entitled to financial compensation, credit correction, and reimbursement for improperly assessed fees.
  • Representation Against Large Banks and Corporations - Servicemembers should not face powerful lenders alone. Your attorney ensures fairness and accountability throughout the process.
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Is the SCRA Relevant to My Situation?

You may need legal help if you experienced any of the following while on active duty or shortly before entering service:

  • Interest rates above the 6% cap
  • A vehicle repossession or threat of repossession
  • A foreclosure notice
  • Denied lease termination for a PCS move or deployment
  • A civil lawsuit filed without proper notice
  • Aggressive or deceptive debt collection practices

North Carolina servicemembers frequently encounter SCRA violations due to the state’s large military community. A qualified SCRA attorney in North Carolina can help determine whether your lender or landlord acted unlawfully.

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 SCRA Enforcement Process What to Expect

1. Review of Orders, Contracts, and Creditor Communications

Your attorney evaluates your service orders and financial documents to identify violations and determine which SCRA protections apply.

2. Notice to Lenders and Demand for Compliance

Creditors are formally notified of the violation and required to take corrective action, which may include returning property, adjusting interest rates, or removing penalties.

3. Evidence Building and Enforcement Strategy

Your attorney collects financial records, communication logs, and supporting documents to build a strong claim against the offending party.

4. Resolution, Settlement, or Litigation

If creditors refuse to comply voluntarily, your SCRA lawyer in North Carolina may pursue damages and corrective action through legal channels—consistent with DOJ enforcement guidelines.

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After Your SCRA Case What Comes Next

Even after a violation is resolved, you may still face issues such as negative credit reporting, additional creditor misconduct, or future PCS-related financial challenges. Military Justice Attorneys supports clients long-term by:

  • Ensuring compliance with settlement terms
  • Assisting with credit correction
  • Preparing deployment and PCS notices
  • Reviewing additional contracts for SCRA applicability

Our goal is to ensure your financial stability throughout your military career.

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"The Government Came to Bury Me, Josh Hill Buried Their Case Instead"

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"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?

Deep Understanding of SCRA Protections and Enforcement

Our attorneys are former Marine Corps Judge Advocates with extensive experience enforcing federal protections for servicemembers.

Proven Record of Holding Creditors Accountable

We have challenged unlawful repossessions, interest charges, and foreclosure attempts on behalf of servicemembers across the country.

Dedication to North Carolina’s Military Community

With one of the largest active-duty populations in the nation, North Carolina servicemembers deserve attorneys who understand both the legal landscape and the realities of operational military life.

Together, these strengths make Military Justice Attorneys a trusted SCRA attorney in North Carolina for those seeking financial protection and justice.

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SCRA Attorney Serving North Carolina FAQs

Does the SCRA apply if I’m deployed outside the U.S.?

Yes. SCRA protections follow you regardless of deployment location, as long as you remain on qualifying active-duty orders.

Can my vehicle be repossessed while I’m deployed?

Not legally. Creditors must obtain a court order before repossessing a servicemember’s vehicle.

Does the interest rate cap apply to all loans?

It applies to pre-service loans, credit cards, and certain financial obligations. Your attorney can review which debts qualify.

Can I terminate a lease if I receive PCS orders?

Yes. The SCRA provides clear protections for lease termination due to PCS moves or deployments.

Can I recover damages for an SCRA violation?

Yes. You may be entitled to compensation, corrective action, attorney fees, and credit repair.

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Protect Your Rights Under Federal Law

Schedule your confidential consultation today to speak with an SCRA lawyer in North Carolina who is ready to enforce the protections you earned through service.

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.

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