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When an Investigation Puts Everything at Stake

Being named in a command investigation is stressful, confusing, and often isolating. These inquiries may begin quietly, but their findings frequently influence evaluations, disciplinary action, separation decisions, and long-term career outcomes.

Military Justice Attorneys (MJA) represent service members worldwide who are facing command investigations. As former Marine Corps Judge Advocates, we understand how these inquiries operate, how conclusions are reached, and how to respond before flawed findings become permanent.

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What Is a Command Investigation?

A command investigation is an administrative inquiry ordered by a commander to examine alleged misconduct, performance concerns, policy violations, or incidents affecting good order and discipline. These investigations are not criminal trials, but they often carry consequences just as severe.

Investigations may rely on limited witness statements, incomplete evidence, or misunderstood context. Although governed by service regulations and principles rooted in the UCMJ, investigative findings can directly trigger adverse administrative or disciplinary actions.

Command investigations are governed by service-specific regulations and administrative standards informed by the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Foundational legal principles, including investigative authority and service member rights, are outlined by the Joint Service Committee on Military Justice at https://jsc.defense.gov, which oversees implementation of the UCMJ across all branches.

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

  • Early Intervention to Protect Your Rights and Narrative. We guide service members from the moment an investigation begins, helping prevent damaging statements, mischaracterizations, or procedural missteps that can shape unfavorable findings.
  • Identification of Errors, Gaps, and Unsupported Conclusions. Command investigations frequently overlook key facts or rely on assumptions. We analyze the record carefully to challenge inaccuracies and expose weaknesses before conclusions solidify.
  • Strategic Rebuttals That Influence Command Decisions. Well-crafted rebuttals can change how findings are interpreted by commanders, boards, and reviewers. We prepare persuasive responses grounded in evidence, regulation, and military context.
  • Protection Against Collateral Career Consequences. Investigative findings often affect evaluations, qualifications, promotions, and separation decisions. Our approach focuses on limiting downstream damage and preserving long-term career viability.
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Is a Command Investigation Relevant to My Situation?

You should seek representation if you are a subject or key witness in a command investigation, or if you suspect the inquiry may lead to adverse action. Many service members underestimate the impact of these investigations until findings appear in evaluations or administrative records.

Representation is especially important if the investigation involves leadership disputes, technical matters, allegations of misconduct, or incidents occurring during deployments or high-tempo operations. Early legal guidance often determines whether the investigation remains fair or becomes career-altering.

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 Command Investigation Process What to Expect

Step One: Initiation and Scope Definition

A commander appoints an investigating officer and defines the scope of the inquiry. This stage determines what questions are asked and what evidence is collected, making early legal guidance critical to avoid overly broad or misleading investigative focus.

Step Two: Evidence Collection and Interviews

The investigating officer gathers documents, statements, and testimony. Service members may be interviewed without fully understanding the potential consequences. Article 31(b) rights apply in many situations, and improper questioning can taint the investigation. Although command investigations are administrative, questioning may still trigger Article 31(b) protections when allegations involve potential misconduct. These protections, which differ from civilian Miranda rights, are explained in official military justice guidance published through the Manual for Courts-Martial, available at https://www.esd.whs.mil/DD/.

Step Three: Findings and Recommendations

The investigating officer issues findings and recommendations, often based on subjective interpretation. These conclusions may influence disciplinary action, evaluations, or separation proceedings. Flawed findings must be challenged promptly and strategically.

Step Four: Rebuttal or Appeal

Service members may submit rebuttals or request further review. Effective rebuttals address factual errors, missing context, procedural violations, and unsupported conclusions, often determining whether adverse action follows.

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After a Command Investigation What Comes Next

Even after an investigation closes, its impact often continues. Findings may appear in performance evaluations, inform NJP decisions, affect security clearances, or support administrative separation actions. Some investigations require correction-board petitions or higher-level appeals to be fully resolved.

When investigations result in adverse findings, service members may need to pursue rebuttals, appeals, or record corrections under service regulations. Many of these post-investigation remedies are governed by Department of Defense administrative policy guidance, including instructions maintained at https://www.defense.gov/Resources/DoD-Directives/. Military Justice Attorneys continues representation beyond the initial investigation, assisting with rebuttals, appeals, record corrections, and long-term strategy to ensure inaccurate findings do not define your career.

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Contact Us (843) 755-6535

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

View All Results

NO GOMOR ISSUED

Fort Cavazos, Texas. Army Officer Rebuts Allegations of Online Social Media Misconduct; No GOMOR Issued.

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GOMOR LOCALLY FILED

Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. Army Major (O-4) reprimanded for extramarital sexual conduct, GOMOR locally filed.

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NO ADVERSE ACTION

Fort Stewart, Georgia. An Army Sergeant (E-5) was flagged for allegedly violating a restriction of movement (ROM) order following a suspected case of COVID-19.

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GOMOR REMOVED

Fort Stewart, Georgia. GOMOR removed for Army Ranger arrested for DUI less safe after failing to submit to a field sobriety test.

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GOMOR LOCALLY FILED

Fort Knox, Kentucky. Army Major (O-4) facing an investigation and possible removal from the Army contacted MJA to help him respond appropriately.

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MARINE SNCO PROMOTED

Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Marine Staff Sergeant (E-6) refused NJP, avoids court-martial and earns promotion.

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PROMOTED AFTER GOMOR

United States Army Japan. An Army First Lieutenant (O-2) received a permanently filed GOMOR for allegedly being drunk and disorderly in violation of USF Japan liberty policy.

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GOMOR WITHDRAWN AND DESTROYED

Army Reserve Support Command. Army Sergeant First Class (E-7) reprimanded for alleged aggravated sexual contact.

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GOMOR LOCALLY FILED

1st Theater Sustainment Command, Middle East. Army Major (O-4) reprimanded for allegations of extramarital sexual conduct.

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GOMOR TRANSFERRED

Department of the Army Suitability and Evaluation Board (DASEB). Army Captain (O-3) reprimanded for drunk and disorderly.

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View All Results
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Why Choose Military Justice Attorneys?

Deep Military Justice Experience

Our attorneys are former Marine Corps Judge Advocates with extensive experience handling command investigations, administrative actions, and courts-martial. We understand how investigative findings are used and how to dismantle flawed conclusions before they escalate.

Proven Results and Strategic Defense

MJA has successfully challenged investigative findings, prevented adverse actions, corrected records, and protected careers across every branch of service. Our approach is evidence-driven, regulation-focused, and designed to influence commanders and review authorities.

Dedicated Support for Service Members

Clients work directly with experienced attorneys, not case managers, and receive clear, responsive guidance throughout the process. We understand the professional and personal stress investigations create and provide steady advocacy at every stage.

We stand with service members when investigations threaten everything they have worked to build.

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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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Command Investigations FAQs

Do I have to participate in a command investigation?

Participation depends on your role and the nature of the inquiry. In many situations, Article 31(b) rights apply, and speaking without legal guidance can unintentionally harm your position.

Can command investigation findings be challenged?

Yes. Findings may be rebutted or appealed when they contain factual errors, unsupported conclusions, or procedural violations. Well-prepared rebuttals often influence whether adverse action follows.

Can an investigation affect my evaluation or promotion?

Absolutely. Even administrative investigations frequently influence performance reports, promotion boards, and leadership trust, making early intervention and rebuttal strategy critical.

What if the investigation misunderstands technical or operational issues?

This is common. We gather documentation and contextual evidence to explain technical systems, mission demands, or operational realities that investigators may not fully understand.

When should I contact a defense lawyer?

Contact an MJA defense lawyer right away upon learning that you are involved in an investigation. Early legal involvement significantly improves the likelihood of preventing flawed findings and long-term career consequences.

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Protect Your Record and Your Career

A command investigation should not define your future. Contact Military Justice Attorneys today to schedule a confidential consultation with a former Judge Advocate who understands how to protect your rights and your career.

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

(843) 755-6535
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