Payments (opens in a new tab) Give Military Justice Attorneys a phone call at (843) 755-6535 Contact Us
Give Military Justice Attorneys a phone call at (843) 755-6535 Contact Us
AWOL Desertion Defense Domestic Assault Defense Drill Instructor Cadre Misconduct Defense Internet Sex Crime Defense Larceny Defense Military Adultery Defense Military Assault Battery Defense Military Drug Abuse Defense Military Manslaughter Defense Military Murder Defense Military Recruiter Misconduct Defense Military Sexual Assault Defense OSTC Offenses Sexual Harassment

A Veteran Court-Martial Lawyer Representing You!

Facing a court-martial can have significant implications for a service member, affecting not only their military career but also their civilian life. The consequences of a court-martial may include demotion, forfeiture of pay, dishonorable discharge, and even incarceration, depending on the severity of the offense. These repercussions can hinder future employment prospects, tarnish one's reputation, and result in the loss of military benefits and honors. However, a seasoned military defense attorney can provide the essential guidance and advocacy needed during such challenging times.

By leveraging their comprehensive understanding of military law and the unique procedure of military courts, a court-martial defense attorney can scrutinize the evidence, identify procedural errors, and construct a robust defense strategy. Ultimately, their expertise can significantly impact the outcome, potentially mitigating penalties or even achieving acquittal, thereby safeguarding the service member's career and future. If you are under investigation or have recently been served a preferred charge sheet for a court-martial or Article 32 preliminary hearing, you need an experienced court-martial military lawyer by your side to protect your rights and defend your integrity. The Military Justice Attorneys are ready to stand next to you when you face charges sent down by command.

We are ready to fight and win for you. Call (843) 773-5501 or contact our firm online.

Topography textured background

What Is a Court-Martial?

A court-martial is a federal court convened by a Commanding Officer/General to adjudicate the alleged criminal misconduct of a military service member. A court-martial is the military’s version of a criminal trial, in which other members of the military render a finding on a service member’s guilt or innocence, and any ensuing punishment.

Depending on the severity of the charges, a court-martial will take one of the following three forms:

General Court-Martial

General courts-martial are reserved for the most serious crimes, including murder, sexual assault, and high-dollar larceny and/or fraud. Officer misconduct is also often adjudicated at a general court-martial to ensure dismissal is a potential punishment. A Commanding Officer/General may refer such charges to a general court-martial because this type of proceeding has no maximum jurisdictional limitations on punishment.

The jury at a general court-martial can punish as much as the criminal statute allows—and many criminal statutes calculate duration of confinement in decades rather than in years. A pretrial Article 32 hearing is required before charges can be referred to a general court-martial.

Special Court-Martial

Special courts-martial usually handle criminal matters of a misdemeanor-type nature, such as a drug offense, simple assault, orders violations, or unlawful absence. Punishment may not include confinement longer than one year. Though less grave than general courts-martial convictions, a special court-martial conviction will result in a criminal record for the military member and could have serious adverse effects on the service member’s career, benefits, and future.

Summary Court-Martial

Summary courts-martial are generally uncontested administrative hearings, rarely offered unless the service member acknowledges misconduct. There is no judge or jury present at a summary court-martial; instead, a sole officer chosen by the Commanding Officer/General hears the matter and renders a decision on punishment.

Outcomes can include confinement up to 30 days, but neither criminal conviction nor punitive discharge is permissible. Nonetheless, the consequences of a summary court-martial decision can be serious, and a service member considering pleading guilty to one should seek a court-martial attorney.

Topography textured background

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

View All Results

RETIREMENT SAVED

Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Marietta, Georgia. A First Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps was accused of defrauding the federal government of nearly $30,000 worth of pay and allowances.

Textured background

"NOT GUILTY"

MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina. Marine Corporal (E-4) Acquitted at Court-Martial of Aggravated Assault on Minor.

Textured background

"NOT GUILTY"

MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina. Marine Corporal (E-4) Acquitted of Assault with a Loaded Firearm on Base.

Textured background

"NOT GUILTY"

Marine Staff Sergeant (E-6) Accused of Defrauding the Government $14,000 in Government Travel Credit Card Charges.

Textured background

CHARGES DISMISSED

MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina. Staff Sergeant (E-6) facing 21 charges of hazing, maltreatment, and orders violations.

Textured background

CHARGES DISMISSED

Charges of espionage and theft of government property dismissed against Marine Lance Corporal.

Textured background

NO PUNISHMENT

A Marine Gunnery Sergeant (E-7) received no punishment after facing several decades of brig time and a punitive discharge for writing $16,000 in bad checks.

Textured background

NO PUNISHMENT

Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. A Marine Drill Instructor was charged with 15 specifications of hazing, maltreatment, and orders violations of nine Recruits.

Textured background

HONORABLE DISCHARGE

Petty Officer First Class Accused of Defrauding the Government of Thousands of Dollars Honorably Discharged.

Textured background

HONORABLE DISCHARGE

Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Marine Corporal (E-4) Tried at Court-Martial of Serious Offenses Honorably Discharged.

Textured background
View All Results
Topography textured background

How Can a Court-Martial Attorney Help?

An active-duty service member needs the assistance of a dedicated court-martial lawyer because the military justice system is inherently complex and differs significantly from civilian legal proceedings. Navigating this unique system requires not only a deep understanding of military law but also expertise in defense strategies that are effective within the military's judicial framework. A court-martial lawyer brings these crucial skills to the table, ensuring that the service member's rights are vigorously defended throughout the process. These attorneys understand the high stakes involved and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome, whether that involves dismissal of charges, acquittal, or reduction of sentences.

Services provided by court-martial lawyers to their clients include:

  • Legal advice and consultation regarding the specifics of the military justice process.
  • Representation during all stages of the court-martial proceeding, including pre-trial, trial, and post-trial.
  • Preparation and submission of legal documents and motions on behalf of the service member.
  • Comprehensive investigation and evidence gathering to build a strong defense strategy.
  • Expert cross-examination of witnesses and challenging of prosecution evidence.
  • Negotiation of plea agreements, where appropriate, to minimize penalties.
  • Appeals of court-martial convictions and sentences if grounds exist.
Banner media

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
Topography textured background

Why You Should Contact MJA

Seeking the aid of a veteran-owned military law firm like Military Justice Attorneys offers a unique advantage to service members facing court-martial. Such firms are intimately familiar with the nuances of military culture and the specifics of military law, having lived and operated within that system themselves. This firsthand experience allows them to relate to their clients on a profound level, understanding not just the legal battle but also the personal and career-related implications of their situation. Additionally, veteran-owned firms are deeply committed to the values and well-being of military personnel, providing not only rigorous legal defense but also a sense of camaraderie and support throughout what can be an intensely challenging time.

Military Justice Attorneys leverage this unique perspective and commitment to achieve the best possible outcomes for their clients, combining legal expertise with an insider's understanding of military service.

If you are involved in military court-martial proceedings, it is critical that you speak with an experienced court-martial attorney right away. Contact our court-martial lawyers now to learn more.

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
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
Submit Information
Contact us media
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (843) 755-6535.
Contact Us