Experienced Defense When the Stakes Are Highest

Service members facing court-martial proceedings in South Carolina often encounter intense command scrutiny and rapid investigative timelines, and a skilled court-martial lawyer in South Carolina can protect your rights whether you serve at Fort Jackson, Joint Base Charleston, Shaw Air Force Base, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, or McEntire Joint National Guard Base.

Military Justice Attorneys (MJA), a team of former Marine Judge Advocates, provides disciplined, strategic defense to protect your record, your reputation, and your long-term military future.

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What Is a Court-Martial in South Carolina?

A court-martial is the military’s criminal trial system used to prosecute alleged violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Unlike civilian cases, court-martial proceedings involve distinct rules, command authority, and processes that can significantly affect outcomes.

Core procedures and punitive articles are published by the Joint Service Committee at https://jsc.defense.gov, guiding how military trials unfold and how rights must be protected.

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

  • Protection of Your Rights From the Start. Early missteps can shape the government’s entire case. We ensure you do not make statements or decisions that harm your defense.
  • Evidence-Driven Strategy and Analysis. We examine command findings, witness accounts, digital records, and investigative materials to challenge weaknesses in the case.
  • Career-Focused Defense. A court-martial can impact your clearance, promotions, and reenlistment eligibility. We defend both the case and the future you are working toward.
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Is Court-Martial Defense Relevant to My Situation?

Court-martial proceedings may arise from alleged misconduct involving interpersonal conflict, alcohol or drug accusations, property offenses, digital communication concerns, or performance-related issues. Even incidents outside military duty may be prosecuted if they affect good order and discipline.

If investigators identify you as a suspect, request a statement, or impose restrictions, legal counsel should be involved immediately. Early representation helps preserve evidence, prevent harmful admissions, and shape the trajectory of the case.

Former Military Judge Advocates United By Service

Our court-martial attorneys in South Carolina 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 ProcessWhat to Expect

Step One: Rights Advisement and Case Evaluation

We begin by reviewing initial evidence and advising you of your Article 31(b) rights. These protections apply anywhere you are questioned as a suspect. Related procedural standards appear in the Manual for Courts-Martial at https://www.esd.whs.mil/DD/.

Step Two: Independent Investigation and Evidence Development

We collect digital records, communication logs, witness statements, environmental context, and prior command documentation. Many allegations include assumptions or incomplete information that a strong investigation can uncover.

Step Three: Article 32 Preliminary Hearing

For general courts-martial, the Article 32 hearing is a crucial opportunity to challenge evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and influence whether charges proceed. We prepare a detailed presentation focused on weakening the government’s theory.

Step Four: Trial Preparation and Defense Execution

If charges move forward, we prepare a structured defense that includes fact development, expert consultation, cross-examination planning, and legal argumentation. As former Marine Judge Advocates, we bring extensive trial experience to your case.

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After Your Court-Martial What Comes Next

A trial verdict does not end command involvement. Even with an acquittal or reduced charges, you may face administrative consequences such as adverse evaluations, loss of qualifications, or separation processing. These outcomes affect your career, benefits, and long-term opportunities. MJA supports servicemembers after trial with appeals, record corrections, and a strategy for minimizing collateral consequences. Our representation continues as long as you need protection.

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Client Testimonials Their Words. Their Cases. Their Results.

View All Testimonials

"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?

Deep Military Justice Experience

Our attorneys are former Marine Judge Advocates with extensive backgrounds in military trials, investigations, and administrative actions. We understand the unique pressures servicemembers face in South Carolina’s major military commands.

Proven Results and Strategic Advocacy

We have defended clients worldwide in cases involving complex evidence, command influence concerns, and serious allegations. Our approach emphasizes preparation, clarity, and disciplined courtroom advocacy.

Dedicated Support for Servicemembers Across South Carolina

You receive direct access to your attorney, clear communication, and strategic guidance from the first consultation to final resolution. We protect the career you’ve built and the future you are working toward.

We provide mission-driven representation grounded in experience, precision, and unwavering commitment.

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Court Martial in South Carolina FAQs

Can my command punish me before trial?

Yes. Commands may impose restrictions or administrative actions prior to trial, but these measures must follow legal guidelines. Early counsel helps challenge unnecessary or unfair restrictions.

Do Article 31(b) rights apply when questioned on a military base?

Yes. If you are suspected of misconduct, investigators must advise you of your rights before questioning. Failure to do so can weaken the government's case.

Can a court-martial affect my security clearance?

Yes. Even pending allegations may influence clearance reviews. Strategic defense protects both immediate rights and long-term eligibility.

What if the incident leading to charges happened off base?

The military may still assert jurisdiction, depending on the circumstances. Early representation ensures your interests are protected across civilian and command channels.

When should I contact a court-martial defense attorney?

Immediately after learning that you are under investigation or may face charges. Early involvement strengthens evidence preservation and defense strategy.

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Fight Your Charges With Proven Court-Martial Defense

Do not face court-martial proceedings alone. Contact Military Justice Attorneys today to schedule your confidential consultation with a former Marine Judge Advocate.

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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