Court-Martial Defense Attorney Serving South Korea

Name: Court-Martial
Brand: Military Justice Attorneys
Rating: 5 (44 reviews)

Facing a court-martial overseas places your freedom, career, and future at risk, often before you fully understand what is happening.

Strategic Defense When Your Military Future Is on the Line

Service members assigned across South Korea operate under intense scrutiny and demanding operational schedules. Whether you are stationed at Camp Humphreys, Camp Casey, Camp Stanley, Camp Hovey, or Yongsan Garrison, criminal allegations can escalate quickly in this environment.

Servicemembers at Camp Carroll, Camp Walker, Osan Air Base, Kunsan Air Base, K-16 Air Base, and USAG Daegu face similar challenges, often involving overlapping investigations by military police, command authorities, and, in some cases, Korean law enforcement. Military Justice Attorneys (MJA), a team of former Marine Judge Advocates, provides disciplined, strategic defense for court-martial cases arising in South Korea.

What Is a Court-Martial in South Korea?

A court-martial is the military’s criminal trial system used to prosecute alleged violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). When stationed overseas, everything becomes more complex; SOFA considerations, local interactions, and command culture all influence how cases unfold.

Core procedures and rights under the UCMJ are maintained by the Joint Service Committee at https://jsc.defense.gov, which helps guide how military justice applies across all overseas locations.

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

Early Protection of Your Rights. Investigators often request statements before service members understand their exposure. We ensure you are protected from the beginning.
Evidence-Based, Strategic Defense. We examine command reports, digital records, witness statements, and any foreign authority involvement to identify errors or weak points.
Commitment to Long-Term Military Careers. Court-martial outcomes affect advancement, reenlistment, and future assignments. We defend both your present and long-term interests.

Is a Court-Martial Relevant to My Situation?

A court-martial may be considered when investigators or command staff believe a serious violation occurred. Allegations may involve interpersonal disputes, alcohol incidents, communication misunderstandings, off-base conduct, or operational mishaps.

In South Korea, jurisdiction questions under SOFA can add complexity, and service members often misunderstand their rights during early questioning. If you learn of an investigation, are ordered to provide statements, or face administrative restrictions, you should obtain legal representation immediately.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Court-Martial Process What to Expect

Step One: Rights Advisement and Case Analysis

We review available evidence and explain your Article 31(b) rights before any statements are made. Procedural rules relevant to rights and early investigation appear in the Manual for Courts-Martial, accessible through https://www.esd.whs.mil/DD/.

Step Two: Independent Defense Investigation

We gather supporting evidence, review witness accounts, examine digital communication records, and analyze any Korean police involvement. Many overseas cases involve incomplete or inaccurate assumptions that must be challenged early.

Step Three: Article 32 Preliminary Hearing

For general courts-martial, the Article 32 hearing is a critical stage where evidence can be challenged, witnesses examined, and weaknesses in the government’s case exposed. Strong advocacy here often influences charging decisions.

Step Four: Trial Preparation and Defense Strategy

If charges proceed, we prepare a detailed, evidence-driven defense using clear analysis, expert consultation, and precise courtroom strategy. Our trial experience as former Marine Judge Advocates strengthens your position throughout litigation.

After Your Court-Martial What Comes Next

Even when charges are dismissed or reduced, commands in South Korea may pursue administrative consequences such as adverse evaluations, qualification restrictions, or limits on reenlistment. These effects can follow you long after leaving Korea. MJA supports servicemembers after trial with appeals, administrative rebuttals, and long-term planning to rebuild stability and maintain career potential. We ensure one incident does not define your future.

Soldiers silhouetted beneath helicopter at sunset

Available 24/7 to Help Anyone in the World

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

Why Choose Military Justice Attorneys?

Deep Military Justice Experience

Our attorneys are former Marine Judge Advocates with significant court-martial experience. We understand the operational demands, cultural dynamics, and SOFA-driven complexities involved in cases arising in South Korea.

Proven Results and Strategic Advocacy

We have successfully defended servicemembers worldwide in cases involving conflicting testimony, digital evidence, unclear investigations, and jurisdictional overlap. Our disciplined approach emphasizes fairness, clarity, and compelling argumentation.

Dedicated Support for Servicemembers in South Korea

Clients receive direct access to senior attorneys—not case managers—ensuring timely communication and clear guidance across time zones. We remain engaged throughout the case and beyond. We deliver mission-focused representation that protects your freedom, your reputation, and your future in the military.

Court Martial Attorney Serving South Korea FAQs

Can Korean authorities prosecute U.S. servicemembers under SOFA rules?

Yes. Korean authorities may pursue certain off-base charges. Understanding jurisdiction early helps ensure your rights are protected during both Korean and military proceedings, especially when evidence or witness accounts conflict.

Will I face administrative consequences even if acquitted?

Possibly. Commands often impose evaluations, restrictions, or follow-on actions despite trial outcomes. Legal representation helps challenge unnecessary measures and safeguards your service record after the court-martial concludes.

Do Article 31(b) rights apply overseas?

Yes. Your rights apply anywhere a military investigator questions you as a suspect. Failure to properly advise you may undermine the government’s case and strengthen motions to suppress statements or evidence.

Can I speak to investigators to “clear things up”?

You should not. Many servicemembers believe cooperation will help, but statements often harm the defense. Speaking only after consulting counsel ensures your rights and strategy remain protected.

When should I contact a court-martial defense attorney?

Immediately, when informed, you are under investigation or may face charges. Early involvement allows for evidence preservation, witness identification, and strategic decision-making long before the trial begins.

Fight Your Charges With Proven Court-Martial Defense

A court-martial overseas demands immediate, strategic advocacy. Contact Military Justice Attorneys today to schedule your confidential consultation with a former Marine Judge Advocate.