Criminal Defense Attorney Serving South Korea

Name: Criminal Defense
Brand: Military Justice Attorneys
Rating: 5 (44 reviews)

A criminal allegation overseas can jeopardize your freedom, your career, and your reputation, often before you fully understand your rights.

Experienced Defense When an Overseas Allegation Threatens Your Future

Service members stationed throughout South Korea face unique risks when dealing with criminal allegations. Whether serving at Camp Humphreys, Camp Casey, Camp Stanley, Camp Hovey, or Yongsan Garrison, even minor incidents can escalate quickly due to command attention and SOFA considerations.

Others assigned to Camp Carroll, Camp Walker, Osan Air Base, Kunsan Air Base, K-16 Air Base, or USAG Daegu may also become entangled in investigations involving both U.S. and Korean authorities. Military Justice Attorneys (MJA), a team of former Marine Judge Advocates, provides disciplined and strategic defense in these high-stakes environments.

What Is Criminal Defense for Servicemembers in South Korea?

Criminal defense overseas involves navigating military jurisdiction, potential Korean involvement under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), and strict command expectations. Allegations may include off-base disputes, alcohol-related incidents, interpersonal misunderstandings, or digital communication concerns.

Core rights and court-martial procedures appear in UCMJ materials maintained by the Joint Service Committee at https://jsc.defense.gov, guiding how military authorities handle allegations worldwide.

The Benefits of Working With a Military Defense Attorney for Overseas Criminal Allegations

Early Protection From Damaging Mistakes. Command investigators may request statements before you fully understand the consequences. Early legal guidance prevents harmful admissions.
Evidence-Based, Strategic Case Preparation. Overseas cases often involve language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, and combined investigative sources. We analyze every element for fairness and accuracy.
Defense That Protects Long-Term Careers. Criminal allegations can limit reenlistment, deployment eligibility, and promotion opportunities. Our defense strategy addresses both immediate and future risks.

Is Criminal Defense Relevant to My Situation?

Criminal defense applies whenever you become the subject of an investigation or command concern, whether on or off base. This includes questioning by military police, Korean authorities, or command-appointed investigators.

If you are advised not to leave the installation, ordered to provide statements, or told you are a subject of investigation, your rights are already in jeopardy. Early legal involvement ensures that procedural errors, misunderstandings, or flawed assumptions do not shape the outcome.

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 Criminal Defense Process What to Expect

Step One: Rights Advisement and Initial Case Review

We review early evidence and ensure you understand your Article 31(b) rights before speaking to investigators. Relevant procedural standards appear in the Manual for Courts-Martial, accessible through https://www.esd.whs.mil/DD/.

Step Two: Collection and Evaluation of Evidence

We obtain witness statements, command reports, digital communication records, and available Korean police information. Many overseas cases involve incomplete reporting, and identifying gaps is critical to building a strong defense.

Step Three: Advocacy With Command and Legal Authorities

We communicate directly with your command and legal offices to present mitigating evidence, challenge improper assumptions, and influence decisions about NJP, administrative actions, or court-martial referral. This stage often shapes the trajectory of the case.

Step Four: Preparation for Hearings or Trial

If the case progresses toward NJP or court-martial, we prepare structured defenses using documentation, witness testimony, expert consultation, and detailed analysis. Our courtroom and administrative experience strengthens your position at each stage.

After Your Criminal Case What Comes Next

Even when charges are dismissed or reduced, commands in Korea may impose additional administrative consequences, including adverse evaluations, restricted duties, or qualification reviews. These effects can follow you to your next duty station. MJA supports clients through appeals, correction requests, and long-term career planning. Our goal is to prevent a single allegation from defining your service or limiting future opportunities.

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

As former Marine Judge Advocates, our attorneys understand the complexities of military justice and the operational realities of serving in Korea. This experience allows us to address both legal and environmental factors in your defense.

Proven Results and Strategic Advocacy

We have represented servicemembers worldwide in cases involving conflicting evidence, cultural misunderstandings, and combined jurisdiction issues. Our structured approach emphasizes fairness, accuracy, and disciplined advocacy.

Dedicated Support for Servicemembers in South Korea

We offer direct communication across time zones and personalized guidance—never relying on case managers. Our commitment ensures continuous support throughout the investigation and any follow-on actions. We deliver mission-focused representation designed to protect your freedom, your reputation, and your future.

Criminal Defense Attorney Serving South Korea FAQs

Can Korean authorities prosecute U.S. servicemembers?

Yes. Under SOFA rules, Korean authorities may assert jurisdiction in certain cases. Legal counsel helps ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.

Will my command learn about an off-base incident?

Almost always. Korean police frequently communicate with military authorities, and even minor incidents can escalate within the command structure.

Can I refuse to answer investigator questions?

Yes. Article 31(b) rights apply to military questioning. Exercising these rights cannot be used as evidence of guilt.

Can a criminal allegation affect my future assignments or reenlistment?

Yes. Even without a court-martial, commands may impose administrative consequences that affect long-term opportunities.

When should I contact a criminal defense attorney?

Immediately, when you learn you are under investigation or are asked for a statement. Early involvement prevents damaging mistakes.

Protect Your Rights With Experienced Defense

A criminal allegation overseas requires immediate, strategic legal support. Contact Military Justice Attorneys today to schedule your confidential consultation with a former Marine Judge Advocate.