Strategic Defense When Your Future Is at Risk

Criminal cases involving servicemembers and veterans in Texas often escalate quickly due to command involvement and law enforcement coordination, and a skilled military criminal defense lawyer can protect your rights whether you are stationed at Fort Cavazos, Joint Base San Antonio (including Lackland, Randolph, and Fort Sam Houston), Goodfellow Air Force Base, Dyess Air Force Base, or Sheppard Air Force Base.

Personnel connected to Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Naval Air Station Kingsville, or Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base face similar challenges. Military Justice Attorneys (MJA), a team of former Marine Judge Advocates, provides disciplined, strategic representation designed to protect both your immediate case and long-term military future.

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What Is Criminal Defense for Servicemembers in Texas?

Criminal defense in Texas involves protecting servicemembers and veterans from state or military prosecution involving allegations such as interpersonal disputes, alcohol-related incidents, digital communication issues, financial misconduct, or off-base encounters.

UCMJ rights and procedures, frequently relevant even in civilian matters, are published by the Joint Service Committee at https://jsc.defense.gov, shaping how commanders respond once allegations arise.

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

  • Protection From Early, Harmful Mistakes. Many servicemembers speak with investigators or command officials before understanding the consequences. We intervene immediately to safeguard your rights and prevent statements that could undermine your defense.
  • Evidence-Driven Strategy That Challenges Assumptions. We review police reports, command findings, digital records, and witness accounts to identify inconsistencies, procedural errors, or missing context that may dramatically change the case outcome.
  • Defense Focused on Long-Term Military Impact. Criminal allegations can affect security clearances, promotions, reenlistment, and deployment eligibility. Our representation protects not only the legal case but the military career attached to it.
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Is Criminal Defense Relevant to My Situation?

Criminal defense is necessary when you are questioned by law enforcement, identified as a suspect, or involved in an event that may result in state charges or UCMJ action. Early signs include command inquiries, requests for statements, duty restrictions, or referrals to legal offices.

Even if the incident occurs off base or during personal time, commands may initiate administrative or disciplinary action. Representation ensures your rights are protected across both civilian and military systems.

Former Military Judge Advocates United By Service

Our military criminal defense 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 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 Criminal Defense Process What to Expect

Step One: Advising You of Your Rights and Reviewing Early Evidence

We begin by reviewing police reports, command notifications, and any preliminary evidence. We also explain your Article 31(b) rights. Procedural guidance appears in the Manual for Courts-Martial at https://www.esd.whs.mil/DD/.

Step Two: Conducting an Independent Investigation

We analyze digital communications, surveillance footage, witness statements, and command documents. Many cases involve unclear facts or assumptions that must be corrected through meticulous investigation.

Step Three: Strategic Engagement With Authorities

We communicate with prosecutors, investigators, and command personnel to challenge unsupported allegations, present mitigating evidence, and influence decisions on charging, diversion, or administrative outcomes. Early intervention often changes the course of a case.

Step Four: Preparing a Strong Defense for Hearings or Trial

If charges proceed, we prepare a strategic defense that includes evidence presentation, cross-examination planning, expert consultation, and thorough legal argument. Our background as former Marine Judge Advocates drives disciplined, courtroom-ready advocacy.

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After Your Criminal Case What Comes Next

Even when civilian charges are reduced or dismissed, many servicemembers face follow-on administrative consequences such as adverse evaluations, qualification loss, or separation boards. These collateral impacts may shape your military future long after the case concludes. MJA assists with appeals, administrative rebuttals, record corrections, and long-term career planning. We ensure your service and future opportunities remain protected.

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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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Why Choose Military Justice Attorneys?

Deep Military Justice Experience

As former Marine Judge Advocates, we understand how criminal allegations intersect with deployment readiness, command expectations, and long-term military careers. This perspective strengthens every element of your defense.

Proven Results and Strategic Advocacy

We have defended servicemembers and veterans nationwide in cases involving contested evidence, command misunderstandings, and complex legal issues. Our approach prioritizes clarity, preparation, and precise legal execution.

Dedicated Support for Servicemembers Across Texas

Clients receive direct attorney access rather than case managers, and clear communication throughout the case. Whether your matter originates in a civilian court or involves command action, we provide steady guidance from start to finish.

We bring mission-focused defense that protects your freedom, your record, and your future.

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Criminal Defense Attorney Serving Texas FAQs

Will a civilian criminal case affect my military career?

Yes. Even if charges are dropped or reduced, your command may take administrative action. Early legal representation helps guide outcomes in both systems and minimize collateral consequences.

Do I have to speak with the police or the command investigators?

No. You have the right to remain silent and consult counsel. Speaking prematurely can severely harm your case. Exercising your rights cannot be used as evidence of guilt.

Can a criminal allegation impact my security clearance?

Yes. Clearances may be suspended or reviewed during investigations. Strategic defense and strong mitigation help protect your eligibility and long-term career opportunities.

What if the incident happened off base?

The military may still act administratively or initiate UCMJ proceedings. A coordinated defense protects your interests in both the civilian and military frameworks.

When should I contact a criminal defense attorney?

Right away and before providing statements, responding to inquiries, or making any decisions. Early involvement strengthens your defense and helps prevent avoidable mistakes.

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Protect Your Rights With Proven Criminal Defense

Do not face criminal allegations 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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