JAG Defense Attorney Serving Texas

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

Administrative actions can shape your record, your reputation, and your career long before any criminal charge is filed.

Protection When Command Scrutiny Puts Your Career at Risk

Servicemembers in Texas frequently face administrative investigations, reprimands, and adverse evaluations, and experienced JAG defense lawyers can protect your rights whether you serve 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.

Those serving near Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Naval Air Station Kingsville, or Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base encounter similar risks. Military Justice Attorneys (MJA), a team of former Marine Judge Advocates, offers strategic, disciplined representation to protect your record and prevent escalation.

What Is JAG Defense in Texas?

JAG defense involves representation during administrative matters such as command inquiries, adverse counseling, Letters of Reprimand, qualification removals, and preliminary steps toward nonjudicial punishment or separation. These actions often begin with limited information and little notice.

Procedural foundations for administrative fairness appear in the Manual for Courts-Martial at https://www.esd.whs.mil/DD/, shaping how commands must handle investigations and corrective actions.

The Benefits of Working With a Military Defense Attorney for JAG Actions

Early Guidance That Prevents Escalation. Many servicemembers unknowingly provide statements or context that harm their position. Early legal support ensures your narrative is accurately protected and prevents misunderstandings from becoming formal action.
Structured Rebuttals and Persuasive Documentation. We develop clear, evidence-based responses to counseling entries, reprimands, and administrative decisions, highlighting context, performance history, operational demands, and leadership considerations.
Protection of Career, Promotion Potential, and Reputation. Administrative actions influence evaluations, special-duty qualifications, and reenlistment decisions. We work to correct the record and preserve long-term career goals.

Is JAG Defense Relevant to My Situation?

JAG defense is appropriate if you receive adverse paperwork, learn that a command investigation is underway, or are asked to provide statements regarding an incident. These issues commonly arise from interpersonal conflict, performance concerns, procedural misunderstandings, or isolated mistakes.

Even without criminal allegations, administrative actions can significantly harm your military future. Early representation ensures your perspective is documented and prevents actions from escalating into NJP or separation.

Former Military Judge Advocates United By Service

Our JAG 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

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 JAG Defense Process What to Expect

Step One: Reviewing Evidence and Advising You of Your Rights

We evaluate all documents, communications, and notifications. If misconduct is suspected, Article 31(b) rights apply, and investigators must comply. Related authority is published by the Joint Service Committee at https://jsc.defense.gov.

Step Two: Gathering Records and Identifying Errors

We analyze statements, digital communications, performance records, and environmental factors. Many administrative actions rely on incomplete or inconsistent information that must be corrected through thorough review.

Step Three: Developing a Strong Rebuttal or Mitigation Package

We prepare a structured response supported by character statements, operational context, and relevant documentation. Whether addressing a reprimand or an administrative inquiry, the correct framing can alter the entire outcome.

Step Four: Preventing Escalation and Protecting Your Record

If the command considers NJP, qualification removal, or separation, we intervene to ensure a fair process. Related federal enforcement principles appear through the Department of Justice at https://www.justice.gov/servicemembers and support due-process expectations.

After Your JAG Case What Comes Next

Even after an issue appears resolved, administrative actions may influence future assignments, reenlistment eligibility, or evaluations. These long-term effects often require additional advocacy, particularly when inaccurate information remains in your record. MJA assists with appeals, record corrections, and follow-on actions to ensure one allegation does not overshadow years of honorable service. We remain engaged to protect your career’s trajectory.

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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 how administrative actions develop, how commands view evidence, and how to present your case in the strongest possible light.

Proven Results and Strategic Advocacy

We have successfully corrected records, overturned reprimands, and prevented adverse actions from escalating. Our strategy emphasizes clarity, structure, and disciplined evidence presentation.

Dedicated Support for Servicemembers Across Texas

Clients receive direct attorney access—not layers of staff—and individualized guidance. Whether you serve in training, aviation, operations, or reserve units, we provide steady support at every stage. We deliver mission-focused advocacy designed to protect your record, your career, and your future.

JAG Defense Attorney Serving Texas FAQs

Can administrative actions affect my promotion potential?

Yes. Reprimands, adverse evaluations, or negative counseling entries may influence promotion boards or qualification decisions. A strong rebuttal helps prevent long-term damage to your advancement opportunities.

Do I have to provide a statement during a command investigation?

No. You cannot be compelled to make an incriminating statement. If investigators suspect misconduct, Article 31(b) rights apply. Speaking without legal guidance often harms your case unnecessarily.

Can I challenge inaccurate or unfair counseling entries?

Absolutely. Many counseling statements omit context or misunderstand events. A clear, well-supported rebuttal can correct errors and prevent negative entries from shaping your record.

What if my command relies on incomplete or incorrect information?

This is common. Commands sometimes act quickly based on early reports. Legal involvement ensures missing information is supplied and that decisions are based on a fair and complete understanding.

When should I contact a JAG defense attorney?

You should contact a JAG defense lawyer on our team immediately after you receive adverse paperwork or learn that an investigation has begun. Early support provides the greatest opportunity to protect your rights and record.

Protect Your Career With Experienced JAG Defense

Administrative actions can have lasting consequences. Contact Military Justice Attorneys today to schedule your confidential consultation with a former Marine Judge Advocate.