Traverse City Office

At The Military Defense Firm in Traverse City, our team offers unmatched expertise in military law.  Although we have offices and are primarily based in Northern Michigan, our military law experts represent active duty, Reserve, and Guard members all around the world. With decades of experience representing servicemembers across all branches, we provide exceptional defense during court‑martial proceedings, separation boards, Article 15 actions, and more. If your military career or benefits are at stake, we are the trusted advocate you need.

Our Team

Josh Traeger

Founding Attorney

Heather Kunsman

Legal Operations Coordinator

Frequently Asked Questions

• What makes our Traverse City team unique?

  We are a division of True North Legal Group, located at 733 E Eighth Street, Suite 207, Traverse City, MI 49686. Our founding attorney and team combine local presence with national reach, serving clients from Michigan and around the world. Our fees are flat-rate—no surprises, and you know the cost upfront.

• Why choose us over military or local firms?

  Our team brings deep experience in hundreds of courts-martial, administrative actions, and discharge cases. We prioritize communication, clarity, and treating you with respect. You pay for experience, dedication, and results.

• What services are offered?

  We offer full-range representation for service members in the following situations:

  • Courts‑martial including general, special, and summary types
  • Article 15 non‑judicial punishment
  • Separation and discharge boards, including involuntary separations
  • GOMOR rebuttal, investigations under AR 15‑6, and command investigations
  • Appeals and discharge upgrades

• What outcomes can we handle?

  Our team has successfully defended clients facing serious penalties such as reductions in grade, pay forfeiture, confinement, and dishonorable or bad conduct discharges. We fight to protect your benefits, career, and future.

• How do we deliver client-centered service?

  • Flat-rate fees—we quote a one-time cost before you hire us
  • Clear, ongoing communication—you always know your case status
  • Client-focused representation—we tailor strategy to your needs and goals Serving all branches of service

  We represent Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Space Force, and veterans. Regardless of your branch or rank, we have the experience and mentality to defend your rights.

• Who leads our Traverse City office?

  Founded by Josh Traeger, a U.S. Air Force veteran and former Senior Trial Counsel, our Traverse City practice benefits from real-world military prosecution and defense experience. Josh served on active duty for ten years and now leads both True North Legal Group and The Military Defense Firm. 

• What types of cases do you handle in Traverse City?

  We cover all military justice matters—including courts‑martial, Article 15, discharge boards, GOMOR rebuttals, and appeals/discharge upgrades.

• Can I talk before hiring?

  Yes. We offer a free initial consultation, and discuss strategy, timelines, and costs before you commit.

• Do you handle local (civilian) criminal defense?

  While our main focus is military law, our parent firm True North Legal Group also handles criminal defense in Northern Michigan—but military cases receive our priority.

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