
Robert W. Canoy Jr.
Senior Attorney
Experienced Criminal & Military Defense Attorney
Robert Canoy has practiced criminal litigation for over a decade, bringing extensive experience in civilian and military criminal defense. He spent eleven years on active duty as a Judge Advocate, where he specialized in criminal law under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
During his military career, Robert served as both a trial defense counsel and prosecutor. In his final active-duty assignment, he served as Chief of the Trial Services Branch in Norfolk, Virginia, where he was responsible for the investigation and prosecution of courts-martial for the U.S. Coast Guard throughout the eastern half of the United States.
Robert's experience as a prosecutor provides valuable insight into investigative tactics and courtroom strategy. He has also served as an instructor at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and taught military justice courses focused on trial and litigation skills.
Throughout his career, Robert has evaluated and litigated more than 500 criminal cases, ranging from alcohol and drug offenses to domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, child pornography, and homicide. He has handled cases in Virginia civilian courts, federal civilian courts, and military courts-martial for each branch of the armed forces. He has also litigated military administrative boards across every service.
Robert continues to serve in the military reserves as a Commander (O-5) JAG attorney, where he currently serves on the legal staff for a Vice Admiral (O-9) in Command.
His military service has earned him numerous personal awards, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medal, Coast Guard Commendation Medal, Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and Coast Guard Achievement Medal.
Education
- Mississippi School of Law (J.D. 2012) Summa Cum Laude
- Articles Editor for the Law Review and authored a published Law Review Article.
- Elected for the Moot Court Board, a program which identifies the school’s top courtroom advocates.
- Bluefield University (B.S. Criminal Justice 2007) Cum Laude
Licenses
- The Commonwealth of Virginia (2023)
- State of Mississippi (2012)
- All Military Trial Courts
- Eastern District of Virginia
- Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces
