Attorney Robert Canoy has practiced criminal litigation for over a decade. Attorney Canoy spent eleven years on active duty in the military as a judge advocate (military attorney) where he specialized in criminal law under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. He left active duty to join McCormack & McCormack to continue his marked success in criminal litigation, but remains abreast of military legal issues by continuing to serve as a Commander (O-5) JAG attorney in the reserves. In the reserves, CDR Canoy currently serves on the legal staff for a Vice Admiral (O-9) in Command.
While on active duty, Attorney Robert Canoy served multiple tours of duty as both a trial defense counsel and prosecutor. In his final assignment, he served as Chief of the Trial Services Branch in Norfolk, Virginia where he was responsible for the investigation and prosecution of all courts-martial for the U.S. Coast Guard for the eastern half of the United States. His time as a prosecutor aids all of his clients as he is well versed in investigative tactics having served as an instructor at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center on a routine basis. While on active duty, he also served as an instructor for numerous military justice courses offered by the Department of Defense designed to teach trial attorneys courtroom and litigation skills.
In his career, Attorney Robert Canoy evaluated and/or litigated well over 500 criminal cases involving all manner of alleged misconduct ranging from the most minor alcohol and drug offenses to domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, child pornography, and homicide. Mr. Canoy has litigated cases in Virginia civilian court, federal civilian court, and military court-martials convened by each service. He has also litigated military administrative boards in every service.
During Attorney Canoy’s military service he earned personal awards including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medal, the Coast Guard Commendation Medal, the Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Coast Guard Achievement Medal.