If you are in the military and get a driving under the influence (DUI) charge, then you should understand that this has both a non-military and military impact. If you are convicted, you will face civil penalties such as fines and court costs. You may need to go through an administrative hearing, and your vehicle could be towed and impounded.
Your insurance costs will likely go up, and there could be other financial implications.
A DUI in the military can also impact you in other ways.
How will a DUI impact your military career?
If you are facing DUI charges, then you should know that you must handle each charge differently. You may be prosecuted criminally separately from any civilian penalties that you face. You could also be subject to a court martial.
A DUI conviction could result in you losing your security clearance by making it so that you cannot meet the requirements to obtain the one you need for your role. It could also affect your ability to move up in the ranks in the military.
Does a DUI mean you’ll never be promoted?
It could mean that, depending on the case. If there are several applicants for a role and you are the only one with a DUI or criminal record, then you may be screened out before anyone else. That makes it harder for you to move up in the ranks, even though you may be skilled or experienced enough to do so.
If you are facing a DUI, it’s a good idea to learn more about how it could impact you and defend yourself against the allegations. A good defense could help you protect your career and goals.