Allegations of driving under the influence (DUI) offenses can threaten your license and your freedom. For those in the military, however, there may be different risks that come from allegations of impaired driving.
A DUI charge on the base could lead to different consequences than a DUI charge that results from an arrest by civilian police officers. Whether you assume you can talk your way out of on-base discipline or think that civilian matters won’t affect your career, you need to learn about the military’s approach to DUI charges before you damage your future prospects.
The military has a zero-tolerance DUI policy
If you get caught driving while under the influence while on base, you will face discipline from within the chain of command. However, that does not mean that you can ignore the consequences. It can affect everything from your pay and eligibility for promotions to your ability to continue your work.
In North Carolina, your driving record and other complicating factors determine the penalties, but you can expect the possibility of jail time, significant fines and a license suspension in most cases. A conviction in the civilian courts could easily trigger military penalties up to discharge, in some cases.
Whether you get arrested on-base or off-base, you may be able to defend against DUI charges. From challenging the traffic stopped to raising questions about the accuracy of the breath test, there are multiple strategies that could help you fight back when you face DUI charges.
Mounting an assertive defense can help servicemembers charged with DUIs and other potentially career-ending criminal offenses.