A criminal charge of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is very serious, with consequences for people from all walks of life. They can be particularly serious when the accused is a member of the armed forces. Depending on the circumstances, a DUI might subject the accused to punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

As the result of a DUI, a servicemember might be subjected to:

  • Imprisonment for months or years
  • Loss of rank/pay
  • Loss of opportunity for promotion
  • Expulsion or disqualification from certain military units or occupations
  • Disqualification from holding a security clearance

Servicemembers and civilians alike who have been accused of DUI should never just plead guilty or “roll over,” even when the government appears to have an air tight case. DUI charges can be dismissed for a variety of reasons. Sometimes law enforcement fails to follow legally required procedures. Occasionally, test equipment such as breathalyzers are faulty or have not been properly maintained. These types of errors can weaken or even destroy the case against you.

Any servicemember charged with a DUI should immediately seek the advice and counsel of an experienced DUI lawyer who is also well versed in military criminal defense to best protect their rights and interests.

The consequences of a DUI conviction or plea agreement can vary widely and are dependent upon the specific details in each case. Issues such as the accused’s DUI history, the level of impairment and the harm (or lack of harm) caused in the incident can greatly affect the outcome. A full investigation and presentation of the facts might mean the difference between a bad situation and a personal catastrophe.

Strategic Law Command, based in Roseville, California, handles criminal and military criminal defense matters. We defend every case with tenacity and discipline and strive for the best possible outcome every time. If you have been charged with DUI, feel free to contact us online or call 916-787-1234 for an initial consultation.