What to do when arrested while in the Armed Forces & How we fight for YOU!
I Got Arrested While Serving In The Military…What Should I Do?
What will happen if I am arrested and convicted of an offense while serving in the military such as the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, or National Guard? With a criminal offense, the penalties will likely be far more severe and life-altering than a typical civilian case. When a military service member is convicted for the same type of charges. While a case tried in the criminal court can carry on for several months, this same offense prosecuted by the Armed Forces will be typically proceed much faster. We do not provide representation at Military Facilities, but do handle a charge if in a county in Northern California.
• As a recent story published in military news described in how a criminal charge forever changed a soldier’s career both in the professional and financial cost of the consequences, it is a harsh reminder of the reality of what can happen under the current military law and protocol. This is why it is so important to explore every possible option to fight and get a charge dropped or dismissed, in order to help prevent this negative outcome and long-term stigma from ever happening in the first place.
However, it is important to realize that not all arrests will go to trial in criminal court. Some cases can get dismissed due to lack of, or improperly collected evidence, and some charges can get plead down to a lesser offenses. Having your own specific arrest events analyzed through us , can help you determine what course of action is most appropriate for your particular situation based upon what took place.
California Has Approved Military Diversion For Misdemeanor And Felony Cases
If you are or were a member of the Military, and your criminal charge has a connection to your military , you may be eligible for this program. An example would be someone with PTSD overacting when an Police officers starts asking them questions. Ask us about the are of the law.
DUI Issues – Military Consequences of DUI if Convicted or Pleading Guilty to the Offense
As recent Armed Forces news reports have covered about the true cost of a DUI for servicemen, it is essential to be aware of what will happen if convicted or a guilty plea is entered for this offense. When fighting DUI and DWI arrest charges, both your freedom and future with a military career are on the line. You should seek legal counsel with us from the best local military defense lawyer nearest you as soon as possible after being charged with a driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs while serving on active duty. Beyond possible jail time, mandatory fines, and a driver’s license suspension, you could face other non-judicial punishments, or even face a court-martial. This means what you can expect to happen is facing anything from a reprimand to imprisonment and dishonorable discharge.
Please realize that a DUI arrest conviction is not automatic, and there may be defenses available to you to beat the DUI charge with a our help reviewing your arrest details for potential strategies. Legal fees are also always a concern, and affordable financing is commonly available with most DUI lawyers so the best possible defense is attainable to you. Fees must be weighted against the costs of a conviction:
• Not just for military service men and women, but any citizen could lose a career if they are unable to drive due to a suspended license for a DUI or DWI offense conviction;
• You face a severe change in your life style if you cannot drive;
• Additional high Insurance premiums for several years;
• You will have a permanent criminal record;
Steps to Take to Prevent a Dishonorable Discharge for DUI in the Armed Forces
A DUI or DWI arrest charge while serving in the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, or National Guard could ruin your career and future in the military. This is because a dishonorable discharge is a strong possibility if you are arrested and then convicted for drunk or drugged driving offense, since there is a zero tolerance policy for driving under the influence. The bottom line is, alcohol or drug related charges while active-duty in the military very often will result serious consequences for a serviceman.
There are certain steps to take now for the best defense options if you currently serve, or plan to serve in the Armed Forces and have been arrested and charged with a first DUI offense. Please have your arrest details reviewed through us online with an experienced and local DUI lawyer from where you will be going to court, and help to protect your rights and your military career.
We will help to ensure you are fully aware of all your true options available, so both your valuable time, money, and case chances to win are never wasted. After examining your arrest details, a specialist DUI attorney will walk you through what to do and expect about what your realistic options are when fighting to get out of a military DUI charge offense.