
If you have a DUI on your record, you may or may not be allowed to join the military because the armed forces might restrict you from participating in this type of service if you have prior criminal charges. But what does this mean? Can you join the military with a DUI?
The only way to know for sure is to go through the process of joining the military, but if you have a past DUI conviction, there might be hope for you. A DUI conviction won’t automatically disqualify you from service, but it is something you need to disclose prior to enlisting.
This type of criminal history may delay your acceptance into a certain branch, and it’s important to understand that it could lead to a denial as well. That’s why speaking to a Burbank DUI lawyer can help.
Can DUI Charges Make it More Difficult to Join the Military?
Joining the military after a DUI can be very difficult, but it is not necessarily impossible. That said, DUI convictions and criminal records are not encouraged by any branches of the U.S. military in general.
Suppose you are a recruit with a DUI conviction. In that case, recruiters might not be interested in you because criminal convictions can make it harder to obtain the security clearances you need in order to be part of the military. Additionally, DUI convictions lead to difficulties in obtaining a driver’s license.
Another point worth mentioning is that DUIs may be indicative of substance abuse issues. You should keep these concerns in mind if you wish to join the military after being convicted of a DUI in California and be prepared to face additional difficulties due to your criminal record.
For a free legal consultation, call (310) 896-2723
How Plea Bargains Can Impact Your Ability to Join the Military
By now, it is likely clear that it can be difficult to join the military if you are found guilty of a DUI in California. However, you might also be disallowed from engaging in military service if the following situations are true of your criminal case:
- You took a plea bargain for a portion of your DUI charges
- You pled No Contest to your DUI charges
- You had a past DUI conviction expunged from your record
The military treats all of the above situations as a DUI conviction. Even a DUI charge that was dismissed in California could make it challenging for you to join the military. As you can see, a plea bargain might also not work in your favor if you want to join the military.
But are plea bargains an option in all criminal defense cases? Not always, but your lawyer can help you understand which defense strategy is right for you. To handle DUI charges aggressively while protecting your future options, contact a DUI attorney right away.
Do Military Branches Require Waivers for DUI Charges?
Yes, all branches of the military—including the Army, the Navy, the Marines, and the Air Force—can require you to file a waiver request for your DUI conviction. If you take this extra step when signing up to enlist in the military, you may be able to join after a DUI conviction.
Note that a military waiver for DUI charges is generally only good for one conviction. This means that if you have multiple drunk driving offenses on your record, you are likely to be excluded from any type of military service currently.
The military branch you want to join must approve your waiver before you will be accepted. Additionally, your waiver will likely only be approved if the following circumstances are true:
- You were charged with a misdemeanor
- You were not charged with a felony
- You did not commit a DUI causing injury
- You completed your penalties
Ways to Improve Your Ability to Join the United States Military
If you want to increase your odds of joining the military after being convicted of a DUI, you should retain legal counsel as soon as possible. The process of signing up for military service will likely be much easier if you have a Burbank criminal defense attorney on your side.
In situations where your criminal charges are pending, a lawyer can help you secure a Not Guilty verdict in court. When you hire us as your attorney, we might be able to do the following for you as our client:
- Investigate the charges you are facing
- Review and argue any evidence against you
- Work with witnesses as we build a defense
- Help you avoid jail time by advocating for you
- Protect you aggressively both in and out of court
Reaching out to professionals immediately after your arrest can increase your odds of beating a driving under the influence (DUI) charge. Do not discuss your charges with anyone, and refrain from accepting plea bargains offered by prosecutors until you’ve contacted a DUI lawyer.
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Contact Our Burbank DUI Law Firm to Increase Your Odds of Joining the Military After a DUI Arrest
In some cases, you are allowed to join the military after being convicted of a DUI. However, a DUI conviction can make it more difficult to serve in the armed forces. That said, you are more likely to be accepted if you can resolve your drunk driving charges with the help of a lawyer.
At Simmrin Law Group, we have the experience it takes to represent clients facing DUI charges. You can trust us to fight for your rights and advocate for you through every step of the process.
The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can work towards a favorable outcome. We want to help you, so call us today to learn more about us and to schedule a no-obligation consultation.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form