Many individuals in California consider a career in the military. However, the armed forces only allow certain people to join, and individuals with previous criminal charges may not be allowed to volunteer for military service.
If you’re considering joining the military but have a past DUI conviction, you may be wondering how it could impact your enlistment. While a DUI doesn’t automatically disqualify you from service, it is something you need to disclose, and it may delay or prevent your acceptance into a certain branch.
That’s where speaking to a Simmrin Law Group DUI defense lawyer in Los Angeles can help. Learn more about whether you can join the military after a DUI and how consulting with a DUI lawyer early can provide you with guidance on what steps you may need to take to improve your chances.
DUI Charges Make it More Difficult to Join the Military
Can you join the military with a DUI conviction? Joining the military after a DUI can be very difficult, but can be possible. However, all branches of the military frown on DUI convictions and criminal records in general. Recruiters may not be interested in recruits with a DUI conviction because:
- Criminal convictions may make it harder to get the security clearances necessary for military work
- DUI convictions lead to difficulties in obtaining a driver’s license
- DUIs may indicate issues with substance abuse
You should keep these concerns in mind if you wish to join the military after a DUI conviction in California. Be prepared to face additional difficulty signing up due to the criminal conviction on your record.
Plea Bargains Can Impact Your Ability to Join the Military
You should be aware that it can be difficult to join the military if you are found guilty of a DUI in California. You may also be disallowed from military service if you:
- Take a plea bargain for some DUI charges
- Pled No Contest to your DUI charges
- 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.
Make sure you handle DUI charges aggressively to protect your future options by contacting a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles as soon as you are arrested. You can get legal guidance by working with an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney.
Military Branches Require Waivers for DUI Charges
You may be able to join the military after a DUI conviction if you take some extra steps when signing up. All branches of the military, including the Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force, will require you to file a waiver request for your 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. Note that, generally, you can only apply for an Air Force DUI waiver or that for the specific branch of the military for which you’re applying if your DUI occurred at least a year ago. Additionally, your waiver will likely only be approved if:
- You were charged with a misdemeanor, not a felony
- You did not commit a DUI causing injury
- You served out all penalties associated with your conviction, including probation
You may be allowed to join the military after a DUI if your waiver is approved. If you’re concerned about your future eligibility for military service, it is best to seek legal counsel from an experienced drunk driving defense attorney.
Resolve DUI Charges to Protect Your Ability to Join the Military
You need to get professional legal help quickly if you are charged with a DUI and you want to join the military. Signing up for military service will be much easier if you successfully resolve the charges you are facing by securing a Not Guilty verdict in court.
The legal team at the Simmrin Law Group can begin working on your case right now. We may be able to:
- Investigate the charges you are facing
- Block evidence against you
- Work with expert witnesses to build your case
- Help you avoid jail time
- Protect you aggressively in and out of the courtroom
Getting help immediately after your arrest can increase your odds of beating a driving under the influence charge. Do not discuss your charges with anyone until you’ve contacted a DUI lawyer in Los Angeles. It is also recommended that you do not accept any plea bargains offered by prosecutors until your lawyer has assessed them.
Increase Your Odds of Joining the Military After a DUI Arrest
In some cases, you are allowed to join the military after a DUI. However, a DUI conviction can make it more difficult to serve in the armed forces. You are more likely to be accepted if you can resolve your drunk driving charges with the help of the Simmrin Law Group.
Reach out to our DUI lawyers in Los Angeles now. Contact us today to get the legal services you need to have the best chance of securing a favorable outcome.