What to Expect If You Were Caught Driving Under the Influence On or Off Base
Being caught driving under the influence is an extremely serious situation. But if you are an active member of the military facing a DUI charge, the stakes are even higher. As a U.S. military member, you are held to a higher standard and expected to conduct yourself in a responsible manner both on and off base. But what happens if you are caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol? This article details what you can expect after being charged with DUI and what you can do to protect your rights.
If you or a loved one is stationed at Fort Campbell and was charged with driving under the influence on base or in the Clarksville area, contact the Dennis Stanford Law Office immediately. As skilled and dedicated criminal defense lawyers, we will work hard to fight the charges and protect your reputation, freedom, and future. Contact us today to schedule a FREE consultation.
Facing a DUI Charge in the Military
Being accused of DUI is always a frightening and stressful experience. The outcome of your case can greatly impact your reputation, career, and, ultimately, your future. Facing criminal charges as a member of the U.S. military, however, can be even more traumatic.
If you are charged with DUI as a service member, you face a more challenging and lengthy legal process, and upon a conviction, you will likely incur civilian penalties and penalties imposed under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ.)
On-Base DUI
A “military DUI” refers to a military member being charged with driving under the influence. If the individual is charged with DUI while on a military base, they not only face civil penalties as set forth by Tennesse law but are also subject to penalties under the UCMJ.
Under the UCMJ, a service member is subject to administrative actions and a court-martial, which are typically determined at the commanding officer’s discretion.
Off-Base DUI
Service members charged with DUI while off base will be prosecuted by the state of Tennessee. If convicted of a first-time DUI, a defendant faces penalties of up to 11 months and 29 days in jail, a one-year driver’s license revocation, and fees up to $1,500.
Whether you are convicted or acquitted by a civilian court, the U.S. military may still choose to pursue punishment under the UCMJ, which may even include a court-martial.
Penalties Under the UCMJ
In addition to civil penalties, such as fines and possible jail time, as an active member of the military, you are subject to additional penalties under the UCMJ. Whether you were caught driving under the influence on or off base, the military can impose several punitive actions, including:
- A letter of Reprimand
- Dishonorable discharge
- Court-martial
- Suspended deployment
- Loss of security clearance
- Additional military duty
- Lower wages, pay scale, and/or rank
- Diminished confinement and/or rations
- PCS orders
- Non-judicial punishment
- Loss of military pension
Unlike a civilian case, the burden of proof in a military punitive action is much lower. In addition, the U.S. military can impose punitive actions against you before a civil court’s determination or whether or not a civil court finds you guilty of DUI.
Call the Dennis Stanford Law Office Today
DUI convictions come with harsh penalties, such as hefty fines and jail time. As an active member of the military, the penalties you face are even more severe. To avoid “bad press” and make an example out of members of the military who get caught drinking and driving, the U.S. government pushes for quick convictions and harsh consequences. That is why it is highly critical that you speak with an experienced military defense attorney right away.
At Dennis Stanford Law Office, we proudly serve military members and their families. Our team understands the unique needs of our clients and works hard to protect the rights of those who sacrifice for our country. If you or someone you love is in the military and was recently charged with drunk driving, you can’t afford to wait. Take the first step toward protecting your rights and preserving your freedom right away by scheduling a FREE, no-obligation consultation with a skilled Fort Campbell criminal defense attorney.
What to Expect If You Were Caught Driving Under the Influence On or Off Base
Being caught driving under the influence is an extremely serious situation. But if you are an active member of the military facing a DUI charge, the stakes are even higher. As a U.S. military member, you are held to a higher standard and expected to conduct yourself in a responsible manner both on and off base. But what happens if you are caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol? This article details what you can expect after being charged with DUI and what you can do to protect your rights.
If you or a loved one is stationed at Fort Campbell and was charged with driving under the influence on base or in the Clarksville area, contact the Dennis Stanford Law Office immediately. As skilled and dedicated criminal defense lawyers, we will work hard to fight the charges and protect your reputation, freedom, and future. Contact us today to schedule a FREE consultation.
Facing a DUI Charge in the Military
Being accused of DUI is always a frightening and stressful experience. The outcome of your case can greatly impact your reputation, career, and, ultimately, your future. Facing criminal charges as a member of the U.S. military, however, can be even more traumatic.
If you are charged with DUI as a service member, you face a more challenging and lengthy legal process, and upon a conviction, you will likely incur civilian penalties and penalties imposed under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ.)
On-Base DUI
A “military DUI” refers to a military member being charged with driving under the influence. If the individual is charged with DUI while on a military base, they not only face civil penalties as set forth by Tennesse law but are also subject to penalties under the UCMJ.
Under the UCMJ, a service member is subject to administrative actions and a court-martial, which are typically determined at the commanding officer’s discretion.
Off-Base DUI
Service members charged with DUI while off base will be prosecuted by the state of Tennessee. If convicted of a first-time DUI, a defendant faces penalties of up to 11 months and 29 days in jail, a one-year driver’s license revocation, and fees up to $1,500.
Whether you are convicted or acquitted by a civilian court, the U.S. military may still choose to pursue punishment under the UCMJ, which may even include a court-martial.
Penalties Under the UCMJ
In addition to civil penalties, such as fines and possible jail time, as an active member of the military, you are subject to additional penalties under the UCMJ. Whether you were caught driving under the influence on or off base, the military can impose several punitive actions, including:
- A letter of Reprimand
- Dishonorable discharge
- Court-martial
- Suspended deployment
- Loss of security clearance
- Additional military duty
- Lower wages, pay scale, and/or rank
- Diminished confinement and/or rations
- PCS orders
- Non-judicial punishment
- Loss of military pension
Unlike a civilian case, the burden of proof in a military punitive action is much lower. In addition, the U.S. military can impose punitive actions against you before a civil court’s determination or whether or not a civil court finds you guilty of DUI.
Call the Dennis Stanford Law Office Today
DUI convictions come with harsh penalties, such as hefty fines and jail time. As an active member of the military, the penalties you face are even more severe. To avoid “bad press” and make an example out of members of the military who get caught drinking and driving, the U.S. government pushes for quick convictions and harsh consequences. That is why it is highly critical that you speak with an experienced military defense attorney right away.
At Dennis Stanford Law Office, we proudly serve military members and their families. Our team understands the unique needs of our clients and works hard to protect the rights of those who sacrifice for our country. If you or someone you love is in the military and was recently charged with drunk driving, you can’t afford to wait. Take the first step toward protecting your rights and preserving your freedom right away by scheduling a FREE, no-obligation consultation with a skilled Fort Campbell criminal defense attorney.
