Many young Americans aspire to join the military when they reach the age of eligibility. The military is a respectable profession that may be closed to anybody with a criminal past, whether it is considered as a means of developing their career or just as a way of serving their country. Unfortunately, certain convictions for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol may fall into this category (DUI).
Keep reading to get the basics. If you are facing a DUI, or have been convicted of one, learn how Chambers Law Firm might be able to help by calling us at 714-760-4088.
There is no hard and fast rule
When it comes to joining the military, there is no hard and fast rule banning DUIs. In other words, you will not be immediately disqualified from joining if you have a DUI conviction. However, you may not be permitted to serve if your DUI included aggravating characteristics, was filed as a felony, or was recent. You may also be unable to join the military if you have not fulfilled the conditions of your probation or otherwise cooperated with your punishment.
What about the background check?
As part of the recruitment process, the military conducts a background check. It checks for any red flags, such as criminal convictions — because DUIs are criminal convictions under California law. Our military personnel are frequently entrusted with top-secret secrets. It is critical that they can be trusted to protect this information as well as our country’s security. For these reasons, the military conducts a thorough background check on all candidates, including criminal history.
DUIs can make it harder to get accepted to the military
While a DUI will not disqualify a person from joining the military, it will make the process more difficult. An application may be required to acquire a waiver or be barred from moving forward. Any potential enlistee with higher aspirations, such as attending Officer Candidate School, will find it difficult to achieve this goal if they have a DUI conviction on their record.
If you have been charged with a DUI, the terrible implications of a conviction — in addition to the legal penalties — make it all the more crucial that you employ an effective DUI defense attorney. While there are no certainties, a professional lawyer can put together the best possible defense by analyzing the facts of your case and considering all legal alternatives for reducing or dismissing the accusation.
If you are convicted of a California DUI, it is critical that you follow your Orange County DUI defense attorney’s advice and fulfill all of your probationary requirements. This will ensure that you can continue to pursue your objectives, such as joining the military.
We defend individuals charged with DUI throughout Orange County and the surrounding regions at the Chambers Law Firm. Our tenacious advocacy ensures that our clients receive the best possible outcome based on the facts of their case, allowing them to go on with their lives. To book a free first consultation with a defense attorney, call 714-760-4088 or email dchambers@clfca.com now. Even if you have been previously convicted, we can look at potential expungement options that might apply.
