Criminal & DUI Defense For Military Personnel
Why Military Personnel Face Harsher Penalties When
They Are Arrested & Convicted By Civilian Authorities.
If you are serving our country, you are held to a higher standard. It might not be fair, but it’s a fact.
Any criminal conviction can result in serious penalties, but if you’re in the military, your service record will be impacted. And depending on the charge, a conviction can result in a BCD.
If you, or a fellow service member, have been arrested by civilian authorities anywhere in Okaloosa County or Santa Rosa County, it just makes sense to get a professional civilian defense lawyer instead of relying on a public defender.
And I’d like to be the civilian defense attorney you call. Here’s why.
- I will not pressure you into doing anything – I’ll answer your questions and ask you several as well. And there is no charge. If you’d rather meet somewhere to discuss your situation, I’ll meet with you where it’s convenient for you – you do not have to come to my offices. This is a free service as well.
- I’ve established a good working relationship with law enforcement and the local court systems. And that gives me a unique advantage when pushing for a reduction of your charges, negotiating a plea or defending you in court.
- Over the years, more than 50% of my clients have been military personnel. I understand your unique needs and have been very successful at defending those in the military.
After we’ve spoken, if you want me to help, I will. If you do not, it’s okay – no hard feelings.
Before you pick up the phone and call, take a look at the special information just below. It’s a question and answer section that covers a number of specific questions my past military clients have asked me. I hope it helps.
And after you’ve reviewed this section, pick up the phone and call me at (850) 243-6097. I’m available 24/7 365 days a year to help.
FAQ’s That Military Personnel Ask After Being Arrested
Q: What will a conviction do to my career?
A: A conviction could potentially end your career. With strict recruiting guidelines in the military, a conviction can mean discharge for a service member (see below for domestic violence and ability to possess a weapon)
Q: If I am non-deployable, what does that mean for me?
A: Depending on your MOS, you could be placed on Rear-D or non-deployable status. This could be crucial if you were scheduled to deploy prior to an arrest.
Q: Can I deploy while under PTS/DPA/PTI or probation?
A: All requirements have to be met pre-deployment or TDY unless you have received clearance from the department monitoring you or the court to suspend your term until you return from TDY or deployment
Q: Can I take classes for my court case on base?
A: The base will offer most classes, some free of charge, for most offenses. Classes that are not offered are DUI/Driving classes.
Q: Will I be restricted to base?
A: If you are charged with a DUI or similar offense you more than likely will be restricted to the base or have a very strict pass to leave. Domestic violence and drug cases are different. Your command will more than likely want to see the outcome of the case before restricting your privilege.
Q: Will I get extra duty?
A: If you are charged with a DUI or similar offense you more than likely will have extra duty.
Domestic violence and drug cases are different. Your command will more than likely want to see the outcome of the case before ordering extra duty.
Q: What is command going to do to me?
A: DUI and other related offenses will be treated different. Your initial punishment will be harsh and you will be required to appease command early on. Even when your court case has concluded, the military will likely have you seek additional classes and/or counseling. For domestic violence and drug charges, command will wait until the court has made their ruling and the case is concluded. From that point you will be watched very closely in your requirements and command may add classes and evaluations to your list of tasks.
Q: Can I lose rank?
A: Anytime you are faced with criminal charges you can potentially lose rank in the military. Command will more than likely wait until the court case has been concluded to make this decision.
Provided you are proactive immediately after getting charged with an offense, you may be able to mitigate the possibility of losing rank.
Q: I was arrested for Domestic Violence – What is going to happen?
A: Under the The Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997, it is unlawful for an individual convicted of a state or federal “misdemeanor crime of domestic violence” to “ship, transport, possess or receive firearms or ammunition.
And military personnel are not exempt from this law. If you are convicted, your military career is essentially over. This is one criminal charge that must be handled by a pro if you are in the military.
That said, more often than not, and in matters dealing with a service member that for all intents and purposes has been a “good solider”, command will wait until the outcome of a court case before taking action against that service member.
As a defense attorney, I make sure my clients are proactive at the beginning of their case. Making amends and taking extra classes, before being ordered to can mean the difference in loss of rank and privileges, or even a loss of career. This proactive behavior goes a long way with command and I insist my clients be proactive after an arrest for domestic violence.
