It is embarrassing to be pulled over, asked to do roadside drunk driving tests, and taken to jail, arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). After all of that, the last thing you want to be worried about is how a DUI could affect your military career? As proud military personnel, our men and women in uniform routinely demonstrate loyalty, duty, honor, and integrity. It would be a shame for one lapse of judgment put a military job at risk.

Military DUI in Georgia

Most DUI cases involve people driving while intoxicated on state or local roads and highways. These DUI cases are handled by state officials and prosecuted by the state courts. However, when a DUI takes place on a military base, the matter is handled by the military justice system. Either way, the penalties for a DUI conviction are serious.

In the State of Georgia it is against the law to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The legal limit for alcohol in the body for most drivers is 0.08 blood alcohol concentration (BAC). If a chemical test reveals a BAC of 0.08% or higher, they are considered impaired. For drivers under the age of 21, the state has a zero tolerance policy towards drunk driving, with the limit reduced to 0.02% BAC.

Georgia Military Base DUIs

Georgia holds the honor of being home to a number of military bases. We have tens of thousands of active duty and reserve military members here, representing the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps. With thirteen military bases in the state, military personnel who have one too many drinks, and drive to their home on base risk arrest by military police for drunk driving on base. In these cases, the military will deal with the arrest according to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

When a member of the military is arrested for intoxicated driving, not only will they face administrative penalties, but they may face a court martial as well. The penalties for a DUI will depend on the individual facts of the case, criminal and disciplinary history of the individual, as well as their rank.

Under Article 15 of the Code, there are a number of non-judicial penalties for a DUI charge. Additionally, administrative penalties could also be applied. These penalties could include:

  • Forfeiture of pay;
  • Reduction of pay grade;
  • Incarceration;
  • Bar to reenlistment;
  • Discharge from service;
  • Revoked pass privileges; and
  • Mandatory alcohol treatment.

DUI Charges Off Base

If an individual in the military, whether officer, enlisted personnel or persons of any rank, is caught driving drunk by the police, they will be arrested on DUI charges. The case will then be handled by the state court. Penalties could include:

  • 12 months of probation;
  • Fines of up to $1,000;
  • 1 to 10 days in jail;
  • Community service;
  • License Suspension;
  • DUI School; and
  • Mandatory treatment and counselling

Military Personnel DUI Defense

Just because the police arrested you and charged you with drunk driving does not mean you are guilty. Let me fight your DUI charges, to make sure you get the DUI defense you deserve. If you are in the military, and have been arrested for a DUI, call me today so we can discuss your case, and fight to get your charges reduced, or even dropped entirely.