Military DUI / OVI Attorney In Independence, Ohio

If you receive a DUI / OVI charge while you are in the military, the penalties against you will be more severe. Drunk driving is taken more seriously in the military than for civilians for a few reasons, including the expectation that enlisted individuals and officers to serve as role models for society. If you are facing a DUI / OVI while serving, you may be concerned about your status and whether you will be penalized in a harsh manner. Cleveland DUI attorney A. Dale Naticchia can assist you with evaluating your situation and the evidence against you to identify any affirmative defenses that may be available to you. He represents clients throughout Akron and other parts of Cuyahoga County, so call our office as soon as possible to start taking control of your DUI / OVI charge.

Military DUI / OVI

There are a number of sentences that apply to drunk driving cases involving military members including dishonorable discharge, demotions, deductions from pay, fines, and imprisonment. This can be a serious roadblock to any ambitions toward moving upward in the military. When a reviewing committee is screening candidates for promotions, DUI / OVI charges are often one of the first things that they will look for among the candidate pool. It could also mean that you will find yourself more commonly receiving job assignments that are less desirable compared to other options. An example may be carrying out extra watch duty assignments.

A military DUI / OVI is punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), which is a body of federal law that governs the military justice system. It also details criminal offenses under military law, including drunk driving charges. If a civilian court and a military court file state law and UCMJ charges for the same drunk driving incident, both bodies will coordinate to determine who has jurisdiction over the matter.

If you are charged with a DUI / OVI while on base, it will not impact your civilian record but you will face penalties like a court martial and adverse administrative sanctions. Being charged with a DUI / OVI even while off-base and off-duty can still have negative consequences for your military career. If your commanding officer learns that you were involved in a DUI / OVI charge or convicted of a DUI, he or she has the option to punish you through the military justice system, as well. This can include extra duty or a requirement that you complete an alcohol abuse program. A seasoned DUI / OVI attorney can evaluate what consequences may be involved in your case.