If convicted of a DUI, finding any new job can become difficult. Most employers will require you to list any felony or misdemeanor convictions. This is the case if you are considering entering the military. Regardless, if you have a DUI, this does not mean that you will have no chance of entering the military. You can still get accepted to the military. But, you must tell the military about your prior crimes. They will decide if you are still fit to serve based on your individual case.

DUI Impact

When deciding who can join the military, the military heavily considers a person’s character. While getting a DUI shows poor judgment, the military will take your personal situation into consideration. This means that you won’t automatically get ruled out as a candidate for the military due to a DUI charge. If you can demonstrate to the military ways in which you have taken responsibility seriously and if you can show that you have reformed your ways since your DUI, you will make a strong case and could get accepted into the military.

The military doesn’t solely take into account a guilty conviction. They will also look at your character and other positive actions that you have taken in your life. The important thing is not to hide the DUI conviction from the military. You must inform the military of any criminal charges or run-ins with the law. Hiding this information will only hurt your chances of getting accepted to the military.

Acceptance In The Army

In order for you to have a chance at entering the military with a DUI charge, someone will have to sign a waiver for you. This waiver means that the officer is aware of your past legal troubles and is willing to look past them. Even if not convicted of a DUI, but accused of one, you will want to inform your recruitment officer and the officer above him. If you got accused of a DUI, you will still need to get a waiver signed in order to have consideration for the military. Generally, someone with a higher rank than the recruiting officer will have to sign this waiver.

If currently serving jail time for a DUI conviction, the military most likely won’t consider you as a candidate for the military until you have finished your sentence. Similarly, if you are on probation, you might not be considered until your probation is over. However, there have been cases where the military has accepted candidate currently on probation for a DUI related crime. You can still apply even if you are on probation, although your chances might be slim.

Getting a DUI doesn’t automatically mean that you will be unable to start a career in the military. Your personal case will get considered by the military. Also, there is a chance that you will get accepted, particularly if you can prove that you have changed since your DUI. In order to build a strong case, contact Ruane Attorneys at your earliest convenience.