If you are an active member of the U.S. military, avoiding a criminal conviction in civilian court is not just about staying out of jail—it’s about protecting your career, your benefits and your future in the armed forces.
Service members are held to a high standard of conduct both on and off duty. Even a misdemeanor conviction in civilian court can result in serious consequences for someone in uniform. That’s just one reason why it’s so important for any service member facing criminal charges to work with a skilled defense attorney who understands both the civilian justice system and the unique demands of military life.
Why is a conviction potentially such a huge deal?
A conviction can affect many aspects of a service member’s military status. It can lead to a loss of rank, pay reduction and a loss of security clearance. In more serious cases, a conviction could result in discharge from service—sometimes under conditions that are less than honorable. This kind of separation can impact your eligibility for veterans’ benefits, future employment and even your ability to reenlist or transfer to another branch.
Depending on the charges at issue and where the offense occurred, you may face civilian prosecution, military punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), or both. Civilian courts don’t always take military status into account when deciding a sentence. However, a criminal conviction in civilian court can quickly trigger a military review or disciplinary action, especially if it involves violent behavior, dishonesty, drug offenses or weapons violations.
Even if a conviction does not result in discharge, it can still damage your military record and limit your advancement. Many command officers have little tolerance for criminal behavior, and a single conviction—especially if not handled properly—can stall a promising career.
What should you do if you’re in the military and facing charges?
If you’re under investigation or have been arrested, do not discuss your case with superiors, coworkers or military investigators until you have spoken with a skilled legal team. Statements made during command investigations or to military legal officers can be used against you in both military and civilian proceedings.
The choices you make now can impact the rest of your life. A conviction can follow you long after your service ends. Fighting back now might be one of the best decisions you ever make.