A DUI or a Assault – Domestic Violence accusation while you are active duty military can be devastating. For the hundreds of service personnel that we personally know, all of them take great pride in their service and commitment. They want to quickly move past whatever the legal issue is and get back to serving their nation. We deeply value that commitment and do our best to make that happen.
Our Commitment To Service Members
We are honored to have received the Naval Challenge Coin, a token given by the Navy in recognition of service, achievement or affiliation. We received the coin for the volunteer educational seminars that we provided on base to help service members deal with civilian legal issues.
This award certainly pales in comparison to the dedication and service given by our military community but we are proud to stand committed with our active duty service members during times of civilian legal challenges.
Military Members Are Accountable to TWO Authorities
Our active duty clients face double the accountability. Not only do they have the prosecutor and civilian court system to answer to, they typically face numerous consequences from the military as a result of a civilian criminal case.
Fortunately, we employ strategies that can often minimize or eliminate the threat of your military career devastation after a DUI arrest in Washington State. We can never guarantee that you won’t be separated from duty but we use our decades of experience to put you in the best light and communicate with Command (when requested) to coordinate all potential positive outcomes.
What Can You Do Immediately After Being Accused Of DUI?
* Alert your Command right away. As they will find out, it is better they find out from you. Failure to report can lead to separate, further disciplinary action.
* Your command may require you to begin chemical dependency / alcohol classes. Do whatever is requested.
* Get to a mental place where you can achieve and maintain sobriety. One misstep while under your Command’s scrutiny will make it easy to separate you.
* Don’t shut out friends and/or family. While this may be a stressful and trying time, it is not the time to “soldier-on” alone. Get help when needed.
* If you have an upcoming deployment, let your attorney know! That last thing you need to is have a warrant issued while you are underway.
* Make court obligations and treatment obligations your number one priority!
* Contact a local, highly skilled DUI defense attorney. Some DUI attorneys have significant experience with members of the military. At Witt Law Group, we have represented hundreds of military members going through the DUI process as well as Assault / Domestic Violence accusations.
What Are Some Of The Potential Consequences?
* Captain’s Mast, or NJP (potential loss of rank, reduction in pay, restriction to the base, ship, carrier or submarine and extra duties)
* The loss of your security clearance
* Inability to participate in a regularly scheduled deployment
* Loss of base driving privileges
* Court-Martial, which can lead to federal charges and potential imprisonment
* Lastly, and most severe, is separation from service
What Can We Do To Assist A Service Member?
* We have relationships with the Deputy Prosecutors. We can convey with authority the impact that the pending prosecution will have on the service member’s career.
* Our staff has the channels and knowledge to provide the required treatment paperwork from the Navy chemical dependency treatment provider to the Court / probation.
* With your permission, we can speak to your Command and keep them apprised of your case progress
* We appear for all court hearings, even while the service member is away. This brings the risk of having an arrest warrant issued down to zero.
* We provide guidance on driver’s licensing issues. Many of our clients in the Navy, Army, Marines, Coast Guard and Air Force are not from Washington, and do not have a Washington driver’s license. The complexity of dealing with a Washington driver’s license suspension on an out of state driver’s license is immense.
* We always achieve the best outcomes for our clients in criminal courts. This is achieved through diligent representation, experience, and by keeping our military personnel’s unique circumstances at the forefront of our defense.
Our Clients Come From All Branches
We represent military service members stationed at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS & IMF), Naval Base Kitsap, Bangor, Keyport, Manchester, Naval Hospital Bremerton, Naval Magazine Indian Island and Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM).
We Are Here To Help 7 Days A Week
Don’t lose hope if you are accused of DUI or other crime. Our criminal defense and DUI defense attorneys at Witt Law Group have more than two decades of experience fighting DUI accusations for our local military service members.
We offer free consultations and payment plans for active duty members. Do not delay in reaching out! We are here 24/7 for a consultation. (360) 792-1000
