Joining the army is often a great step for people who can't afford college or university in any other way. However, many teens experiment with alcohol and end up drinking and driving. Anyone who is interested in joining the army needs to avoid this habit as much as possible. It could sabotage their dreams permanently.

Drinking And Driving Can Lead To DUI Charges

While drinking and driving is obviously dangerous no matter what, it is even worse if the person committing the act wants to join the military. Why? Drinking and driving increases their risk of ending up with a DUI charge. The acceptable blood alcohol level for minors is much lower than it is for those who are old enough to drink.

The acceptable blood alcohol level for teens various based on the state. For example, some states have a zero tolerance policy and will charge a teen with a DUI if their blood alcohol level is above zero percent, even if only a minute amount. Other states are more lenient, but more than a beer or two is usually enough for most teens to be considered DUI. While many teens end up getting a DUI charge while in high school or after, this can be a more serious problem than many may think.

The DUI Could Stay On Your Record

Many minors probably think that a DUI conviction will be wiped from their record when they reach the age of 18. That isn't always the case. In some states, the charge will remain on their record after they turn 18. The severity of the crime will indicate whether it stays on a record or not, as well as how much alcohol was likely ingested.

Having a DUI on a crime record can be a serious problem. It can cause a person to struggle to get loans, find it hard to get an apartment, and even lose scholarships. For those who are joining the military, it may even destroy the chances of pursuing their dream.

It Can Seriously Affect Your Chances Of Military Acceptance

While many types of juvenile offenses are wiped from a record after someone turns 18, a DUI is a more serious offense. In some instances, it can stay on record after a teen becomes an adult. This is a major difficult for those who are interested in joining the military. These branches have a zero tolerance policy on substance abuse, including alcohol.

In some instances, they may argue that even a single DUI offense constitutes substance abuse. This is especially true if the person with the offense is found guilty of a felony offense. DUI offenses, however, can often be argued down or avoided entirely by contacting a great lawyer.

So, anyone who is currently involved in a DUI case that wants to join the military needs to contact a DUI defense lawyer right away. There's a chance that they may be able to get the charge removed from the teen's record and give them the chance to pursue their dream of joining the military.