How a DUI Can Affect Your Military Career or Federal Employment

A DUI arrest can be frightening for anyone. But if you’re in the military or work for the federal government, the stakes are even higher. One charge can threaten your clearance, your career, and your future.

At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we understand what’s on the line. Our office is located near Fort Meade and the NSA, and we regularly represent clients who face DUI charges in federal court, no matter their rank or job title. Whether you’re active duty, a federal contractor, or a government employee, we’re here to protect your rights and your record. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.

What Makes a DUI a Federal Offense?

Most DUI charges in Maryland are tried in state court. However, if you’re arrested on federal property, your case will likely be prosecuted in federal court.

That includes:

  • Military bases like Fort Meade
  • Federal buildings or government parking lots
  • National parks or protected federal land

Federal DUIs are prosecuted under:

  • 36 C.F.R. § 4.23 – applies to DUIs in national parks
  • 18 U.S.C. § 13 – the Assimilative Crimes Act, which allows the government to apply Maryland’s DUI laws to federal property

In short, being convicted of a DUI at the federal level can leave you with a permanent federal criminal record.

Impact of a DUI on Military Service Members

Military personnel often face two battles: the criminal charge in court and administrative consequences from their command. Even if your DUI happens off base, your leadership will likely be notified.

Possible outcomes include:

  • Article 15 (non-judicial punishment)
  • Written reprimands
  • Demotion in rank or restricted duties
  • Loss of on-base driving privileges
  • Early discharge or denial of reenlistment

In addition to legal penalties, a DUI can delay or block promotions, limit your deployment options, or result in the loss of special assignments. If you hold a security clearance, it may be suspended or revoked depending on the details of your case.

Trust our team to protect your rights in federal court so you can maintain your military standing and continue your service.

DUI Risks for Federal Employees and Contractors

If you’re a civilian employee or contractor with a federal agency, a DUI can have serious career consequences—even if it’s your first offense.

You may face:

  • Suspension or loss of your job
  • Clearance review or revocation
  • Denial of promotions or project assignments
  • Long-term damage to your employability within federal agencies

These consequences don’t just apply to intelligence or defense workers. Anyone holding a sensitive position or any role requiring public trust can be affected.

We’ve defended clients employed at the NSA, federal law enforcement agencies, cybersecurity firms, and defense contractors. While we are committed to winning an acquittal, we may also consider options that avoid conviction or reduce the long-term impact on your record.

How Hartman Attorneys Defends Federal DUI Charges

Federal DUI cases follow different rules and timelines from state-level offenses. You need a lawyer who knows the court system, the prosecutors, and the procedures involved in a federal case.

Our approach includes:

  • Reviewing the stop, arrest, and testing procedures for errors
  • Determining whether the incident happened on qualifying federal property
  • Seeking dismissals or reductions when possible
  • Protecting your right to a fair and thorough defense

Above all, we are committed to resolving your case discreetly and protecting your professional future. At Hartman Attorneys at Law, our clients deserve confidentiality, and we honor that trust every step of the way.

What To Do After a Federal DUI Arrest

If you’ve been arrested for a federal DUI, don’t try to handle it alone. Taking the proper steps can make a big difference:

  • Don’t speak to your employer or command about the arrest without legal advice
  • Avoid posting about the incident online or discussing it publicly
  • Contact a federal DUI attorney as soon as possible.

Administrative actions often move fast, especially when clearances or military reporting requirements are involved. We’ll step in quickly to assess your case and help you prepare a solid defense.

Talk To A Maryland Federal DUI Lawyer Today

A DUI on federal property doesn’t just affect your license—it can put your entire career at risk. At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we understand the high stakes for military members, federal employees, and contractors in Maryland. We take your defense seriously and offer straightforward, confidential representation. If you’ve been charged with a federal DUI, call us today to schedule a free consultation.

Federal DUI

How a DUI Can Affect Your Military Career or Federal Employment

A DUI arrest can be frightening for anyone. But if you’re in the military or work for the federal government, the stakes are even higher. One charge can threaten your clearance, your career, and your future.

At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we understand what’s on the line. Our office is located near Fort Meade and the NSA, and we regularly represent clients who face DUI charges in federal court, no matter their rank or job title. Whether you’re active duty, a federal contractor, or a government employee, we’re here to protect your rights and your record. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.

What Makes a DUI a Federal Offense?

Most DUI charges in Maryland are tried in state court. However, if you’re arrested on federal property, your case will likely be prosecuted in federal court.

That includes:

  • Military bases like Fort Meade
  • Federal buildings or government parking lots
  • National parks or protected federal land

Federal DUIs are prosecuted under:

  • 36 C.F.R. § 4.23 – applies to DUIs in national parks
  • 18 U.S.C. § 13 – the Assimilative Crimes Act, which allows the government to apply Maryland’s DUI laws to federal property

In short, being convicted of a DUI at the federal level can leave you with a permanent federal criminal record.

Impact of a DUI on Military Service Members

Military personnel often face two battles: the criminal charge in court and administrative consequences from their command. Even if your DUI happens off base, your leadership will likely be notified.

Possible outcomes include:

  • Article 15 (non-judicial punishment)
  • Written reprimands
  • Demotion in rank or restricted duties
  • Loss of on-base driving privileges
  • Early discharge or denial of reenlistment

In addition to legal penalties, a DUI can delay or block promotions, limit your deployment options, or result in the loss of special assignments. If you hold a security clearance, it may be suspended or revoked depending on the details of your case.

Trust our team to protect your rights in federal court so you can maintain your military standing and continue your service.

DUI Risks for Federal Employees and Contractors

If you’re a civilian employee or contractor with a federal agency, a DUI can have serious career consequences—even if it’s your first offense.

You may face:

  • Suspension or loss of your job
  • Clearance review or revocation
  • Denial of promotions or project assignments
  • Long-term damage to your employability within federal agencies

These consequences don’t just apply to intelligence or defense workers. Anyone holding a sensitive position or any role requiring public trust can be affected.

We’ve defended clients employed at the NSA, federal law enforcement agencies, cybersecurity firms, and defense contractors. While we are committed to winning an acquittal, we may also consider options that avoid conviction or reduce the long-term impact on your record.

How Hartman Attorneys Defends Federal DUI Charges

Federal DUI cases follow different rules and timelines from state-level offenses. You need a lawyer who knows the court system, the prosecutors, and the procedures involved in a federal case.

Our approach includes:

  • Reviewing the stop, arrest, and testing procedures for errors
  • Determining whether the incident happened on qualifying federal property
  • Seeking dismissals or reductions when possible
  • Protecting your right to a fair and thorough defense

Above all, we are committed to resolving your case discreetly and protecting your professional future. At Hartman Attorneys at Law, our clients deserve confidentiality, and we honor that trust every step of the way.

What To Do After a Federal DUI Arrest

If you’ve been arrested for a federal DUI, don’t try to handle it alone. Taking the proper steps can make a big difference:

  • Don’t speak to your employer or command about the arrest without legal advice
  • Avoid posting about the incident online or discussing it publicly
  • Contact a federal DUI attorney as soon as possible.

Administrative actions often move fast, especially when clearances or military reporting requirements are involved. We’ll step in quickly to assess your case and help you prepare a solid defense.

Talk To A Maryland Federal DUI Lawyer Today

A DUI on federal property doesn’t just affect your license—it can put your entire career at risk. At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we understand the high stakes for military members, federal employees, and contractors in Maryland. We take your defense seriously and offer straightforward, confidential representation. If you’ve been charged with a federal DUI, call us today to schedule a free consultation.