DUI Defense Attorney In NJ For Military Personnel
If you need help with a DWI, 1,402 of my clients received NO DWI Conviction – CALL ME
A DWI charge is serious for anyone—but for members of the military, it can be career-ending. If you’re in the U.S. Armed Forces and arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in New Jersey, you face consequences in both the civilian and military justice systems. Your rank, benefits, and even your future in the service could all be at risk. Don’t take chances. You need a defense attorney who understands both New Jersey law and military procedure.
A DWI charge is serious for anyone—but for members of the military, it can be career-ending. If you’re in the U.S. Armed Forces and arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in New Jersey, you face consequences in both the civilian and military justice systems. Your rank, benefits, and even your future in the service could all be at risk. Don’t take chances. You need a defense attorney who understands both New Jersey law and military procedure.
Dual Jeopardy: The Military Risks of a DWI Arrest
A DWI for service members is more than a traffic violation—it’s a direct threat to your military record. Whether you were arrested on base or off base, you could face punishment from two different systems.
- On Base: Federal charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
- Off Base: Civilian prosecution in New Jersey state court, plus separate military discipline.
Even if you’re found not guilty in civilian court, your commanding officer can still impose severe military penalties such as Article 15 punishment or a court-martial. This means you could lose pay, rank, or even your military career.
How Military and Civilian Courts Differ
A DWI case in military court follows completely different rules than in civilian court. In a New Jersey Municipal Court, the jury must unanimously agree that you’re guilty. In a court-martial, only two-thirds of the panel (jury) needs to agree. That makes it much easier for prosecutors to win a conviction.
Military courts also follow their own procedures under the UCMJ, with unique rules for evidence, jurisdiction, and sentencing. A civilian attorney experienced in both systems can spot mistakes, challenge weak evidence, and fight for a better outcome.
The Life-Changing Consequences of a Military DWI
A civilian DWI conviction might mean fines, loss of license, or short jail time. In the military, the penalties are far more severe and can destroy your future:
- Dishonorable or Bad-Conduct Discharge: Ends your service, takes away your veterans’ benefits, and damages your reputation permanently.
- Reduction in Rank and Loss of Pay: Hurts your income and career advancement.
- Confinement in the Brig: Jail time under military control.
- Loss of Security Clearance: Prevents promotions or special assignments.
Even a first offense can have devastating long-term consequences.
Jurisdiction: On Base vs. Off Base
Where you were arrested determines how your case begins:
- On-Base Arrest (Federal Jurisdiction): You’ll likely appear before a Federal Magistrate Judge, prosecuted under federal law. This process often blends New Jersey DWI law with federal procedures and military oversight.
- Off-Base Arrest (State Jurisdiction): You’ll face standard DWI charges in a New Jersey Municipal Court, but your commanding officer can still take action under the UCMJ—meaning you’ll face both civilian and military consequences.
The Reisig Advantage: Trusted Defense for Military Members
When your freedom and military career are on the line, experience matters. Reisig Criminal Defense & DWI Law, led by Matthew Reisig, has been defending service members for nearly 30 years. The firm is one of the most trusted DWI defense practices in New Jersey.
Why Service Members Choose Reisig Law:
- Over 1,400 Clients with No DWI Conviction: Proven success defending DWI and refusal cases.
- Advanced Knowledge of Breath Testing Technology: Mr. Reisig’s involvement in New Jersey’s “Alcotest” hearings gives him a deep understanding of how to challenge technical evidence.
- Respected by Prosecutors and Judges: His reputation across all 21 counties helps him negotiate better outcomes and build strong defenses.
Protect Your Future—Act Now
If you’re in the military and arrested for DWI in New Jersey, you are fighting two battles: one in court, and one for your career. Do not wait to get help.
Contact Reisig Criminal Defense & DWI Law at (732) 625-9660 today for a free consultation. With nearly three decades of proven results, the firm knows how to protect your rank, your record, and your future.
