Think before you drink

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Leah Watson
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Judge Advocate
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Imagine that you are at a party, and you really don't know anyone there all that well. When you arrive they are running out of alcohol, so you collect money and pick some up. Later that night, after hours of hanging out, you realize the time and head home.

You get back without incident and decide to take your new motorcycle out for a spin. You've been waiting to take it out for a drive all day. After you park your car you jump on the bike, but you've been drinking and your reflexes are shot. Next thing you know your motorcycle is totaled, and you're injured. It seems like the night couldn't get any worse, but if this really was you, your troubles have only just begun.

A month and a half later is when I entered the story. I'm an assistant Staff Judge Advocate at the Travis Legal Office and I represented the United States in the case against the Airman whose night I just described. Wondering how a JAG got involved? Wasn't it just a bad night and an expensive repair bill? Not even close.

Let's go over the charges. One violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Article 92, dereliction of duty, for failing to refrain from giving alcohol to minors. Two violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Article 111 for drunken operation of a passenger vehicle and a motorcycle.

As a former civilian attorney, I know about the penalties of a DUI in a civilian court, and I can tell you that you will experience something more severe if you drink and drive at Travis.

The cost of a first time DUI in California can be as high as: 48 hours in jail, three years probation, four months without a license, multiple DUI classes, 10 years with two points on your license, and up to $12,000 in fees and fines (mostly based on injuries and property damage.)

What did the court give the Airman at Travis? Five days in Solano County Jail, reduction to E-1 (from E-3), and forfeiture of $250.00 pay. That is 150 percent more jail time that would have been ordered by California court, and the reduction in rank with the forfeiture of pay adds up to a lot of money in base pay and Basic Allowance Housing over the length of time it could take to earn back the stripes. And the Airman may earn the stripes back, but a DUI in the military makes them a convicted felon for life.

Thinking about drinking? Think twice before you drive. First, think of that convicted felon, now an airman basic, and then think of another way home. Use a designated driver. Call a cab. Call the Airman Against Drunk Driving hotline at 424-0013.