By Staff Sgt. Nestor Cruz
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
(Editor’s note: This is part two of a series on how DUIs impact Airmen and the mission.)
Airmen charged with driving under the influence are finding out there’s more to pay for that “one last drink” than the usual $4.50 or so, or the public humiliation an Airman faces after arrest.
Ultimately, drinking and driving could cost someone their life.
“The member will receive treatment through the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program, and this may cost greater than $20,000,” said Tech. Sgt. Tanya Miller, 19th Medical Group mental health flight section chief. “Of course this does not count the price of an attorney, court fees, fines, possible increase in insurance or loss of coverage, and any other charges associated with the DUI or accident.”
Base legal professionals say various fines can be charged against an Airman found guilty of DUI per Arkansas state law.
Air Force Reserve Capt. Christine Hendrickson, a 19th Airlift Wing assistant staff judge advocate and a Lonoke County deputy prosecutor, said Airmen who are found guilty of driving while intoxicated off base for the first time will spend one day in jail, lose their license for six months and be fined $1,020.
A second DWI will get the offending Airman a week’s time in jail, loss of their license for two years and a fine of $1,220.
For a third DWI, Airmen can spend a minimum of 90 days in jail, lose their license for 30 months and be fined $1,520.
A fourth DWI within a five-year period will result in a felony conviction with up to six years in jail or a fine of $10,000 plus $300 court cost or both. The license will also be revoked permanently.
Aside from fines and court costs, Airmen found guilty of DUI must pay for all medical bills if injuries occurred and the offender was found not in the line of duty. Captain Hendrickson said the Air Force will not pay medical bills for an Airman’s misconduct. Failure to pay medical bills can result in collection agency action and lawsuits.
The squadron commander will decide on the appropriate punishment for a DUI after an Airman has spent time in jail off base, said Capt. Ryan Turner, a 19th AW assistant staff judge advocate.
“[Squadron commanders] take every case individually and look at all the factors,” said Captain Turner. “Reduction in pay will not happen unless [the DUI occurs] on base. If it does happen on base, then forfeiture is an option for commanders.”
If a DUI occurs on base and results in an accident with injuries but no death, then the offender can spend up to 18 months in jail and may face a possible bad conduct discharge with loss of all pay, said Captain Hendrickson. Airmen will also lose on-base driving privileges for at least a year, she added.
The member’s unit may also face a financial burden when itcomes to funding manpower and training.
“All involved may be looking at a huge financial toll to the Air Force - training a new member is not cheap - the member’s family (financially and emotionally), and the Airmen [covering for the offending member] since they may have to pay for more child care to be able to cover for the accident victim’s duties until a replacement can be established,” said Sergeant Miller.
As Airmen head off to enjoy the Memorial Day weekend, wing leaders want everyone to not only have a safe holiday weekend, but they want them to have a safe, DUI-free summer.
The goal is simple: “No DUIs, No Excuses, Drink Responsibly.”
Setting the conditions for success means supervisors and Airmen should focus attention on responsible alcohol use by highlighting programs in place, such as having a plan, calling 987-AADD (2233) or a supervisor when an Airman has had too much to drink.
Part 3 in this series will highlight the effects on an Airman’s career.
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