Trusted Camp Pendleton Defense Lawyers For Service Members Facing DUI Charges

When it comes to DUI charges, the stakes are typically high for military service members stationed at Camp Pendleton, a Marine Corps base located in Southern California just north of Oceanside. Having been a former USMC Captain and combat veteran, Attorney William Christoph and his son Attorney Nick Christoph understand the special needs, programs available and consequences for military members and veterans.

If you are a service member arrested for DUI, you could face additional command consequences including but not limited to non-judicial punishment (NJP), loss of drivers’ license, loss of pay, restriction to base, loss of rank, letter of reprimand and certainly impact on your career or re-enlistment in the Marine Corps.

Location Of Your DUI Arrest Determines Court Jurisdiction

The location servicemembers are stopped often determines whether the case will be heard at the local state or federal level in addition to any command or base action.

Since the base is located on federal land, DUI stops inside Camp Pendleton base are handled by the Military Police (MP) or contract Base Police and fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. District Court in San Diego.

Alternatively, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) covers major roads outside the base, including Interstate 5 and Highway 76 and 78. Those stopped outside the base on these and other highways will fall under local jurisdiction either CHP or local police or Sheriff will be prosecuted in California State Court located in Vista, North San Diego County.

Choosing Christoph Law Offices For Your DUI

At Christoph Law Offices, we have a great deal of experience and understanding of military consequences. Attorney William Christoph, is a former USMC Captain, along with his son Attorney Nick Christoph, and has defended thousands of DUIs and other criminal cases in both North County Superior Court in Vista and downtown federal court for Marines and veterans. Together they have extensive experience handling issues involving drivers’ license suspension, misdemeanor and felony DUIs, with alcohol, drugs, priors and accidents.

Getting the Best Resolution Possible Is Our Goal

We not only carefully review the evidence in your case including the initial contact detention, arrest, and testing but also screen all active duty service members and veterans for Military Diversion which is a program which can result in dismissal of all charges if you qualify and complete the program. We also advise you on what needs to be done to help get the best result in your case as well as get the restricted license right away. Awards, promotions, letters of appreciation and the possible serious consequences of conviction on your career are important considerations. There is also the reduced charge of “Wet Reckless” or reckless driving with alcohol in your system – not under the influence which may be possible. Penalties are much less – but this lesser charge is difficult to negotiate and usually requires a borderline blood alcohol, no accident, cooperative and mitigation including AA meetings, programs etc.

DMV Administrative Actions

Even though your DUI case may be in state or federal court, the California DMV still proceeds with the “Pink Sheet” Notice of Suspension proceedings with an administrative license suspension action. This civil process is separate from your criminal charges.

You have only 10 days from the date of arrest to contact the DMV to challenge the drivers’ suspension notice and avoid a license suspension in 30 days. We will immediately request a hearing and an extension of your driving privilege, usually about 60 to 90 days, pending the hearing and results. This allows you to fulfill the necessary requirements for DMV to immediately get a restricted license once the suspension starts.

Your Military DUI Questions, Answered

When your career is on the line, you are likely looking for answers to many questions. Below are answers to common questions service members and their families ask us.

What happens after a DUI arrest at Camp Pendleton?

After a DUI arrest, you face two immediate challenges: the criminal charge (in federal or State court) and the DMV’s 10-day deadline. Your command may be notified, triggering potential administrative action in addition to civilian proceedings. Cases involving collisions need immediate legal attention due to additional evidence and potential enhanced charges. An experienced DUI attorney can handle both the court case and the DMV process while you focus on your military obligations.

What are potential penalties for a service member convicted in a civilian Court of a DUI at Camp Pendleton?

Civilian penalties for a first-time misdemeanor DUI conviction include:

Three to five years’ informal probation
Up to six months jail (or alternative) – jail is usually avoidable with a first offense and there may be some work project depending on the facts and criminal record
Significant fines
Required DUI programs
Six-month license suspension (restricted license available)

What happens to a criminal record for a service member convicted of a DUI?

A DUI conviction becomes part of your permanent civilian criminal record and will show up in your SRB (Servicer Record Book) or OQR if there was a command action like NJP or Letter of Reprimand etc. This could impact your future military career, civilian employment, professional licenses and security clearances. If you qualify for Military Diversion (PC 1001.80), your civilian case can be dismissed. We thoroughly screen every servicemember, active duty or veteran, for eligibility for this crucial defense option.

Reach Out To The Christoph Team Today

Attorneys William and Nicholas Christoph have the military background, experience and skill which can help get you the best resolution in your case.

Reach out today to discuss your DUI case with a free initial consultation with a trusted Camp Pendleton DUI defense lawyer. Call 760-941-5720 or send us an email.