Better to tell or let them find out

[sweetpeaches]

What is the name of your state? Mississippi

Recently charged with DUI/possession of a controlled substance while in leave in Texas. Didn't tell my command. Court date is in a few weeks and I was wondering should I tell them or just go to the court date and keep this under the rug. Could I go to DAPA and tell them I have a problem & get help? Will I get kicked out over this? What can I do to keep my career?What is the name of your state?

[fozzy2]

If the "controlled substance" runs afoul of military zero-tolerance policies then your career may already be over. The military is bound to find out sooner or later, and by then the situation will probably be worse -- you will have lied on paperwork and/or violated an order to keep the military apprised of legal problems.

If you do not inform your command, and go to the court date, what happens if you get put in jail? Then you will be UA, *and* they will probably find out quickly what is up, and they will likely be even more PO'd. If you inform your command, they may have no choice but to discharge you. However, they may be able to do it administratively with a minimum of hassle. As always, lie and cause problems down the road and the military could decide to slap various UCMJ charges on you -- in addition to whatever the civil court dishes out. If you need drug/alcohol treatment, by all means ask for it, but once you are charged with crimes it is probably too late to avoid the repercussions.

[cyberspook]

Originally Posted by fozzy2

If the "controlled substance" runs afoul of military zero-tolerance policies then your career may already be over. The military is bound to find out sooner or later, and by then the situation will probably be worse -- you will have lied on paperwork and/or violated an order to keep the military apprised of legal problems.

If you do not inform your command, and go to the court date, what happens if you get put in jail? Then you will be UA, *and* they will probably find out quickly what is up, and they will likely be even more PO'd. If you inform your command, they may have no choice but to discharge you. However, they may be able to do it administratively with a minimum of hassle. As always, lie and cause problems down the road and the military could decide to slap various UCMJ charges on you -- in addition to whatever the civil court dishes out. If you need drug/alcohol treatment, by all means ask for it, but once you are charged with crimes it is probably too late to avoid the repercussions.

Like Fozzy said. Tell them now and face the music.

I once was in a car accident. I mean something simple no drugs or alcohol, just a nasty little fender bender that I thought should be handled by myself. My 1 SGT got the news across his desk one morning and the next thing you know I am being asked why I didn't inform him. Nothing came of it but the point is that they are going to find out, better from you right away.

Good luck, I hope this works out well for you.

[sweetpeaches]

what drug policy does the navy/airforce enforce? is it zero tolerance?

[SHORTY LONG]

Yes, all of our Armed Forces' has a ZERO policy
on illegal drug use.