Differing Arrest Procedures for Enlisted Service Members, Part 2

arrest procedures enlisted service members
Differing Arrest Procedures for Enlisted Service Members, Part 1
March 6, 2020
understanding consequences skipping bail
Understanding the Consequences of Skipping Bail, Part 1
April 3, 2020
Show all

Differing Arrest Procedures for Enlisted Service Members, Part 2

arrest procedures enlisted service members

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the differences between when a normal citizen is arrested and when an actively enlisted military service member is arrested. Because they’re held to different and higher conduct standards, military personnel may face a variety of different circumstances or punishments when arrested, including those over and above any legal consequences.

At Beehive Bail Bonds, we’re proud to provide 24/7 bail bond services to a variety of clients, including those who are military service members and have been arrested. In part one, we went over differing standards of conduct and how scheduling or related areas might change for service personnel – in today’s part two, we’ll discuss several of the specific consequences that may be levied upon military members who are arrested, namely results that go beyond the scope of the law itself.

Security Clearance Issues

If a military service member is arrested, it’s possible and perhaps even likely that their superiors and the military in general will begin to consider this individual a risk. The armed forces are all about reducing the potential for any major risks, and one of the methods they’ll often take here is pulling security clearance for one of their members who is arrested.

There are a variety of forms of criminal activity that may lead to such a clearance being revoked, and repeat behavior may also play a role. In addition, any drug or alcohol abuse will almost certainly result in revocation of security clearance, and perhaps even suspension.

Rank Reduction

In cases where the military service member in question has a significant charge that ends up in them being sentenced to at least a year of prison time, rank reduction will become a factor as well. All personnel in such situations will have their rank reduced to private, no matter where it was previously.

For lesser offenses where someone is sentenced to between 30 days and 364 days in jail, a reduction in one or more pay grades will generally be the additional punishment. In addition, those with criminal issues outside the military may be denied promotions or other advancements based on this.

Misconduct Separation

Finally, in cases of serious charges or certain major patterns, these legal issues could lead to a complete separation between you and the military. General discharges may be given to those who have a pattern of such behavior, meaning you would also lose education assistance. In many cases, such discharges will be dishonorable, a designation that could be present for years or even the rest of your entire life, with results such as loss of pension, healthcare and others.

For more on enlisted service members being arrested and what might happen, or to learn about any of our bail bond or other services, speak to the staff at Beehive Bail Bonds today.