Sobering facts about DUI

  • Published
  • By Monica D. Morales
  • 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFPN) --  Breaking the law does not often require an invitation for formal attire, but Airmen here charged with driving under the influence can expect just that.

When charged with a DUI, Airmen here are requested to show up in their service dress uniform at the office of Col. Edmond Keith, 96th Air Base Wing commander.

“I have them put on that uniform because it’s the uniform I would have to put on when I explain to their parents why they no longer exist after wrapping themselves around a telephone pole, or explaining to parents why one of my Airmen killed their child,” Colonel Keith said.

Last year, the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Prevention and Treatment program here reported 46 active-duty DUIs. As of August, 34 DUIs have been reported this year.

Florida statute defines DUI as a person driving or in actual physical control of a vehicle who is under the influence of alcohol or other controlled substances with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 or higher. This number determines whether an individual is legally drunk or intoxicated.

Though the trend for Eglin had been a steady increase in the number of DUIs since 2003, Capt. Mitzi Mitchell said the base has begun to see a decrease in DUI numbers compared with the first quarter of 2005.

“The trend has already been decreasing. Earlier in the year, the numbers were really high. Now they’ve already gone down this first quarter,” said Captain Mitchell, the ADAPT program manager here.

Numbers for Eglin may be taking a downward turn, but DUIs still remain a national problem.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 1.5 million drivers in 2002 were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics, putting the DUI arrest rate at one for every 130 licensed drivers in the nation.

Legal repercussions stemming from a DUI vary according to location and circumstances, but one thing is certain -- the penalties, be they monetary or otherwise, come at high costs.

“The financial costs are great and are often a lot more than people recognize,” Captain Mitchell said.

Costs and penalties associated with DUI in Florida vary by county, but the price tag of a first-time DUI ranges from $4,000 to more than $25,000. In Okaloosa County, this figure can include $250 to $1,000 in DUI fines, $372 to $1,425 in court fees, $1,500 to $5,000 in attorney’s fees and a variety of other fees, depending upon blood alcohol level.

Legal officials said servicemembers with DUI offenses can be taken to court-martial and charged under Article 111 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. If a DUI results in personal injury, an Airman can expect a maximum punishment including a dishonorable discharge, confinement for 18 months and forfeiture of all pay and allowances.

Without personal injury, the maximum punishment is a bad conduct discharge, six months confinement and forfeiture of all pay and allowances.

DUIs can also be handled through Article 15 action, with punishments varying depending on case circumstances and a commander’s decision.

Suspension of a driver’s license for one year, personal injury lawsuits, vehicular manslaughter and prison sentences can also accompany DUI charges.

Colonel Keith said the military is the most respected institution in the United States, thus holding Airmen to a higher standard.

“Irresponsible drinking is one of the easiest ways to become a civilian below the zone,” he said.