I have a question regarding whether someone is eligible for a military funeral.

Let's call the person "James."

James served in Vietnam and was honorably discharged after service. He died yesterday in a shootout with drug dealers. (He had been in the house when it was raided by gangsters)
Police found he was a drug dealer and that he may have murdered someone prior to this event.
So basically, James is now accused of murder and the distribution of drugs. But this is all found out right after he died.
Would James still be eligible for a military funeral because he served in Vietnam? Or would he be eligible for any sort of funeral (even if his body is withheld by the police/FBI?)

Your replies are appreciated.

I'd ask that question to the Casualty Division at an active post or base. They are the experts when it comes to eligibility and regulations on this matter.

Ok so this may possibly be 'after the fact' now, but I believe that he should be/should have been eligible for military funeral benefits. An honorable discharge from the military is not erased by anything, even possible crimes later in life as a civilian. Plus, at the time it doesn't sound like he was legally found guilty. I hope that your friend was found to be eligible.

Dishonorable conduct that reflects felonies, thus dishonoring soldiers final farewell ceremonies having passed before in the most sacred of duties are denied to those (exceptions) who dishonor the call, duty and final rest of the honored. In other words. Become a crook, thief, murderer, drug dealer...don't expect a military farewell in the most sacred of traditions, and seriously, you can't really expect one, can you? The OP surely jests, in that he expects the same honors even though severely tainted by dishonor?
Eres Tu!
Freddy

One Honorable Discharge is all that is required to qualify for funeral honors. A copy of "James" DD 214 is evidence.

I think in the original post, it said "may be" or "possible."

There was no conviction noted- therefore no indication of anything dishonorable. The DD 214 says honorable so he should receive whatever a vet receives when he passes. If memory serves, the Legion and VFW maintain posts in some prisons for vets who...

Certain felonies in federal courts can remove all federal entitlements. I know espionage, treason and any convection that results in a deportation can remove all rights and privileges of federal benefits. If memory serves me right, any conviction of a capital crime in a federal court carries the possibilities.

OAL