Hello,

I am a 23-year old female and a recent University of California graduate with a degree in International Relations. I graduated with a 3.5 GPA and studied abroad for a year in Egypt. Following my graduation I spent a second year in Egypt to perfect my Arabic language skills and have gained not only a proficiency in both classical Arabic and in the local dialect, but also a deep knowledge of regional cultures and customs.

I have been considering a career as a Marine Corps Intelligence Officer for several years, and upon my return to the States I contacted an OSO and together we have been working on my application package.

That was until three days ago.

Up until that point I considered myself an outstanding citizen with a spotless record. Then, after three glasses of wine I decided to get in my car and drive home. I didn't make it very far - I was arrested and charged with a DUI.

My case is still pending and it will be nearly a month before I need to appear in court. I hired an attorney and we have begun to dissect my case. We are hoping to reduce the charges, but nothing is certain until I appear before a judge.

I have not yet mentioned any of this to my OSO because I am not sure what his reaction will be. I also do not know what the USMC's perspective is on this: will I be rejected outright, or is there anything I can do to improve my standing in their eyes?

I would appreciate advice from any seasoned recruiter or veteran.

Thank you for your help.

Tell your OSO, don't keep him in the dark. This isn't something that you can hide.

What department was it that pulled you over?

Yes, I will tell my OSO. I just want to be fully prepared and know all of my options before our meeting.

Re HollywoodMarine: I was pulled over by the California Highway Patrol.

Ahh... triple-A with a gun. Yeah, they are pretty good at that. Hopefully it works, but shoot me a PM. I might be able to give you some guidance on your incident.

The bad news is you're DQ'ed until this is all finished. The good news is that you should be done one way or another within three to six months. Three months if you beat it, six if you don't and you have to attend three months of DUI schooling for one nite a week. After that you petition the court to drop probation so you can enlist and then you're in.

You may have to forget about intel for awhile but if you stick around long enough you'll get it. I also wouldn't be surprised if you end up starting enlisted but you may still become an officer yet after you prove yourself. But again, you may still be able to sign on as an officer so I'd speak with your Recruiter to verify everything accurately.

Get with Hollywood and see what you can work out to your advantage. Best of luck to you and not to worry, it's only your first DUI, no one was hurt and there wasn't an accident. Everything will work itself out before you know it. Just hang in there, don't demotivate or quit on you or your dream.

I had a co-worker who got a DUI. He lost his job as a result. (You have to have a valid CDL to work at my job.)

He got his DUI dropped to reckless driving, paid some fines and so on....

He got his job back!

Im not saying that reckless driving is better than a DUI but I guess it is not viewed "As Bad".

Hopefully things will work out for you!

AWildEagle26
Semper Fidelis
, Just Kidding!