pulaski county military criminal lawyers

Those in the military who have failed a drug urinalysis could face a wide range of problems. During a court-martial, the government could produce evidence against the accused, which could result in reduced rank, lost pay, and possibly military discharge.

When those in the military fail a drug urinalysis, they may have several questions: 
Won’t those charged with drug crimes be severely punished? 
Does the military still practice a zero-tolerance policy for drug crimes? 
Is there any way to dispute the charges?

There are many cases where military defense attorneys will advise service members to take a plea bargain because these attorneys tell their clients it will reduce the severity of the charges. However, this is not always the best approach for those who have failed a drug test. Military members who have failed a urinalysis should seek guidance from a private military attorney.

How Does a Private Military Criminal Attorney Help?

A private military criminal lawyer can be the difference between a guilty or not guilty verdict. Without a carefully planned strategy, it will be difficult for an individual to persuade a jury that he or she is innocent.

Although law enforcement officials and prosecuting attorneys want the accused to believe the results from a urinalysis are always perfect, many instances have proven the test can be flawed. For example, if an individual eats poppy seeds, then he or she may fail a drug test because opiate was detected during analysis. Furthermore, certain inhalers can cause individuals to fail a urine test for methamphetamine.

There are also circumstances where individuals were not aware they ingested an illegal substance, so a failed urinalysis does not always show guilt. From flawed test samples to mistakes made at a laboratory, a private military defense attorney can recognize any mishaps.

Those in the military who have failed a urinalysis should understand the importance of having the right defensive team on their side. Even if the charge seems minor, it could have penalties that include missed ranked promotions and reduced rank.

The Military can be Aggressive

There is a zero tolerance policy for members of the military who are involved with the use or distribution of illegal substances, including drug paraphenlia, such as glass pipes, e liquids, vaporizers, hand pipes, and more. Regardless of the severity of the offense, military prosecutors want to make an example out of those facing a drug charge.

Those who face a minor drug charge may feel their punishment may be less severe, but this assumption is a mistake. All drug crimes in the military are taken seriously and follow a strict process, which usually includes a court-martial. In most cases that involve a court-martial, prosecutors could seek jail time as well as punitive discharge.

Military members who have failed a drug urinalysis test should not lose hope. There are many cases that can be sited for flawed tests and human error. It is common for government military attorneys to advise their clients to take a plea deal, but a failed urinalysis test should not be the deciding factor of a service member’s fate.

FAQs About Military Urinalysis

Question: What drugs will be detected in a urinalysis? Answer: Although all military service members will randomly be tested for marijuana, cocaine, and amphetamines, samples may also be tested for barbiturates, PCP, and opiates.

Question: What Test is Used? Answer: An immunoassay is the drug test administered by the military. It is an inexpensive, simple, and fast way to receive results.

Question: Are There any Common Flaws in Immunoassays? Answer: Although the test is though of as reliable, the past has shown it can sometimes return false positive results. Furthermore, some opioids can make it difficult for immunoassays to provide accurate results.

Question: How Many Random Drugs Tests are Administered Annually? Answer: Throughout the year, the Department of Defense (DoD) randomly administers drug tests on military individuals. In 2016, there were an estimated 60,000 drug tests performed on service members monthly.

When a service member fails a urinalysis, time is of the essence, so it is critical for him or her to contact a private criminal defense attorney immediately. An experienced defense attorney can identify flaws, such as human mistakes and inaccurate test results, which.