Expert: Howard Lorenz - 5/1/2008

Question
QUESTION: I am 18 and just graduating from High School in Washington State.  I have always wanted to join the Air Force but last month I had an unfortunate situation occur. I was on my way home for my 11pm curfew and as I left my friends house I took one swig of beer.  I am not a big drinker and don't know why I did it.  Anyways I got stopped for a tailight being out and the office gave me a breathalizer test that came out under the limit. He said it registered the same as if I drank some Nyquill.  He gave me a ticket anyways.  My parents hired an attorney who said he will get it dismissed because they should not have written it in the first place.  If this is dismissed do I need to even mention it when I apply at the recruiting office.  What would be your opinion?  I really don't want this to impact my joining.  I scored a 52 on the ASVAB? I have not been in any other big trouble.

ANSWER: what was the charge....exactally and whats the attourney doing for you. also were you fingerprinted....

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Under 21 driving while consumed alcohol?  The attorney says he is trying to get it dismissed saying the officer should nothave issued a ticket since it was under the limit for a minor.  I blew a .015 and the limit in my state for a minor is .02.  No I was not fingerprinted or even taken to the police station.  The officer laughed at me and said ok no more nyquill.

Answer
Ok... I'm from the State of Washington, I am suprised that they didnt nail you with a DWI.What he should have given was a Minor in Possession, but that is neither here nor there. What the recruiter is going to do is a records check.... now if this comes up the way you describe it....its a huge waiver!! Its a Group level waiver and it will interfere with your job selections. Its not impossible to get in, its just a pain. What you need to do is have the attourney make sure that the charge reads a minor in possession or something like a minor traffic infraction.. or have it completely dismissed.

Your dreams of joining the Air Force are still very alive, you just need to be careful in the future...The Air FOrce has a Zero Tolorance policy for under age drinking. There are alot of airman getting booted because they are not adhereing to the state laws and the UCMJ.