Special Considerations for Active-Duty Service Members | Protecting Military Careers

For active-duty service members, reservists, and veterans in Colorado, a criminal charge can jeopardize far more than freedom. Military members face dual systems of accountability—civilian courts and military command—and even minor offenses can trigger career-ending consequences, loss of rank, discharge proceedings, or the revocation of a security clearance.

At Pav Law, we defend military service members facing criminal charges in Colorado. We understand how civilian cases intersect with military discipline, and we focus on protecting both your legal rights and your military career.

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Military Members Face Unique Legal Risks

Unlike civilians, service members may face:

• Civilian criminal charges
• Military administrative action
• Command notification and investigation
• Nonjudicial punishment (Article 15)
• Courts-martial proceedings
• Security clearance review

A single incident can ripple through every aspect of a service member’s career.

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Criminal Charges That Threaten Military Careers

Certain convictions carry especially severe military consequences, even if the penalties in civilian court seem minor.

High-Risk Charges for Service Members Include:

• DUI or DWAI
• Drug offenses, including marijuana-related charges
• Domestic violence allegations
• Assault or violent crime charges
• Sex crimes
• Weapons offenses
• Theft or fraud-related offenses

Many of these charges trigger mandatory reporting, command involvement, or clearance review.

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Traffic Offenses and Military Consequences

Even traffic offenses can create military exposure when they involve:

• DUI or impaired driving
• Reckless driving
• Accidents involving injury
• Repeated violations

Loss of driving privileges can affect duty assignments, deployment eligibility, and military occupational specialties.

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Security Clearances and Criminal Charges

Security clearances are often more vulnerable than people realize. Criminal allegations can trigger:

• Clearance suspension or revocation
• Loss of access to classified information
• Ineligibility for promotion or specialized roles

Charges involving dishonesty, substance use, or poor judgment carry heightened risk. Early legal intervention can help mitigate clearance fallout.

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Civilian Charges vs. Military Discipline

Civilian cases do not automatically end when a court case resolves. Even dismissed or reduced charges may still lead to:

• Command review
• Administrative separation proceedings
• Adverse personnel actions

Pav Law understands how to defend cases with military consequences in mind, not just courtroom outcomes.

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Why Military Defense Requires a Different Approach

Defending a service member requires:

• Awareness of military reporting obligations
• Strategic communication to minimize command fallout
• Understanding how civilian outcomes affect military status
• Coordination with military counsel when necessary

Many service members suffer avoidable consequences because their civilian defense did not account for military realities.

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How Pav Law Defends Service Members in Colorado

Our military defense approach focuses on protecting both liberty and livelihood. Depending on the case, we may:

• Fight for charge reductions that limit military exposure
• Challenge unlawful searches or investigations
• Negotiate resolutions that avoid disqualifying convictions
• Defend against protection orders that impact base access
• Coordinate strategy with JAG or military defense counsel
• Prepare cases for trial when necessary

We treat every military case as a career-impact case.

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Off-Duty Conduct Still Matters

Service members are often surprised to learn that off-duty conduct—even off base—can still lead to military consequences. Courts do not explain these risks, and civilian prosecutors rarely consider them.

Early legal guidance makes the difference.

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Act Early to Protect Your Military Career

Military-related cases move quickly, and decisions made early can shape your future. Early legal involvement allows us to:

• Limit command involvement
• Prevent career-ending convictions
• Protect security clearance eligibility
• Preserve future service options

Waiting often removes options. Acting early preserves them.

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