One Mistake Shouldn’t Cost You Your Military Career. We Help Make Sure It Doesn’t.

You’re ready to serve. You’ve worked hard, passed your ASVAB, and shown your commitment to joining the military. But now, your recruiter says there’s a problem: a DUI or drug charge from your past might disqualify you. The excitement turns to panic. You’re asking yourself:

  • “Am I permanently disqualified?”
  • “Does it matter that it was years ago?”
  • “Can I even fix this?”

Yes—you can. But you’ll likely need a Moral Conduct Waiver, and the truth is, not all waiver requests are created equal.

At the National Security Law Firm (NSLF), we specialize in helping individuals across the country win their waiver cases—especially in complex situations involving alcohol- or drug-related offenses. With the right legal approach, your mistake doesn’t have to define your future.

Can a DUI or Drug Charge Be Waived?

Yes—but it depends on the details. The Department of Defense (DoD) allows branches to grant waivers for DUI and drug offenses under certain conditions. Each case is evaluated on factors like:

  • The number of offenses
  • How long ago the incident occurred
  • Your age at the time
  • Whether there was rehabilitation
  • Whether the offense was misconduct or major misconduct under DoD Instruction 1304.26

In most cases, a DUI or drug charge doesn’t automatically bar you from military service—but it does mean you’ll need to request a waiver, and that waiver must be supported by compelling evidence and legal reasoning.

For more background on how waivers work, visit our Complete Guide to Moral Conduct Waivers in the Army.

Important Legal Realities About DUI and Drug Charges in the Military Context

  • All offenses—whether sealed, expunged, or dismissed—must be disclosed.
     This is mandated by the DoD and DD Form 1966. Failing to disclose could lead to discharge for fraudulent enlistment.
  • Each military branch has slightly different waiver policies.
     What the Army may consider “misconduct,” the Air Force might classify as “major misconduct.” Waiver approval depends on the branch, the severity, and the quality of your waiver packet.
  • The military distinguishes between use and distribution.
     A simple drug use or possession charge may be waivable. Drug trafficking, however, is often non-waivable without extremely rare circumstances and high-level approval.
  • Rehabilitation is key.
     The military wants to see that the behavior is in the past and unlikely to recur. That’s why your legal strategy, rehabilitative documentation, and narrative framing matter so much.

How Much Does It Cost? Flat-Fee Pricing and Affordable Options

We offer flat-fee representation for $5,000. That includes:

  • Review and analysis of your DUI or drug charge(s)
  • Retrieval of court and police records
  • Drafting a legal waiver memorandum
  • Gathering and presenting evidence of rehabilitation
  • Advising on command-level endorsement (if applicable)
  • Submitting and tracking the waiver with your recruiter or service branch

We also offer legal financing through Affirm. This allows you to break the fee into manageable payments while we get started right away on your case.

👉 Explore financing options here

Why Choose NSLF?

We are the nation’s most trusted law firm for Moral Conduct Waivers—and especially for alcohol- and drug-related disqualifications.

  • ⭐ 4.9-star Google rating
  • Founded by disabled veterans who understand military values and expectations
  • Staffed with former military judges, prosecutors, adjudicators, and security clearance experts
  • We’ve helped clients in every state and every service branch
  • We build tailored, strategic waiver packages that speak directly to the decision-makers
  • We know how to win—even in difficult or second-offense cases

You’re not just hiring a lawyer—you’re getting a mission-ready team that knows how to clear your path to service.

Additional Resources

Want to learn more about navigating your waiver case? Check out our other articles:

For a full list of resources and insights, visit our Moral Conduct Waivers Practice Page.

Start Fixing This Today

The earlier you start, the better your chances. The military waiver process can take weeks or even months—and incomplete or poorly written waivers are often denied without explanation.

Don’t risk it. We’ll guide you through every step and build the strongest possible case for you.

📅 Ready to fix this? Book a free consultation now. It’s fast, easy, and you’ll walk away knowing exactly what to do next.

👉 Schedule Your Free Consult Here

The sooner you act, the sooner you can move forward—toward service, stability, and a future you’ve worked hard to earn.

We’re here to help you get there.