What Crimes Disqualify You From the Military in Georgia? 2025

Everyone makes mistakes. The question is, how long can those mistakes haunt us? If you’re a person living in Georgia with felony charges, you have to abide by certain restrictions in life. One of those restrictions impacts your ability to join the US military. So, what crimes disqualify you from the military in Georgia?

The rules are different for each branch, and the answer may be different from person to person depending on the details of their charges and their situation as a whole. You can consult with a Georgia military lawyer to help you understand your situation, and if you need specific advice, a local military crimes lawyer in Savannah can guide you through your next steps. In the meantime, understanding a bit more about this topic can help you make decisions about your future.

Crimes and Your Military Eligibility in Georgia

You still have a chance at joining the United States military if you’ve committed a crime, but it fully depends on the type of crime you committed. Most misdemeanors are not going to cause a huge issue when it comes to your military eligibility. Criminal offenses that are likely to affect your situation include:

• DUI/DWI convictions. Criminal convictions involving driving under the influence can disqualify you from the military. In 2022, 28 percent of all car accident fatalities were related to intoxicated driving.
• Drug-related offenses. Drug crimes can typically be broken down into these categories: possession, distribution, possession of paraphernalia, trafficking controlled substances and narcotics, trafficking or distributing prescription drugs, and manufacturing or the intent to manufacture.
• Felony offenses. Any type of felony conviction typically makes you ineligible to join the military. This includes acts such as aggravated assault, arson, murder, terrorism, and more. In 2023, there were 949 offenses reported in Chatham County, including both violent crimes and property crimes.
• Sex crimes. Any sex-related crimes can disqualify you from joining the military. This type of crime includes things like child sexual abuse, human trafficking, indecent exposure, prostitution, rape, sexual assault, and more. There were 61 rapes reported in Savannah in 2024, and these types of crimes are known to be underreported.
• Specific misdemeanors. Certain misdemeanor convictions can make you ineligible to join the military, specifically ones that involve moral turpitude or violence. Moral turpitude refers to any immoral or depraved acts that violate social norms. Examples of misdemeanors that could disqualify you from the military include child abuse, domestic violence, and robbery.

How to Join the Military With a Felony Conviction in Georgia

Felons can still have the opportunity to join the military, depending on the specifics of the charges and the case. Waivers are available to military applicants with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis for certain branches of the military.

Each branch has its own policies when it comes to how it handles applicants with felony convictions.

• Air Force. Any sort of criminal record can impact your eligibility for enlistment into the Air Force, which can make it exceptionally hard to be accepted with a felony conviction. It’s not impossible, but it is highly unlikely.
• Army. The Army issues waivers on a case-by-case basis to individuals with felony convictions who want to join. That said, individuals with multiple convictions are disqualified from joining.
• Coast Guard. The Coast Guard authorizes waivers on a case-by-case basis. It’s important to do your research to understand the specific requirements for joining the Coast Guard with a felony conviction.
• Marine Corps. You cannot have any felony convictions on your record if you want to be a Marine. You must pass a criminal background check to be able to join this branch.
• Navy. You may be able to join the Navy with a felony conviction, but not if that conviction was for offenses that involve domestic violence, illegal drug use, sexual misconduct, or other types of violence.

It can be helpful to work with a Georgia criminal lawyer to evaluate your case and come up with a plan of action that makes sense for your situation.

FAQs About Military Eligibility and Criminal Law in Georgia

What Criminal Charges Disqualify You From the Military in Georgia?

You can still join the US military if you’ve committed a crime, so long as you obtain the necessary Criminal Record Waivers. Crimes that can disqualify you from joining the military include DUI/DWI convictions, drug offenses, felony offenses, misdemeanors involving moral turpitude or violence, and sexual crimes.

Who Can Represent Me in a Military Criminal Case in Georgia?

If you’ve been convicted of a military crime in Georgia, you have the option to work with either a civilian attorney or a military attorney. There are military legal assistance offices at most military installations across the state that offer free legal services to active military members and their families. However, you may decide to retain legal representation on your own if you want to work with a Georgia criminal attorney who has experience with a specific area of law.

How Can I Improve My Chances of Being Accepted Into the Military With a Criminal Record?

You can’t get around disclosing your criminal history with a military recruiter. A criminal conviction can make it more challenging to be accepted into the military, but you can take some steps to make a stronger case for yourself. It’s helpful to be honest and upfront about your path and demonstrate how you’ve improved yourself since the offense occurred. If possible, obtain character references from trustworthy sources that can vouch for your rehabilitation.

Do Any Branches of the Military Accept Felons?

The US Army, Navy, and Marine Corps may allow felons to join their ranks depending on the specific case. In these situations, the individual with the felony needs to obtain the correct waivers and complete any additional requirements. The Air Force is typically the strictest when it comes to determining eligibility for a felon and rarely issues waivers, if ever. It’s important to note that felons with multiple convictions cannot join.

Discuss Your Situation With a Georgia Military Crimes Lawyer Today

Navigating the world of the US military can be daunting, especially when it comes to dealing with your criminal history. At New South Law, LLC, we’re dedicated to learning your story and getting you the help you need. Contact us to discuss your case in more detail with a Georgia criminal lawyer today.