When you enlist in the military‚ you’re swearing an oath to serve your country. This means agreeing to abide by the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Among other things‚ this code requires that you obey orders and not engage in any act or conduct that would amount to a felony. Now‚ what does this mean for you when it comes to your military retirement pay? In short‚ if you are convicted of a felony‚ you may lose all of your military retirement pay and other benefits. This is true even if the felony is a minor one.
If you’ve been convicted of a felony‚ it’s important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible so that you can preserve any rights that you may have.
What is a felony?
A felony is a criminal offense that is punishable by imprisonment for a term of years or life. Convicted felons can lose their military retirement pay and benefits. A felon may also lose other rights and privileges accorded to U.S. citizens‚ including the right to vote and access to certain public programs.
Losing one’s military pension and benefits can be a significant financial setback‚ particularly if one is relying on the income to support oneself during retirement. In most cases‚ those affected will need to apply for reinstatement of their retirement benefits from the Department of Defense (DoD). If denied‚ they may be able to pursue redress through civil courts.
Those convicted of a felony may also face other restrictions on their lives‚ including limitations on eligibility for certain jobs or education opportunities. They may also be prohibited from owning firearms or engaging in certain activities‚ such as drinking alcohol or traveling outside the United States.
How does military retirement pay work?
Military retirement pay is a pension earned by members of the military when they retire. Retirement pay is based on years of service‚ as well as rank and ratings. Retired officers and enlisted members receive a monthly pension‚ as well as retired pay for each year of service after 20 years. Service members can lose their military retirement pay if they are convicted of a felony. The amount of military retirement pay lost depends on the severity of the felony conviction and the amount of time served in prison.
What are the consequences of being convicted of a felony?
If you are convicted of a felony‚ you may lose your military retirement pay. This is because the military considers a felony to be a serious crime. If you are convicted of a felony‚ the military will not grant you a honorable discharge.
Can you lose your military retirement pay if you are convicted of a felony?
Yes‚ you can lose your military retirement pay if you are convicted of a felony. This includes any felony that carries a sentence of at least 1 year in prison or a felony that results in the loss of civil rights.
Conclusion
As you may know‚ a military retirement pay is based on years of service and rank. If you are convicted of a felony‚ your military retirement pay may be reduced or eliminated altogether. This could have serious financial implications for you and your family if you are relying on that income to live.
If you have any questions about whether your military retirement pay might be affected by a felony conviction‚ speak to an attorney who can help guide you through the legal system.
