I recently received my first DUI. Still waiting for BAC results from blood test. I haven’t seen any recent posts here about DUIs so I thought I’d start a new one. Not really sure what to do. I just filed for renewal before my arrest. I’ll be renewing my 2/M unlimited. Any advice? Experiences to share? Thanks in advance.
Renew NOW. No matter how much time is left on your MMC. And get a lawyer and be sure they understand the definition of “conviction” in 46 CFR 10.107.
“First” DUI? Planning on more…?
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Thanks for the feedback.
As I stated, I already submitted my renewal before the arrest. My application has been accepted by the NMC and is awaiting security vetting. I’ll let my lawyer know about 46 10.107. Do you have any knowledge on what happens if convicted, or know anyone who’s gone through this?
“First DUI” meaning that this is my first DUI that I have ever had, I’m and I’m offering that information so that others may be informed when reading this and provide effective feedback. But I suppose I deserve every smart comment I have coming my way after my mistake.
Thanks again for taking the time to respond.
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Congrats!!
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From “BeerCaptain” 
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Time to move to being an airline pilot
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I feel like lately there is a DUI or drug offense question here every other week.
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Hey
I got charged with 34 felonies, but I am a teetotaler, only job I can find it being the POTUS.
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Follow Mr Cavo’s advice…do the disclosure form, be honest and it is usually a smooth process (I know from experience!).
Providing it is not a pattern or part of a larger legal issue, the CG wants to see your court papers and that you are taking steps to avoid the problem in the future.
The ONLY rub you will have is sailing to Canada. While a PITA, you can get a work-around which is a) time consuming, b) cumulatively expensive c) but allows you to continue to sail/work when on a Canadian trip. The “Temporary Residency Permit” is your work-around and you’ll likely need to hire a Canadian Immigration attorney for the first year or two to help with completion, but if the option is NOT working, the cost is a bargain.
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Go to rehab and show them you are taking care of your addiction.
Convicted of 34 felonies
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Blood test result may be higher than BAC but you probably know that already. Do as JD Cavo suggested and make sure you don’t get another. The USCG is kinda understanding on the first one but it gets complicated after that so in the future call Uber or bum a ride, it’s not worth the risk for many reasons.
Most of the first offenders I sailed with and there were a few went on to become masters and chiefs.
I did something similar when I was charged with misdemeanor reckless endangerment or something like that by the a-holes in the state of Virginia after driving 15 miles over the limit. 70 in a 55 mph zone. I did everything my lawyer told me to do before trial, one of them being preemptively, voluntarily taking a safer driver course. The class judges usually require people to take after being convicted of DUI etc. The charge was lessened to a moving violation at court. A possible bad thing about going to a rehab though is if a person ever wants to get a government clearance. They ask about that kind of stuff & a “Yes” answer usually means more scrutiny
Pretty sure I will be the next POTUS lol
Make sure you are transparent with the USCG asap. Character matters.
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More scrutiny for govt clearance is the same as the USCG as long as you are honest and forthcoming
I have a friend, former assistant engineer who stupidly put “yes” on his uscg physical concerning sleepwalking. He’s probably still jumping through hoops over that bullshit. I don’t know if he still has to do it but when I was working with him he had to get a letter from the Master or CE saying he didn’t sleepwalk any longer for renewals. I would be very hesitant to tie a recovering alcoholic sign around my neck by going to a rehab is all I’m saying. Whenever you have some beers eating pizza or watching football you’d be labeled a relapsing addict, not good.
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Then, there is “they found cocaine in my residence”.
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The USCG to the best of my knowledge uses NDR [national drivers registry] and NCIC to screen. Even then they take into consideration the time since the last offense/conviction. Medical issues? They don’t have access to much. I would not share very much if it was a past issue. Use some common sense. If it wasn’t a condition that needed to be treated medically then why mention it? On the other hand on going conditions should be reported. Once you mention any issue they have protocols to go thru. Example: I was told my mom caught me once sleep walking twice when I was 11. Is that a history of sleep walking? Yep. Did I report it? No.
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I’ve been fortunate because my uscg physical questionnaire looks the same as it did 25+ years ago from when I was a teenager. I’m not sharing much with the uscg but completely open & honest on clearance paperwork which is why I would be hesitant to go to a rehab to lighten the consequences of a DUI. Common clearance questions are, “Have you ever seeked treatment for alcoholism? Have you ever seeked treatment for drug addiction? Have you ever seeked treatment for gambling?” A “Yes” will not get you disqualified for the clearance but it will get you disqualified if you answer “Yes” to the follow up question of, “Do you still drink alcohol, use drugs or gamble?” Probably best not to go to rehab unless you intend to give up drinking all together if you want to get or keep a clearance imo.
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