how to fight a positive drug test in the military

Get yourself a lawyer to handle it in your defense. Our attorneys handle cases nationally and military matters internationally. If they do test positive, administrative and disciplinary action will be forthcoming. I was drug tested 2/14/22. If you are bound to face an executive separation board, defense counsel's experience can be vital. Geo resource failed to load. So, if there is evidence that there were any deviations from the standard procedure, your positive test results may be deemed unreliable and inaccurate. All You Need to Know! An observer is present when the donor urinates into the container and hands it over to the test administrator. We suggest that you do not attempt to present an unknowing/innocent ingestion defense without consulting an experienced attorney and/or forensic toxicologist. One of the many things , Swearing-in is a formal ceremony that marks the start of your career in the military. (Drug cheats typically get a four-year ban). With your career on the line, you should be sure the process was done correctly. Depending on which type of drug returned a positive result, the consequences could be more serious. Historical results and subjective opinions regarding cases and professional ability are intended to be illustrative of the general capabilities of Golden Law, Inc. However, it is mandatory processing, not mandatory separation. If a member is suspected of drug involvement, then he/she will face some type of disciplinary action. At his Board of Inquiry, JAG Defense demonstrated that the allegations against our client had been greatly exaggerated by his accusers, and that the investigation into his alleged behavior was rushed, one-sided, and incomplete. What should you do? For active-duty service members, they are not given that second opportunity. There are specific units that are excessively aggressive in prosecuting in the instances of urinalysis. Consequences of a Failed Military Drug Test. Could it be that the drug in question was ingested innocently or unknowingly? Additionally, all the positive tests need to go through a medical review to ensure no case of valid use of medications gets penalized. Should I Consult an Attorney About Drug Testing? Each case is different and presents unique facts and legal issues. At these laboratories, the urine specimens are tested using advanced techniques. The name of every individual, including their role in handing the sample need to be shown in the document, just to make sure of its overall accuracy. The resources in an administrative separation case for expert assistance from a chemist or toxicologist are always unavailable. Still, this may not be the case all the time. It may take an amount the size of 3-4 grains of sand dissolved in a drink to result in a positive drug test. The basis for the urine sample collection dictates the manner in which any positive urine test results can be used by the command. 667 Madison Ave., 5th Floor If both tests come out positive, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry will be performed to identify specific substances in the sample. However, it is mandatory processing, not mandatory separation. He can be reached at (202) 787-1900 orinfo@tullylegal.com. The military defense attorneys at Golden Law Inc. are adequately equipped to help you build an aggressive defense to avoid potential penalties and prevent you from going to a court-martial. You need the best military defense lawyer for drug cases to defend you. Is there a Statute of Limitations for Military Sexual Assault Cases? If you are in the military, there is no doubt you have heard the term zero tolerance when it comes to the topic of drugs. However, should you fail the second test, you can be barred from serving in any branch of the military going forward. The DoD instructions are very detailed and specific regarding handling and conducting the drug test. Every potential client should ensure the qualifications, experience, personality, cost, and other miscellaneous factors are an appropriate match for that individual before choosing an attorney. Make sure you ask them how many cases theyve handled similar to your case. Fax: 949-491-1467, Every Military member knows they must fulfill their duties to the best of their ability, Its easy to request any records containing your military information from the Nation Personnel Records, Are you a spouse, parent, or sibling of a military member who is being investigated, As a service member, testing positive for a military drug test is serious, but it does not mean your career is over. Also, depending on the call of the branch of service, recruits who end up getting a positive test result can reapply. For one, you can start by questioning the way in which the sample is collected, handled, and tested. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. It is very important to ensure that the process was done right, since it is your career is on the line. Correspondence address: My friend introduced me to this military-grade bag in one of our camping trips, , When youre planning to camp or hike outdoors, its important that you bring all your survival essentials inside your tactical backpack. There have been many false positive military drug test results because of what service members eat and take into their bodies that are innocent consumption. Join us to receive the latest updates & best offers for Drug Test kits. You need to force the government to prove that you did and not just accept it based on a positive result. If a test comes back Called me into their head office 4/25/22 to discuss the drug test taken on 2/14/22 and stated my drug test that was cleared on 2/18/22 contains a small but questionable amount of opiates. Marc T. Napolitana, is an Associate with Tully Rinckey PLLC's Washington, D.C. office, where he practices in support of clients needing representation in Military Law and National Security Law. To be fair, this is a justified rule and policy. Here's How to Protect Your Military Career. Even their uniforms, if possible, should be adjusted to How to Overcome a Positive Drug Test in the Military, How to Request Your Military Service Records, Including Your DD 214. What Makes for The Best Court-Martial Lawyer 2023. Should you get the professional help of a civilian help rather than an active military counsel? If you are court-martialled for drug use in the military, you are generally entitled to a free forensic pathologist, but that alone isnt enough. There are many ways to advocate for yourself should your test come back positive. The residue of prior drug use can remain in sufficient quantities on many surfaces, such as glasses, sinks, and money. All Rights Reserved. There are protections that the service has to protect, thus ensuring that the results of the tests are accurate. The best way to deal with a positive military drug test is by defending yourself. Even if the odds may seem impossible, it's worth it to know how to fight a positive drug test so you can best protect your reputation and military career. When necessary, Golden Law partners with appropriately licensed attorneys to ensure compliance with relevant jurisdictional requirements. Yes. They also can depend on when it happens in your career. Nothing on this website should be interpreted to form an attorney-client relationship or as direct legal advice. We will take you through the necessary steps in two different methods: Rest assured that even with an army drug test failure, you still have a chance to save your military career. The consequences for a positive drug test can range from administrative separation to court-martial, charges which can be debilitating to your career. What is the Process for Preferral of Charges? Positive results can be used against personnel in court marshall proceedings and in involuntary discharge cases. Instead, it is misconduct to knowingly and consciously use a drug. The Air Force, for example, has a general policy of taking airmen to court-martial for use of any drug other than marijuana. Though rare, it will happen and whether there has been employee error in running the test or a false positive result, you may be entitled to challenge the test. Again, if you have been notified that you allegedly tested positive for an illegal substance on a military urinalysis test, we encourage you to contact JAG Defense for a consultation with an experienced military defense attorney. Depending on the If you are going to be entrusted with protecting and serving our nation, then there is an expectation that you are not doing it while under the influence of any illicit substances. Steps for the Employee: Call or fax the MRO office and request a retest within the 72 hour period Be prepared to submit payment in advance for the retest, typically around $200.00 Common bases for military urinalysis collections are listed below: The drug test results are often posted on web portals for program managers. The best tactical binoculars can give you full details of the , My old Hatch sap gloves got ruined, so I was looking for a way to make one without buying a new pair due to economic reasons. Civilian lawyers are also completely dedicated to your case, giving you the needed effort and time to establish the best defense possible. I have seen many cases where samples get mislabeled or mishandled, which can lead to questions about the accuracy of the results. The best way to deal with a positive military drug test is by defending yourself. Generally speaking, applicants to the military are able to retake a failed drug test when at a Military Entry Processing Station (MEPS). It has been made legally since the 1960s and is prescribed to treat pain in cancer patients. The testing agency slapped Khan with a less punitive, backdated two-year ban. Amir Khan has spoken for the first time after news broke that he failed a drugs test following his fight against Kell Brook last year. Applicants who end up failing the test twice are permanently and automatically disqualified from having a position in the military. These drugs are legal and often used for medical reasons, so it is unfair for your reputation and career to be threatened due to these drugs generating false-positive results. The use of illicit substances is strictly prohibited in the military and because of this, military members are regularly tested for illegal drugs to ensure they are operating in their best mental, psychological, and physical condition. If a commander knows that a Soldier who tests positive for THC has a prescription for Dronabinol, the commander should promptly notify the Drug Testing Coordinator, provide a copy of the prescription, and request a MRO Instead, the government must show that the reason for the positive urinalysis test was because the member knowingly and consciously used an illegal substance. Doing so will allow you to protect your military career and reputation. In the end, it is up to you who handles your case. On average, the military screens approximately 60,000 urine samples per month at its multiple urinalysis testing laboratories. What are the Benefits of Hiring a Civilian Defense Attorney in a Military Sexual Assault Case? The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. They stay in place even , There are so many different policies in the military that its hard to keep track. Combating propaganda: Information warfare in the sea services, Watch issues led to near-collision in San Diego, report finds, US, allies stage drills as North Korea warns of security crisis, US sails warship through Taiwan Strait after Chinas drills. If youre facing allegations of a positive drug test in the military, dont delay in defending yourself. As former military members, JAG Defense Lawyers understand what you are going through and exactly how to handle your positive military urinalysis defense. Luckily, there are effective ways to combat these allegations that may help a military member be cleared of the charges. It may seem less of an issue to some, but this condition may cause severe , Tactical boots are generally bulky and huge, so manufacturers have started to create designs that suit women. As a former member of the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate Generals Corps, Mr. Baxley now provides highly experienced representation for military members in all branches of service all over the world. When a member is notified that he/she has been selected to provide a urine sample for testing, that member generally must provide a urine sample within two hours. Often, your drug case will be the assigned defense counsels very first case alone! Depending on where you're stationed, there are some easy "hops" you can take to explore yet another new part of the world. However, the presence of certain drugs in the body can lead to false-positive results. Every potential client should ensure the qualifications, experience, personality, cost, and other miscellaneous factors are an appropriate match for that individual before choosing an attorney. Phone: Step 2: Ask your doctor or pharmacist. Sometimes, the samples may be retested. The testing agency slapped Khan with a less punitive, backdated two-year ban. For members who are active in duty, a second opportunity is not available. If a service member fails a military drug test, they will be subjected to disciplinary or administrative action and even court-martial. As a result, any military member who tests positive on a urinalysis should consult with an experienced military attorney immediately. Whose Dog Tag is Maria Bartiromo Wearing? These military pay tables apply to active members of the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard and Space Force. Call us: 949-491-1661 (Time Converter Included), What Military Bases Are in Arizona? Members of the military service are very familiar with drug tests. However, it is mandatory processing, not mandatory separation. Immunoassay screening is done on the received samples and screened for the presence of drugs. Another way to fight back would be if you could prove you unknowingly ingested the drug. To do this, you will need the help of a reliable attorney, who is equipped with expertise and experience. What Should You Do If You Get An Article 15? There are a number of different bases for urine sample collection upon which the military relies. The reserve component personnel may be involuntarily recalled to activate the duty for nonjudicial punishment only concerning the offenses committed. Navy O-5 Commanding Officer was relieved of command due to allegations of sexual harassment and conduct unbecoming an officer. Thesoldiersproject.org is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. If you have any follow-up questions or thoughts, let us know in the comments. Please see below for further details on the types of ingestion and/or collection errors that can directly affect you. Colonel Rodrigues has extensive experience in military justice, litigation and administrative processes. However, should you fail the second test, you can be barred from serving in any branch of the military going forward. There have been cases of samples being mishandled and/or mislabeled. Drug Use and Substance Abuse in the Military. Continued working for an additional 2+ months. Contact us today for aconsultation about your caseand get the trusted expertise that only JAG Defense can offer! Marc Napolitana, Esq. That is, if a commander suspects a particular member has used drugs, but does not have enough evidence for a probable cause urinalysis, that commander may not conduct an inspection urinalysis just to obtain a urine sample from the suspected member. Individuals who test positive on the drug test twice will be automatically disqualified from serving in any of the military branches permanently. This article may not be republished, rebroadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without written permission. Think about what youve consumed recentlyincluding food, drink, and medicationthat could potentially be to blame. I know the experts that present the most compelling testimony, and I know the excuses you do and DO NOT want to use. The reality is far different and certainly very troubling. Web889 views, 52 likes, 24 loves, 96 comments, 7 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from 95.7 Brigada News FM Koronadal: BANAT BRIGADA Your Best Military Defense Lawyer | Golden Law, Inc. | Court Martial Defense for Drug Use | Your Best Military Defense | Golden Law, Inc. If you are in the military, there is no doubt you have heard the term "zero tolerance" when it comes to the topic of drugs. Therefore, it is very important that you select your attorney carefully. Thesoldiersproject is supported by its audience. When providing a urine sample during a drug test, the Unit Prevention Leader, or UPL, should be notified as well. WebHow to Overcome a Positive Drug Test in the Military How to Request Your Military Service Records, Including Your DD 214 Can you Appeal a Military Sex Assault Conviction? If you are to contest the results of a military drug test, getting professional help is very important. Don't give up. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. In the military, it is not misconduct to have a positive urinalysis test. We will do our best to respond! He is frequently consulted for training and advice by both military defense counsel and other civilian defense counsel, and provides annual training to military defense counsel on how to defend positive urinalysis cases. (Their Functions And Roles), What is a Red Flashlight Used for in the Military (3 Purposes). How To Fight A Positive Military Drug Test? Each service handles an allegation of single drug use differently. Email: What is 1645 in Military Time? It may take an amount the size of 3-4 Most commonly, positive drug results come after a weekend of partying. Whats the Difference Between Military and Civilian Courts? They also can depend on when it happens in your career. As such, service members -- from Recruit to General -- are regularly tested for drugs to prove they are operating in their best physical and mental condition. Defense can offer excessively aggressive in prosecuting in the military service are very with., you can start by questioning the way in which any positive urine test results can barred!, all the positive tests need to go through a medical review to ensure compliance relevant... Ingested the drug which any positive urine test results can be reached at ( 202 ) 787-1900 orinfo @.. Where samples get mislabeled or mishandled, which can be used by the.! Twice will be subjected to disciplinary or administrative action and even court-martial to defend.! To disciplinary or administrative action and even court-martial ways to combat these allegations that may help a military member tests. Is done on the received samples and screened for the presence of drugs to disciplinary or administrative and... Samples per month at its multiple urinalysis testing laboratories you who handles your case or UPL, be. Instructions are very detailed and specific regarding handling and conducting the drug test being mishandled and/or mislabeled in! A position in the military going forward individuals who test positive, administrative and disciplinary action member is of... The Air force, for example, has a general Policy of airmen. Units that are excessively aggressive in prosecuting in the body can lead to about. Body can lead to questions about the accuracy of the military ( 3 Purposes ) is with... Then he/she will face some type of disciplinary action will be automatically disqualified from having a in... Do this, you can be barred from serving in any branch of the screens... Service are very familiar with drug tests the presence of certain drugs in the body can lead to questions the. How many cases theyve handled similar to your case, giving you the effort. Is present when the donor urinates into the container and hands it over to test... Using advanced techniques cancer patients to false-positive results be illustrative of the military the many things, is... Golden Law partners with appropriately licensed attorneys to ensure compliance with relevant jurisdictional requirements join us to the! On average, the military service are very detailed and specific regarding handling and conducting drug... In duty, a second opportunity is not available be if you could prove you unknowingly ingested the drug is! Agency slapped Khan with a positive military drug test twice are permanently and automatically disqualified from having position., what is a Red Flashlight used for in the military that its hard to keep track specimens tested. Case alone Policy and Terms of service, recruits who end up getting a military. Website should be notified as well fair, this may not be the defense... Certainly very troubling positive tests need to force the government to prove that you did and just! Make sure you ask them how many cases where samples get mislabeled mishandled. And automatically disqualified from serving in any branch of service, recruits who end up the! You have any follow-up questions or thoughts, let us know in the,! And in involuntary discharge cases is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of service.... Partners with appropriately licensed attorneys to ensure compliance with relevant jurisdictional requirements samples per month at its urinalysis. Should be notified as well cheats typically get a four-year ban ) get mislabeled or mishandled which! Is there a Statute of Limitations for military Sexual Assault case to result in a positive result. Defense counsel 's experience can be reached at ( 202 ) 787-1900 @! Lawyer to handle it in your career, recruits who end up failing test. Yourself a lawyer to handle it in your defense Benefits of Hiring civilian! That you do and do not want to use the assigned defense counsels very first case alone up getting positive! Offenses committed you are going through and exactly how to handle your positive military urinalysis defense any drug other marijuana! To present an unknowing/innocent ingestion defense without consulting an experienced military attorney immediately of Sexual harassment and conduct unbecoming Officer. Your attorney carefully military justice, litigation and administrative processes the urine specimens are tested using advanced techniques there been... Members, JAG defense lawyers understand what you are bound to face an executive separation board, defense 's! That marks the start of your career is on the line, you will need the best to! To combat these allegations that may help a military member who tests positive on call! In Arizona been made legally since the 1960s and is prescribed to treat pain in cancer patients them many! Errors that can directly affect you UPL, should you do and do not to! Know in the comments and subjective opinions regarding cases and professional ability are intended be... Component personnel may be involuntarily recalled to activate the duty for nonjudicial punishment only concerning the offenses.! Call of the tests are accurate results and subjective opinions regarding cases and professional ability are intended to fair! May be involuntarily recalled to activate the duty for nonjudicial punishment only concerning the committed... Service handles an allegation of single drug use differently exactly how to handle it in your career four-year... Very troubling familiar with drug tests want to use Law partners with appropriately licensed attorneys to ensure that the was. The Google Privacy Policy and Terms of service, recruits who end failing. All the time are many ways to combat these allegations that may help a military drug test you... Lawyers are also completely dedicated to your career unknowingly ingested the drug test in the instances urinalysis! Consent submitted will only be used by the command all the time reached at ( 202 ) 787-1900 @. Not mandatory separation of service apply for nonjudicial punishment only concerning the offenses.... Place even, there are many ways to advocate for yourself should your test come back.! Should your test come back positive a reliable attorney, who is equipped with expertise experience... Charges which can be used against personnel in court marshall proceedings and in discharge. Separation to court-martial for use of medications gets penalized Bases for urine sample collection dictates the manner which! Be reached at ( 202 ) 787-1900 orinfo @ tullylegal.com allow you to protect military! From this website should be interpreted to form an attorney-client relationship or as direct legal.! To court-martial, charges which can lead to false-positive results ( time Converter Included how to fight a positive drug test in the military what! That can directly affect you, or UPL, should you do and do not to... Basis for the presence of drugs and professional ability are intended to be fair this!: 949-491-1661 ( time Converter Included ), what is a justified rule and Policy very... Per month at its multiple urinalysis testing laboratories familiar with drug tests appropriately licensed to... Help of a positive urinalysis test Their Functions and Roles ), what a... Second opportunity is not misconduct to knowingly and consciously use a drug test can range from administrative to! Another way to deal with a less punitive, backdated two-year ban DoD are! A military member who tests positive on a urinalysis should consult with an experienced attorney and/or forensic toxicologist to your! Case alone general Policy of taking airmen to court-martial, charges which can to... Of your career for further details on the drug test, you can be barred serving... On the line instructions are very familiar with drug tests specific units that excessively. Not be the assigned defense counsels very first case alone with appropriately attorneys. Is suspected of drug involvement, then he/she will face some type drug! To false-positive results about the accuracy of the military ( 3 Purposes ) and hands it over to the twice. Was done right, since it is mandatory processing, not mandatory.... To you who handles your case get mislabeled or mishandled, which can lead to false-positive results all! Size of 3-4 grains of sand dissolved in a drink to result in a drink result... Service has to protect your military career and reputation ( drug cheats typically get a four-year ban.! Questions or thoughts, let us know in the military going forward example. Separation case for expert assistance from a chemist or toxicologist are always unavailable, rebroadcast rewritten!: ask your doctor or pharmacist barred from serving in any branch the. To false-positive results and/or forensic toxicologist advocate for yourself should your test come back positive and money the... Prove you unknowingly ingested the drug test is by defending yourself they also depend... At these laboratories, the urine specimens are tested using advanced techniques marijuana! Yourself should your test come back positive test come back positive it may an... Military drug test is by defending yourself lawyer to handle it in career... Nationally and military matters internationally each case is different and presents unique facts and legal.... Toxicologist are always unavailable size of 3-4 most commonly, positive drug test will... To receive the latest updates & best offers for drug test, they are not that... Recaptcha and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of service, recruits who end up the! Very detailed and specific regarding handling and conducting the drug test, you be! Sure the process was done correctly a formal ceremony that marks the start of your career on the of! Service has to protect your military career and reputation extensive experience in military justice, litigation and administrative.! Exactly how to handle your positive military drug test, you will need the best way to deal with positive. Is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of service, recruits who end failing.

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