Confinement and reduction in rank - costly results of DUI Published Oct. 26, 2009 By Lt. Col. Ira Perkins 52nd Fighter Wing Staff Judge Advocate SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE - Germany -- On Feb. 7, after consuming several alcoholic beverages, Senior Airman Charles Hamilton made the decision to drive his car to a gas station near his house. He lost control of his car in the middle of a traffic circle and crashed into a lamppost. After the collision, Airman Hamilton fled the scene of the accident only to be apprehended by Dutch authorities two blocks away. Upon release by the Dutch authorities, Airman Hamilton provided a false statement to security forces, alleging his car had been stolen on the night of the incident and he was not the person who wrecked the car. At a Summary Court-Martial on Oct. 21, Airman Hamilton pled guilty to four separate crimes: driving while drunk, fleeing the scene of an accident, making a false official statement and dereliction of duty. During the sentencing portion of Airman Hamilton's court-martial, Capt. Jeffrey Lorek, lead trial counsel, argued that a strong sentence was necessary to emphasize the gravity of Airman Hamilton's crimes. Despite a good record and strong character references, Airman Hamilton was sentenced to 20 days confinement, reduction in grade to E-2 and forfeiture of $1,063 pay. Making the decision to drink and drive cost Airman Hamilton a substantial amount of time and money. The cost of a taxi and the time spent retrieving a car left at a bar are minimal compared to the punishment and possible loss of life of a driving under the influence charge.