A dishonorable discharge from the military can happen for many reasons. For example, you may have been accused of desertion or refusing to follow legal orders. There could be allegations of criminal conduct, such as sexual assault or manslaughter. In some cases, a dishonorable discharge can even be given for fraud. These are just a few examples of many potential reasons why this would happen.
Regardless of why this occurs, it can have a major impact on your future. For instance, you may have been hoping to receive certain benefits after your service. But you may be denied those benefits if you have a dishonorable discharge. So how long is it going to stay on your record and continue to impact your life?
A dishonorable discharge usually doesn’t expire
Unfortunately, the truth is that a dishonorable discharge can stay on your record for life. It doesn’t naturally expire. One way to think of it is as similar to a felony conviction in criminal court. Once you have that felony on your record, even if you serve your time, pay fines and the like, the record remains. This is why it can continue to affect your life for years or even decades into the future.
That doesn’t mean you have no options. In some cases, it’s possible to address the issue and have your record altered. Maybe you believe that the dishonorable discharge never should’ve been handed down in the first place. You may be able to go before the Board of Corrections for Military Records to adjust the charges or have the discharge altered to another classification.
At a time like this, it’s very important to understand exactly what options you have. This is why experienced legal guidance can be crucial.