If you need to enter a military base in Utah, you may be wondering whether that misdemeanor conviction on your record could impact your ability to enter. While it is true that a conviction for a crime could affect whether a person is permitted to be on a base, there are some circumstances where it may not be an issue. If you or a family member has a misdemeanor on their criminal record and need to enter a military base, you should consult with an experienced Salt Lake City federal defense attorney today. We understand how even a misdemeanor conviction can make a person’s life more difficult, and we are here to help resolve your legal issues. Overson & Bugden is here to explain whether a person can enter a military base with a misdemeanor conviction in Utah.
Requirements for Visiting a Military Base in Utah
Whether you want to visit a military base in Utah for a tour or because you are seeking employment, you should be aware of the many requirements that a person must satisfy to enter a base. The United States government has recently adjusted the level of background checks performed on visitors to a base in order to make these installations safer for everyone. However, if you were convicted of a misdemeanor in the past, this may not mean that you are banned from entering a military base.
The following is a list of issues that could keep you from entering a Utah military base or could result in trespassing on a military base if you do not receive consent to enter.
Convictions for Serious Crimes
Every military base does not have the same requirements when determining eligibility to enter a base. However, having a conviction for a serious crime will almost certainly ensure that you will not be permitted to enter a base. For example, having a previous conviction for manslaughter will typically bar you from entering a base. Other criminal convictions that can act to bar a person from a military base include:
- Abduction
- Assault with a deadly weapon
- Child pornography or molestation/failure to register as a sex offender
- Violating a protective order
- Rape or other sex crimes
- Distributing a controlled substance
- Affiliation with a gang
- Committing violence at an international airport
- Threats against a government building (terroristic threats)
This is not an exhaustive list. There are other offenses that can bar a person from entering a military base. Additionally, if a person has a conviction for a crime in recent years, they can also be banned from entering a base. For example, a previous conviction for bribery in the last five years could bar entry to a base.
It is important to note that there are some circumstances where a person can be admitted onto a military base with a conviction for a crime. Many times, the commander of a base may have to make a determination regarding whether a party should be granted access.
Additionally, if a misdemeanor conviction is for a crime that calls a person’s character into question, there is a decreased likelihood of being approved for base entry. For example, a conviction for harassment or stalking could reflect poorly on a person depending on the circumstances.
Having Incorrect Identification
It is also important to have the correct identification when entering a Utah military base. Even if a person does not have a misdemeanor conviction, failure to have appropriate identification can result in another barrier to entry. Military bases typically require a person to have one of the following forms of identification:
- S. passport
- S. permanent resident card
- Veteran’s health I.D. issued by the Department of Veteran Affairs
A driver’s license may suffice as well. However, new regulations may require visitors to have a Real ID. Real IDs were created in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001, in order to provide another layer of security.
If you are concerned about whether you are eligible to enter a military base, you should contact an experienced Utah criminal defense lawyer to discuss your options. In some cases, it may help to pursue a record expungement for your previous convictions. While it is true that the government has the ability to see a conviction on a person’s record despite whether it was expunged, a clean record could help if you want to pursue employment on a military base.
Contact an Experienced Salt Lake City Criminal Defense Lawyer You Can Trust
If you or a family member need assistance determining eligibility to enter a military base in Utah, contact an experienced Salt Lake City criminal defense lawyer today. Overson & Bugden is devoted to providing you with the legal representation you need to get your life back on track. To schedule a free case evaluation, contact Overson & Bugden at (801) 758-2287, or contact us online.
