Security Clearance Lawyers

If you face a security clearance investigation, denial, or revocation, you need an experienced security clearance lawyer.

At Military Law, we understand the high stakes involved in these cases and are committed to providing aggressive, effective representation to protect your clearance and career.

Get Help Now

Security Clearance Lawyers Guide

• Why Choose Military Law’s Security Clearance Lawyers?
• The Importance of a Security Clearance
• Common Reasons for Security Clearance Issues
• How Our Security Clearance Lawyers Can Help
• Contact Military Law Today

The Importance of a Security Clearance

Many professionals need a security clearance for their jobs. Whether you are a member of the military, a government contractor, or a civilian employee in a sensitive position, your ability to perform your job duties may depend on your ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Losing your security clearance can have devastating consequences for your career and your financial stability. You may lose your job and face significant challenges finding new employment in your field.

In addition, a security clearance denial or revocation can have a lasting impact on your professional reputation and your future career prospects.

Common Reasons for Security Clearance Issues

Some of the most common issues that can lead to security clearance problems include:

Financial Problems

Financial problems are the most common reasons for security clearance denials and revocations. The government considers financial instability a potential vulnerability that can make an individual susceptible to bribery, blackmail, or other forms of coercion.

Some of the specific financial issues that can raise red flags in a security clearance investigation include:

• Delinquent debts: If you have a history of failing to pay your bills on time or have outstanding debts in collections, this can be a significant concern for the government. Delinquent debts may include credit card balances, medical bills, or other types of loans.
• Bankruptcies: Filing for bankruptcy can also be a red flag in a security clearance investigation, particularly if the bankruptcy was recent or if there were multiple bankruptcies in your past. The government may view bankruptcies as a sign of financial mismanagement or irresponsibility.
• Tax issues: Failing to file your taxes, having outstanding tax liens, or engaging in tax evasion can also be disqualifying factors in a security clearance investigation. The government expects individuals with access to classified information to be honest and forthright in their financial dealings, including tax obligations.

If you face financial problems that can impact your security clearance, taking proactive steps to address the issues and demonstrate your financial responsibility is important. This may include developing a budget, negotiating with creditors, or seeking the advice of a financial professional.

A security clearance lawyer can also develop a strategy to mitigate any concerns the investigating agency raises.

Criminal Convictions or Arrests

Criminal convictions or arrests can also be significant obstacles to obtaining or maintaining a security clearance. The government considers criminal activity to reflect an individual’s judgment, reliability, and trustworthiness and may view certain crimes as disqualifying factors.

Some criminal activity that can raise concerns in a security clearance investigation include:

• Felonies: Convictions for serious crimes such as murder, rape, or kidnapping are typically automatic disqualifiers for a security clearance. Other felonies such as drug trafficking, theft, or fraud can also be significant obstacles, particularly if they were recent or if there were multiple offenses.
• Misdemeanors: Certain misdemeanor convictions can cause concerns in a security clearance investigation. These may include crimes of violence, drug possession, or offenses involving dishonesty or moral turpitude.
• Arrests: Even if you were not convicted of a crime, an arrest can still raise a red flag in a security clearance investigation. The government may view an arrest as evidence of poor judgment or a lack of reliability, particularly if there were multiple arrests or if the arrest was recent.

Attempting to conceal or minimize a criminal history can hurt you worse than the underlying offense. If you have a criminal record that can damage your security clearance, do not lie to investigators. Call our lawyers. A security clearance lawyer can navigate the disclosure process and develop a strategy to address any concerns the investigating agency raises.

Drug or Alcohol Abuse

Drug or alcohol abuse is another common reason for security clearance denials and revocations. The government considers substance abuse to be a significant vulnerability that can impair an individual’s judgment, reliability, and trustworthiness.

Some of the specific drug and alcohol-related issues that can raise concerns in a security clearance investigation include:

• Positive drug tests: If you have a history of positive drug tests, whether through an employer or as part of a criminal investigation, this can be a significant obstacle to obtaining or maintaining a security clearance. The government may view drug use as evidence of poor judgment and a lack of reliability.
• Drug possession or trafficking: Convictions for drug possession or trafficking are typically automatic disqualifiers for a security clearance. Even if you were not convicted, an arrest for a drug-related offense can still be a significant concern.
• Alcohol abuse: While moderate alcohol consumption is generally not a concern for the government, a pattern of excessive drinking or alcohol abuse can raise red flags in a security clearance investigation. This may include DUI/DWI convictions, disciplinary actions at work related to alcohol use, or other evidence of alcohol dependence.

If you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse that can hurt your security clearance, a lawyer can demonstrate that you have taken steps to address the issue and maintain sobriety. This may include seeking treatment, attending support group meetings, or undergoing regular drug testing.

Our attorneys can develop a comprehensive mitigation strategy to address any concerns.

Inconsistent or Incomplete Information

Inconsistent or incomplete information on a security clearance application can also be a significant obstacle to obtaining or maintaining a clearance. The government expects individuals seeking access to classified information to be honest, forthright, and thorough in their disclosures.

Some of the specific types of inconsistencies or omissions that can raise concerns in a security clearance investigation include:

• Employment history: Failing to disclose a past employer, providing incorrect dates of employment, or omitting information about disciplinary actions or terminations can be viewed as evidence of dishonesty or a lack of candor.
• Education history: The government can also be concerned about misrepresenting your educational background, including claiming degrees or certifications that you did not earn.
• Criminal history: As discussed earlier, attempting to conceal or minimize a criminal history can be viewed as evidence of dishonesty and may be more damaging than the underlying offense.
• Foreign contacts: Failing to disclose close personal relationships or financial interests with foreign nationals can be a significant red flag, particularly if the foreign country is considered a potential adversary of the United States.

If you have identified inconsistencies or omissions in your security clearance application, our lawyers can address them.

Foreign Influence or Foreign Preference

Foreign influence or foreign preference is another common concern in security clearance investigations. The government considers close personal relationships or financial interests with foreign nationals a potential vulnerability that might make an individual susceptible to coercion or compromise.

Some of the specific types of foreign influence or foreign preference that can raise concerns in a security clearance investigation include:

• Close personal relationships with foreign nationals: If you have close family members or personal relationships with individuals from foreign countries, particularly countries considered potential adversaries of the United States, this can be a significant concern for the government. The government may worry that these relationships can pressure or manipulate you into disclosing classified information.
• Foreign financial interests: Significant financial interests in foreign countries, such as ownership of foreign property or investments in foreign companies, can also raise red flags in a security clearance investigation. The government may view these interests as a potential conflict of loyalty or a vulnerability to foreign influence.
• Dual citizenship: While dual citizenship is not an automatic disqualifier for a security clearance, it can raise concerns about an individual’s allegiance to the United States. The government may worry that an individual with dual citizenship might act against U.S. interests in favor of their other country of citizenship.

If you have foreign influence or foreign preference concerns that can affect your security clearance, address these issues proactively. This may include distancing yourself from problematic relationships or divesting from foreign financial interests. A security clearance lawyer can address such concerns.

Personal Conduct Issues

Personal conduct issues are another common area of concern in security clearance investigations. The government considers an individual’s personal conduct to reflect their judgment, reliability, and trustworthiness and may view certain behaviors as evidence of poor character or a lack of integrity.

Some of the specific types of personal conduct issues that can raise concerns in a security clearance investigation include:

• Sexual misconduct: Allegations or convictions related to sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of sexual misconduct can be significant obstacles to obtaining or maintaining a security clearance. The government may view these behaviors as evidence of poor judgment, a lack of respect for others, and a potential vulnerability to blackmail or coercion.
• Domestic violence: Convictions or allegations related to domestic violence can also raise significant concerns in a security clearance investigation. The government may worry that an individual who engages in violence against a family member or intimate partner may also have anger management or impulse control issues that can impact their reliability or judgment.
• Dishonesty or rule violations: The government can also be significantly concerned about a history of dishonesty, such as lying, cheating, or stealing, or a pattern of violating rules or regulations. These behaviors may be viewed as evidence of poor character, a lack of integrity, or an inability to follow rules and regulations.
• Mental health issues: While mental health issues are not an automatic disqualifier for a security clearance, certain conditions, such as bipolar disorder or personality disorders, can raise concerns about an individual’s judgment, reliability, or emotional stability. Disclose any mental health conditions and demonstrate that you effectively manage it through treatment and/or medication.

If you are facing any of these issues, take prompt action to protect your rights and future. An experienced security clearance lawyer can build a strong case for maintaining your clearance.

How Our Security Clearance Lawyers Can Help

When you work with a security clearance lawyer from Military Law, you can expect personalized attention, strategic advocacy, and a deep understanding of the security clearance process.

Our attorneys have years of experience representing clients in security clearance investigations, appeals, and hearings, and we know what it takes to achieve successful outcomes in these high-stakes cases.

Some of the key ways that a security clearance lawyer can benefit you include:

• Investigating the allegations against you: We will thoroughly investigate the allegations that led to your security clearance issues, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses to build a strong defense on your behalf.
• Developing a comprehensive response strategy: Based on the specific facts of your case, we will develop a tailored response strategy to address the concerns raised by the investigating agency and demonstrate your fitness for a security clearance.
• Representing you in appeals and hearings: If your security clearance is denied or revoked, we will represent you in the appeals process and any hearings before administrative judges or other officials.
• Negotiating with government agencies: In some cases, we may negotiate with the investigating agency to reach a favorable resolution without requiring a lengthy appeals process.
• Advising you on mitigation efforts: We will advise you on steps you can take to mitigate any concerns raised by the investigating agency, such as seeking treatment for substance abuse issues or resolving outstanding financial debts.

At Military Law, we understand that every security clearance case is unique, and we will work closely with you to develop a customized strategy that meets your specific needs and goals.

Contact Military Law Today

Jeremy Snyder, Security Clearance Lawyers

If you have additional questions about the security clearance process or need help with a security clearance issue, contact Military Law today at (800) 235-3645 for your free consultation with one of our experienced security clearance lawyers. We are here to protect your future.