Security Clearance Applications Lawyers
We Can Help You Through Every Stage of the Security Application Process
Jobs that require security clearance applications are more common than many people realize. Security clearances aren’t just for jobs in covert intelligence operations or those who review military maneuvers and plans. The reality is that any job that even offers access to classified material will require security clearance.
Furthermore, the same goes for private sector companies that contract with the government on sensitive matters. Security clearances can be required for positions ranging from computer support to librarians to secretaries. A security clearance attorney can be immensely valuable in securing the authorization required to work these jobs and keeping that clearance intact.
We can help you no matter what level of clearance your role requires. Call Security Clearance Law Group at (800) 931-6117 or contact us online today.
Three Levels of Security Clearance
Security clearance is not a black-and-white, “you have it or you don’t” authorization. Government information can be classified in three different ways. In all cases, the information — if released into the wrong hands — could cause serious damage to the security of the United States. The difference between each level is in the gravity of the information and potential damage, and how often the security clearance needs to be renewed.
The three levels of security clearance are:
- Confidential is the lowest level of classified information. It is the authorization given to most people in the U.S. military and is subject to renewal every 15 years.
- Secret: The middle ground of classified intel calls for a review of clearances every 10 years.
- Top secret: The gravity of this information means that those who have clearances are subject to a review every five years.
Every government agency has access to different information. The documents the State Department has differ from the documents at the Department of Defense. The private companies that contract with these departments have access to different types of information. Therefore, the rules for getting a security clearance are a little bit different for each position.
A security clearance lawyer from our office understands the nuances of how clearance review works in each agency and will know how to advocate for your interests. Call Security Clearance Law Group at (800) 931-6117 or contact us online today.
-
FAQ
-
What We Do
-
Testimonials
Denial of a Security Clearance Application
The most common reason an application may be rejected is financial. It can be anything from unpaid taxes to uncomfortably high levels of debt. High consumer debt can be a big red flag, as it may be seen by the reviewer as a sign of irresponsibility with money, which may in turn leave the applicant vulnerable to manipulation at some future date. Again, it’s your lawyer’s job to be sure your financial record is properly understood in its full context.
Personal conduct issues are the next reason an applicant may be denied. These include being dishonest on the application and failing to cooperate with the investigative process. These are things the applicant can control. If there’s something uncomfortable on your application, just tell the truth. It’s easier for an attorney to offer mitigating reasons than it is to explain away attempted deceit. The same goes for a cooperative mindset during the difficult process of investigation.
Concerns over foreign influence play a role in some denials. You don’t need ties to a foreign government or something that seems like it would come out of a Hollywood script to fall victim to this denial. Simply having a foreign-born spouse or family members still living abroad can raise red flags. Don’t despair — these are not automatic disqualifiers. Your lawyer can work with you to alleviate any concerns in the final review process.
Drug use and criminal conduct are red flags that often lead to rejection. Be aware that even though marijuana is legal in many places, its use is still a red flag in a security clearance review. With criminal conduct, tell your attorney about any previous record up front. It’s not an automatic disqualifier and depending on the crime and the nature of the information, it may be able to be dealt with.
Executive order 12968 guarantees that, if denied, you have the right to appeal. Furthermore, you have the right to make your case in person. How this works in practice will be different depending on the agency involved.
