Favorable Decisions

The Department of Defense, Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoDCAF) issued a Statement of Reasons (SOR) to deny security clearance under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and C (Foreign Preference) for allegations involving Applicant’s ties to Hong Kong and possession of a Hong Kong Identification Card and People’s Republic of China travel card. In March 2016, Ms. Young prepared and submitted a written response with supporting documentation establishing the Applicant’s long-standing roots to the U.S. including becoming a naturalized citizen, family, friends, education, employment, financial interests etc.  The evidence established that the Applicant’s loyalties are to the U.S. and that his limited contacts in Hong Kong and the People’s Republic of China do not create any conflict of interest between his loyalty to the U.S. or his ability to protect classified information. Attorney Young was notified that DOHA had withdrawn the SOR and taken the hearing off calendar. The applicant was granted a clearance at the level requested.

Result: Successfully mitigated all concerns on the written Response alone. Applicant’s clearance was granted.

On June 10, 2016, the Department of Defense, Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoDCAF) issued a Statement of Reasons (SOR) to deny security clearance under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) for Applicant’s contacts and ties with foreign nationals, specifically his siblings and daughter and their ties to Pakistan; and Saudi Arabia and/or their affiliation with the Pakistani Atomic Energy Commission. The applicant initially submitted his Response to DoDCAF without representation and subsequently retained our lawyers for representation at the DOHA Hearing. On September 28, 2016, Attorney Griffith appeared at an Administrative Hearing and presented evidence including Applicant’s testimony and supporting documentation establishing long-standing roots and ties U.S. The evidence detailed the Applicant’s unwavering loyalty to the U.S. On December 14, 2016, our office was notified of the Administrative Judge’s favorable decision. The applicant’s clearance was granted.

Result: Successfully mitigated all concerns. Applicant’s clearance was granted.

The Department of Defense, Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoDCAF) issued a Statement of Reasons (SOR) on June 20, 2016, to deny security clearance under Guideline F (Financial Consideration) for allegations due to Applicant’s foreclosure. Attorney Young prepared a written response to the SOR and provided sufficient evidence to mitigate the concern and establish that the circumstances resulting in the foreclosure were genuinely unique and not likely to recur.  The evidence submitted further established that Applicant acted reasonably under the circumstances and had stabilized his financial situation since the foreclosure. On December 7, 2017, the Applicant was notified that he had successfully mitigated the Agency’s concerns and the SOR was withdrawn with no need for a hearing.

Result: Successfully mitigated all concerns on a written Response alone. Applicant’s clearance was granted.

On January 25, 2016, the Department of Defense, Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoDCAF) issued a Statement of Reasons (SOR) to deny security clearance under Guideline F (Financial Consideration), for allegations involving a foreclosure; second mortgage account that had been charged off in the amount of $91,354 which remained delinquent. Applicant retained our office after he was notified that his matter would be set for an Administrative Hearing by DOHA.  On July 19, 2016, Attorney Young appeared at the hearing on behalf of Applicant and presented evidence, both testimony and documentary, establishing Applicant was forthright with his financial difficulties and made every effort to resolve the debt. The evidence further demonstrated his efforts towards financial stability; to include documents showing the Applicant had taken credit counseling courses; created a Budget Brief Action Plan; certificate and worksheets detailing his financial stability and growth. On December 8, 2016, Attorney Young was notified by the Administrative Judge that he proposed that this case was appropriate for summary disposition in Applicant’s favor. No objection was made. A favorable decision was issued on February 3, 2017.

Result: Successfully mitigated all concerns. Applicant’s clearance was granted.

On June 25, 2016, the Department of Defense, Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoDCAF) issued a Statement of Reasons (SOR) to deny security clearance under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) for Applicant’s contacts and ties, specifically his parents, siblings, and in-laws to Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China. On August 15, 2017, Attorney Young prepared and submitted Applicant’s Response to the SOR. A hearing was subsequently scheduled. On December 6, 2016, Attorney Young appeared at the hearing on behalf of Applicant and presented evidence, both testimony and documentary, establishing Applicant’s ties and loyalties to the U.S. A favorable decision was issued by the Administrative Judge on May 16, 2017.

Result: Successfully mitigated all concerns. Applicant’s clearance was granted.

On December 4, 2015, the Department of Defense, Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoDCAF), issued a Statement of Reasons (SOR) to deny security clearance under Guideline F, Financial Consideration because Applicant financially overextended himself. There were six delinquent debts, totaling in excess of $22,000 set forth in the SOR. A hearing was set in Applicant’s matter and Attorney Young represented the individual at the hearing on April 25, 2016. Attorney Young was able to provide sufficient evidence that Applicant, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, had gained financial stability and made good faith efforts to repay the creditors. Evidence submitted included, copies of Applicant’s certificates of completion of credit counseling and budgeting courses as well as Applicant’s testimony which demonstrated a serious change in his spending habits and reduced overhead. On October 18, 2016, Attorney Young was notified of the Administrative Judge’s favorable decision. 

Result: Successfully mitigated all concerns. Applicant’s public trust was granted.

On May 22, 2016, the Department of Defense, Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoDCAF), issued a Statement of Reasons (SOR) to deny security clearance under Guideline F, Financial Consideration resulting for Applicant’s history of not living within his means and previous Chapter 7 and 13 Bankruptcy filings.  Applicant attempted to respond to the SOR without obtaining representation. An Administrative Hearing was subsequently scheduled. Applicant retained Attorney Young to present him at the DOHA hearing that took place on December 5, 2016.  At the hearing, Attorney Young presented evidence both documentary and testimony which demonstrated the Applicant’s efforts to change his spending habits. He admitted to frivolously spending years ago, but the more recent Bankruptcy was a result of unforeseen circumstances that exceed his financial resources. There were medical issues; unforeseen medical bills; insurances issues; among other things. Documentary evidence supported the Applicant’s testimony and demonstrated his credibility as to his past financial hardship. Based on the evidence submitted, the Administrative Judge concluded that the Applicant had sufficiently mitigated the Government’s concerns under Guideline F and rendered a Favorable Decision on May 16, 2017.

Result: Successfully mitigated all concerns. Applicant’s clearance was granted.

On June 27, 2015, the Department of Defense, Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoDCAF), issued a Statement of Reasons (SOR) to deny security clearance under Guideline F, Financial Consideration and Guideline B, Foreign Influence. The Financial Consideration concern resulted from Applicant’s prior bankruptcy filings (two within 5 years of each other); multiple charges off accounts due to medical accounts; in addition to unresolved tax liens. The Foreign Influence concern was based on his connection with Egypt, specifically his mother and brother residence and citizenship to the foreign country. Applicant represented himself in responding to the SOR and retained Security Clearance Law Group after DOHA set the matter for a hearing. Attorney Young appeared on the Applicant’s behalf at the Administrative Hearing on April 26, 2016, and submitted evidence to support a finding that the Applicant is a loyal U.S. citizen and considers himself American solely. He understands the reporting requirement when holding a position of trust. With respect to the Financial Consideration allegations/concern; Attorney Young was able to demonstrate that the Applicant’s past financial hardship was a result of a series of unforeseen circumstances, including medical expenses resulting from the Applicant’s sleep apnea (one failed surgery followed by another surgery). The most significant evidence showing financial stability was Applicant’s minimal expenses reported, along with evidence of successful credit counseling. The Administrative Judge found the Applicant to be credible and on his way towards financial stability. The Administrative Judge rendered a favorable Decision for Applicant on October 20, 2016.

Result: Successfully mitigated all concerns. Applicant’s clearance was granted.

On October 29, 2015, the Department of Defense, Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoDCAF), issued a Statement of Reasons (SOR) to deny security clearance under Guideline B, Foreign Influence, and Guideline E, Personal Conduct.  The Foreign Influence concern is caused by Applicant’s ties to Jordan, both familial ties and financial interests. The Government alleged Applicant is ineligible for clearance because he engaged in conduct that shows poor judgment and untrustworthiness for his alleged relationship and associating with Mr. X, an individual who was late convicted of Conspiracy to Provide Material Support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The Government further alleged he deliberately falsified and mislead interviewers with the information. Attorney Young submitted a timely Response to the SOR on behalf of Applicant; a Hearing was subsequently scheduled. On June 30, 2016, Attorney Young appeared with Applicant at the DOHA Hearing and submitted evidence both in witness testimony, Applicant’s testimony, and documentary, that established that Applicant had no knowledge of Mr. X’s affiliation with a terrorist organization. We were also able to refute claims (with documentary evidence) that Applicant had no affiliation with Mr. X or any terrorist organization including the Muslim Brotherhood. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that Applicant was a loyal U.S. citizen solely; maintained longstanding roots and ties to the U.S. Based on the record evidence, on March 23, 2017, the Administrative Judge rendered a favorable decision.

Result: Successfully mitigated all concerns. Applicant’s clearance was granted.