While a DUI conviction cannot disqualify on its own, it can work against you in the process of obtaining a security clearance. If you are facing a DUI charge, your best option for obtaining or maintaining a security clearance is to exceed the charge. The good news is that a single mistake while driving while intoxicated should not affect your ability to obtain the safety clearance you seek. However, it is important that you follow your lawyer's recommendations and comply with court requirements, such as participating in safe driving classes or attending alcohol counseling.
A DUI conviction for a misdemeanor will not necessarily result in the revocation or denial of your security clearance. Depending on the type of authorization and the time elapsed since the DUI, it may have minimal impact. However, if you have a top secret authorization or are applying for one, a recent or pending DUI conviction may result in the loss or denial of that authorization. Obviously, every situation is unique and every security clearance investigation is different.
As you can see, alcohol abuse can affect your ability to obtain safety clearances. However, not all DUIs are indicative of an alcohol abuse problem. Sometimes, you might just make a bad decision. You may still get security clearances with a single DUI on your record.
Being arrested, charged and convicted of DUI can have tons of adverse consequences. And yes, one of them is the potential loss of security clearance or the disqualification of someone from obtaining a security clearance. However, a DUI is not an automatic bar. Like most licenses, security clearance review is a process.
The government agencies responsible for issuing the authorization will generally review the applicant and consider all factors relevant to the person's background, including any criminal conduct. In addition to the conduct itself, the agency will consider whether the person was convicted, how long ago it occurred, and other mitigating factors. The applicant or security clearance holder will also have the opportunity to present mitigating factors and the opportunity to appeal an adverse decision. There are steps you can take to increase your chances of obtaining a security clearance after a DUI in California.
Being arrested for drunk driving in DC or another criminal offense can have a serious impact on a person's safety clearance. However, a DUI conviction is not a death sentence for your current government employment or your hopes of working for the government. Even if you plan to plead guilty, admit that you broke the law, and are willing to make any relief required, you need an attorney experienced in both military law and DUI law to get the best possible legal representation. The authorization review essentially depends on whether the facts establish that the person who received the DUI has already addressed their problems, has no substance problems, and that the DUI and its underlying causes have been treated appropriately.
If the DUI involved drug abuse or if there are other factors involved, such as a hit and run or a history of multiple DUIs, then the situation is a little different. Waiting until you have multiple convictions or arrests can make it even more difficult when it comes to your defense and your request for security. While being accused of driving under the influence of alcohol may make it more difficult to obtain approval, driving under the influence of alcohol does not detract from a person's ability to obtain authorization. Your prospective employer may express serious concerns if you have more than one DUI before being hired, or if you receive another DUI after being hired.
And just as the details of a DUI conviction are important in determining the level of punishment required, your security clearance review should include the details so that examiners can make a similar determination. The dangers of obtaining a DUI when it comes to obtaining or maintaining an authorization are many, but one complicating factor is the nature of the authorization of the person who may be at fault for a DUI. Fortunately, a drunk driving incident shouldn't derail your chances of obtaining the safety clearance that opens the door to the race you have in mind. .
.
