If you have been denied security clearances, you may know why or you may be left questioning why. Here are some of the most common reasons you may be denied security clearances or your clearances may have been revoked.

DEBTS & MONEY

When running security checks, three aspects are taken into account: debt, affluence and gambling addiction.

Many people hold some type of debt, but the government will scrutinize the amount, types and payment history in analyzing a person’s application for security clearance. A history with mounds of debt and cars or houses that ended up in foreclosure will be red flags and may be grounds for denial of clearances.

In the same right, any signs of sudden buying or unexplainable purchase of goods or services beyond your income will be closely looked at to understand where the money was from.

Finally, any signs of gambling addictions will be closely looked at in order to understand the extent. Excessive gambling or gambling beyond your means can be grounds for a denial or revocation.

DRUGS

Any investigation includes asking of previous or current use of drug or drug involvement. While it is important to be completely honest, including the abuse of prescription, non-prescription drugs illegal drugs as well as purchase or selling of any illegal drugs, it can hurt you. Unfortunately, any illegal drug use during times you have had security clearance can put your clearances in jeopardy.

FOREIGN TIES

As the world is more and more connected, it is likely you have foreign contacts or relationships and while that or a dual-citizenship is not grounds for denial outright, investigators will look at your relationships and in what realm you have obtained them. Expect to be challenged about your allegiance to the United States as well to your susceptibility to foreign people and governments.

OTHER FACTORS

A few other key categories will be looked at closely. For example, your sexual behavior may be examined to determine if you have a compulsion or if you are potentially vulnerable to coercion. Sexual orientation is NOT a disqualifying factor.

The use of an employer’s computers to obtain or view pornographic materials may be disqualifying and may trigger allegations of violations of many codes.

Any mishandling of privileged information prior may cause you to lose or be denied your clearances.

Finally, investigators will examine if you have downloaded, obtained or used pirated media like music, movies and TV shows or software. The matter is taken very seriously.

While this may seem overwhelming, it is always important to be honest when discussing your history with investigators. If you need help obtaining clearances, our attorneys can work with you in preparing. If you feel you have been wrongly denied clearances, we can examine your case and help formulate a plan going forward. Call today to set up your free consultation.