As a military servicemember with a security clearance, maintaining your clearance is imperative to your job. However, there are reasons why your clearance may be suspended, revoked, or outright denied. Here are the top reasons and what you can do if this happens to you.
1. You have violated security protocols
Your security clearance may be revoked if you have failed to comply with government security regulations and protocols. As a servicemember with a security clearance, one of your most important responsibilities is to maintain classified information safely. If you disclose classified information without prior authorization or if you have multiple violations demonstrating your negligence, it can affect your clearance. It’s important to note that security violations don’t always result in changes to your security clearance if they were unintentional and isolated incidents.
2. You have been involved with illegal drugs
If the government believes that you have been involved with illegal drugs, it can revoke or suspend your security clearance. However, even the use of prescription drugs can impact your clearance if you are found to be abusing them. If you are found to be in possession of drugs or drug paraphernalia, or if you are found to be involved in the trafficking of drugs, it can greatly impact your clearance. It’s important to note that marijuana is still considered illegal under federal law even though it is legal in Colorado. Once again, if your involvement with drugs occurred a long time ago, if it was an isolated incident, and/or if you have successfully completed a drug treatment program, your clearance may not be impacted after all.
3. You have otherwise behaved in an improper manner
There are a number of things that you can do that can impact your security clearance. Such improper behavior includes:
- Having excessive debt
- Purposefully concealing facts on personal history statements or security questionnaires
- Providing false information to a security official or an investigator
- Associating with known criminals
- Demonstrating a pattern of dishonesty or rule violations, against the policies of your military branch
- Failing to share information that may leave you vulnerable to coercion or exploitation
What Can You Do?
If your security clearance has been suspended or revoked, it can impact your ability to stay in your job. However, it’s imperative that you ensure that your rights are not violated. That’s why it’s in your best interest to consult with an attorney who is experienced in these types of matters.
The Court-Martial Law Division of Aviso Law LLC Helps Military Members in Colorado Who Have Been Charged with a Crime
The U.S. Government has an interest in obtaining a conviction as soon as possible, as it does not wish to gain negative publicity about one of its service members. That is why it is so important to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced military attorney as soon as possible.
If you are a military service member and have been charged with a crime under the UCMJ, the Court-Martial Law Division of Aviso Law LLC can help. We proudly serve our military members, who sacrifice so much for our country. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!
