Alcohol & Drugs in Security Clearance

#1 Nationally-Ranked Security Clearance Lawyers Serving Nationwide Since 1976

Evidence of prior drug/alcohol use in your background or a positive drug test could lead you to experience difficulties during your security clearance application process. With the right legal help, however, it is possible to successfully obtain or keep a security clearance. The key is effective legal counsel on your side. Our nationwide security clearance attorneys at The Edmunds Law Firm can walk you through this process and help you navigate the requirements and roadblocks.

Security Clearance Granted After Drug Use – Real Case Win by Attorney Alan Edmunds

Video Summary

In this video, attorney Alan Edmunds shares a recent legal victory regarding a complex security clearance hearing. Despite the client’s extensive history of drug use and being turned away by other legal counsel, the Edmunds Law Firm successfully litigated the case, resulting in the judge fully granting the applicant’s security clearance.

Key Takeaways

The Client & The Challenge
  • Applicant Profile: A 24-year-old single systems engineer and federal contractor applying for his very first security clearance.
  • The Obstacle: The applicant had a documented history of drug use dating back to high school, which included varying frequencies of cocaine, mushrooms, ketamine, and marijuana.
  • Initial Rejections: Other lawyers had previously turned the client down, stating he didn’t stand a chance at securing a clearance.
The Strategy & Outcome
  • Legal Action: Alan Edmunds personally litigated the case, prepared the client for cross-examination, and submitted a comprehensive booklet of approximately 15 exhibits during the hearing.
  • The Verdict: The judge ruled in the applicant’s favor on all allegations (Guideline H for drug involvement and Guideline J for criminal conduct), concluding that granting the clearance was consistent with national security interests.

Drug Use

  • Some potentially disqualifying actions related to drug use include:
  • Contact with / use of any drugs or other controlled substances named in the Controlled Substance Act of 1970
  • History of drug abuse
  • Positive drug test
  • Convictions of drug offenses on your record such as sale, cultivation, manufacture, possession, or distribution
  • Failure to finish a substance abuse treatment program
  • Expression of intent to continue drug use

Your security clearance may be denied since drug use could be evidence of untrustworthiness. Alcoholism and other substance abuse issues can lead to poor judgment and self-control, which would disqualify an applicant from security clearance. Security clearance is the privilege of having access to sensitive information and matters affecting national security.

Alcohol Use & Your Security Clearance

Alcohol Use & Security Clearance

  • While alcohol is legal, evidence of alcoholism can still be disqualifying; for example:
  • Driving under the influence (DUI)
  • Any incidents related to alcohol at work
  • History/reputation of binge drinking or habitual drinking
  • Diagnosis from a qualified medical expert of alcohol dependency/abuse
  • Arrests or incidents such as child abuse, spouse abuse, or disturbing the peace

A DUI on your record could be disqualifying. Various factors could lessen your likelihood of a security clearance denial related to your DUI, including:

  • If the incident occurred a long time ago
  • If you can demonstrate that the behavior that led to the DUI is not an accurate representation of your current patterns of behavior
  • If you have since taken steps to move past any substance abuse issues

Real Client Testimonial

“Good morning,
I just want to thank you all for assisting me with my Security Clearance issues. I will highly recommend you to anyone who runs into problems with their security clearance. I appreciate so much what you’ve done!
Stay Well”

- S.A., Security Clearance Success Story

Speak with a Nationally Top-Ranked Attorney from The Edmunds Law Firm

Completing a treatment program, attending rehabilitation, or otherwise evidencing intent and effort to overcome any alcohol-related problems could make a difference in your case. You have the right to file an appeal if you were denied security clearance for any reason. It is not uncommon for applications to be denied, especially the first time.

Denials related to alcohol/drug use can be challenging. Our team utilizes thorough preparation, evidence submission, testimonies, and more. Our security clearance attorneys have an incredible success rate in both initial applications and appeals. We know how to do the work to ensure that your application is as strong as possible and your case for clearance is presented accurately. We encourage you to speak with our attorney for security clearance about your options as soon as possible. The Edmunds Law Firm is proud to represent clients across the country.

Call The Edmunds Law Firm now at (800) 481-2526 for a consultation with our nationally ranked security clearance lawyer today.

Security Clearance Guideline G With Alan Edmunds