Military Security Clearance Lawyers
Top-Rated Security Clearance Firm for Military Members Nationwide
Military security clearances account for roughly four out of every five security clearance cases. The Edmunds Law Firm is highly experienced at representing both individuals who are applying for a military security clearance for the first time as well as those who are attempting to retain their military security clearances. Our security clearance attorneys can provide you with advantageous and helpful representation for your military security clearance.
Revocation of a Military Security Clearance
Since information about initial applications for a security clearance is covered elsewhere in this website, the focus here will be on keeping a military security clearance. Having such a security clearance is one of the most valuable aspects of one’s military service. It is issued based on a thorough investigation of the applicant’s fitness for a security clearance, and the possibility of the clearance being revoked, or of a higher-level security clearance being denied, is a matter of major importance. An individual’s military career and post-military future will be affected.
Reasons for Denial May Seem Minor
There are many reasons that an adjudicator might use as the basis for a denial or revocation of a military security clearance. The disqualifying reasons may seem relatively minor.
- Some of the most common reasons for denial/revocation involve an applicant’s:
- Alcohol and/or illegal drug use, even if not proven
- Financial problems, which may have occurred many years ago
- Ties to family and/or friends in countries that may pose a security risk
- Misuse of a government computer – for example, for viewing YouTube or pornography, or using a social website such as Facebook while on the job
Legal Representation Is of Paramount Importance
If an individual is notified that his or her military security clearance has been revoked, it is crucial to obtain knowledgeable, experienced legal representation. Attorney Alan V. Edmunds has been helping security clearance applicants obtain or maintain their clearance for more than 40 years. Contact The Edmunds Law Firm to schedule a private discussion of your military security clearance matter with Attorney Alan V. Edmunds. Bring the written notification of your military security clearance denial or revocation, plus all other relevant information that you have for a thorough evaluation of your case.
An Appeal May Be the Next Step. Our Firm Can Help.
An appeal of your security clearance denial/revocation may be the next step. The procedure for an appeal depends in part on which branch of the military is involved. Every individual’s case has its own unique circumstances, but the relevant laws provide a consistent structure that can be dealt with by an attorney with years of experience in this area.
To discuss the unique circumstances of your case, contact a military security clearance lawyer at The Edmunds Law Firm today by dialing (800) 481-2526!
Military Security Clearances
“Edmunds Law Firm saved my career! I struggled to get my security clearance back on track from the U.S. Military. I wouldn’t have done it alone and with the expertise from this firm. Macy was excellent, patient, and understood every aspect of my situation. I also got my money’s worth as opposed to the other high quotes from other law firms. Thank you Macy for getting my life back on track and saving my career!”
Robert, Military Security Clearance Client Review
Security clearance can have a significant impact on your military career, so it’s important to understand the security clearance process in the military, how you can fight losing your military security clearance, and more.
We’re providing general answers to some of the most common questions we hear below. However, there’s no substitute for direct advice from an experienced military security clearance lawyer. The Edmunds Law Firm offers free consultations to make sure you have the information you need to make good decisions about your next steps.
Military Security Clearance Lawyer FAQs
Certain military discharge statuses can be an obstacle to national security clearance. Fortunately, it is sometimes possible to upgrade military discharge status. For example, you may be able to upgrade your discharge status if you were discharged due to actions that can be tied to a mental health condition like posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or a traumatic brain injury (TBI). You may also qualify for a military discharge upgrade if your discharge was related to your sexual orientation.
Of course, these are just a few common examples. The best way to find out whether you may be eligible for an upgrade in discharge status is to talk with an attorney who is experienced with discharge upgrades.
The timeline for securing a new military security clearance varies somewhat. Generally, you can expect the process to take at least a few months. In some cases, particularly involving higher-level security clearances, the process may take a year or more. And, of course, the process will take even longer if clearance is initially denied and the applicant needs to pursue an appeal.
If you anticipate any possible red flags in your military security clearance investigation, it’s best to consult an attorney and get help putting together your materials and preparing for your interview. Being well prepared can help the process move forward smoothly and efficiently, and can improve the chances that security clearance will be granted without the need to appeal.
A military security clearance isn’t guaranteed nor is a security clearance given for life. If something changes or new information comes to light after your security clearance is granted, you may receive notice of intent to revoke your security clearance. The reasons military security clearance might be revoked are similar to the reasons clearance might be denied: substance abuse, criminal activity, dishonesty, and other indications that you may be a security risk. This includes issues you may not realize that present a threat to your security clearance, such as delinquent debt on your credit report.
Fortunately, if you act quickly, you may be able to prevent your security clearance from being revoked. That process is described in greater detail below, but it’s important to know that your time to respond is limited. If you receive a letter of intent to revoke, you should speak to a national security clearance attorney immediately.
Losing security clearance can have a catastrophic impact on a military career. If you lose a security clearance that is required for your current role, you could immediately become unable to perform your job functions–even before the revocation process is complete. Loss of security clearance can also impact eligibility for future assignments or promotions. In some circumstances, loss of a military security clearance can even result in discharge from the military.
When you receive a letter of intent to revoke your security clearance, your clearance will already be suspended, and you won’t have much time to act. You should take your letter to a security clearance lawyer right away. If you have received a letter of intent to revoke your security clearance or have been denied military security clearance, you can schedule a free consultation with attorney Alan Edmunds by calling 800-481-2526 right now.
The Edmunds Law Firm has experience helping members of all branches of the military. If you’re looking for an Army security clearance lawyer, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, or Coast Guard security clearance lawyer, then give our firm a call today.
The best time to save your military security clearance is before it has been fully lost. When you receive the letter of intent to revoke your security clearance, you will be asked to sign a document acknowledging that you have received it. Then, you have a small window of time in which to respond to the reasons provided before your clearance moves from suspended to revoked.
The process requires a thorough and well-documented written response to the reasons provided for the revocation. The most effective way to respond will depend on the reasons listed, and on your circumstances. The best source of guidance on how to respond to the allegations in a letter of intent to revoke your military security clearance is an experienced security clearance lawyer.
The government covers the cost of the security clearance process for active military members, federal civilian employees, and job applicants. However, if you seek legal assistance with your security clearance application or need help responding to a letter of intent to deny or revoke your clearance, you will incur attorney fees.
If you choose to get help with your military security clearance application or in responding to a letter of intent to deny security clearance, your costs will depend on the attorney and the services you purchase. At The Edmunds Law Firm, we work with clients to define the scope of services and ensure that they pay only for the services they need.