Norfolk Security Clearance Attorneys for Government Employees

Trusted Legal Support for Civilians and Service Members Nationwide

Many government employees require access to sensitive and protected information to perform their job duties. This could include certain military personnel, federal agents, federal contractors, or anyone else who handles classified information that, if improperly disclosed, could threaten the United States' national security. People who work in such jobs must be granted a level of security clearance consistent with the sensitivity of the information they need to access. 

A security clearance is not normally issued as soon as you're hired for a job that requires it. Instead, your employer must sponsor your clearance application and background investigation. Government backlogs and the internal complexity of the application process make obtaining clearance slow and arduous. It takes thorough planning and preparation to mitigate delays and avoid rejection, both of which are common.  

Call The Griffin Law Firm today at (888) 707-4282 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with one of our security clearance attorneys in Norfolk!

Understanding the Levels of Security Clearance

There are various levels of security clearances. The most common are confidential, secret, and top secret. Of these three, confidential is the lowest and most common, and top secret is the highest. They are measured according to the sensitivity of the information they correspond with. Employers and government officials work together to determine appropriate clearance levels for government personnel. 

Security clearance grants only partial access to all classified national security intel, not even to all information corresponding to the clearance level. Instead, a security clearance enables individuals to access only the information required to complete their assignments. 

Steps to Apply for Security Clearance

If you are preliminarily selected for a job that requires security clearance, your employer will direct you to complete the first steps of the application, which includes verifying your identity and citizenship, fingerprinting, and filing a Personnel Security Questionnaire (SF-86) online through e-Quip. Filling out the SF-86 questionnaire accurately, honestly, and entirely is essential because the smallest error could cause your application to be rejected. 

Afterward, the Defense Security Service (DSS) will oversee an exhaustive background check, looking into your educational, residential, professional, financial, and criminal history (if applicable). Some clearances require several face-to-face interviews with private investigators and, for the highest clearances, polygraph tests. You may be asked to disclose personal information; neighbors, friends, family, and/or coworkers might also be questioned. Findings are compiled and reviewed by the DSS. 

This process is designed to verify your integrity, values, and national allegiance and to ensure that foreign interests have not influenced you. Any inconsistencies, omissions, and falsehoods may disqualify you from receiving clearance. If concerns about your application or new information are needed, you may receive a Supplemental Information Request (SIR). If your security is denied, you will receive a Letter of Intent that contains a Statement of Reasons for your denial. You may be able to appeal the decision before the Personnel Security Appeals Board (PSAB). 

Duration of the Security Clearance Process

The security clearance process may vary in length depending based on the level of clearance being sought and the complexity of the individual's background. In general, this process can take several months to a couple of years to complete. As such, certain government employees may be issued an Interim Security clearance (or Interim Security eligibility), depending on the urgency of the projects they’re hired to work on and the findings of the initial investigation phases. These clearances are provisional and limited. 

Consequences of Security Clearance Violations

Infractions of the policies and procedures that protect classified information could cause your clearance to be revoked. 

Examples of security infractions include: 

• Improper storage of classified information (i.e., in an unlocked and unauthorized container, cabinet, or device)
• Leaving classified information unattended (i.e., in an unlocked computer or container, or in an unsecured area, such as on your desk or on a table)
• Losing a security badge or writing down login information
• Removing classified material from designated and authorized areas
• Copying or otherwise reproducing classified information 
• Improperly disclosing details of classified information (i.e., discussing it in public areas or on insecure phone lines, or sharing information with unauthorized parties) 
• Failure to properly destroy classified information, when necessary
• Failure to report a security violation

The severity and frequency of infractions, as well as the clearance holder’s intent, are considered when determining whether to revoke security privileges. As with denials, withdrawals of clearance can be appealed before the Appeals Board, either in writing or in person (depending on your job). 

Get in Touch with Our Security Clearance Attorneys Today

Our security clearance lawyers at The Griffin Law Firm offer exhaustive pre-clearance counseling services, from thorough SF-86 consultations to helping you understand the issues that could cause delay or denial. We also make sure our clients understand what’s involved in the investigation process and help them prepare for investigative interviews. In the event that your application is stalled or denied, or if your clearance is revoked, we provide Supplemental Information Request and Statement of Reason response services and appeal counseling and preparation. Our team has a strong reputation among service members and government personnel in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Newport News, and Yorktown, Virginia, and we accept clients from all over the country.  

 Call The Griffin Law Firm today to schedule a FREE consultation with our security clearance lawyers in Norfolk!