D.C. Federal Security Clearance Application Attorney
Since 2001, the United States government has redoubled its efforts to protect the safety and security of its citizens. One consequence of this is a significant increase in the rigors of obtaining and maintaining a security clearance for any individual or company to gain access to restricted areas or sensitive information, including:
- Private contractors
- Government contractors
- Federal employees
An experienced attorney can provide you with invaluable advice and guidance in the application process for security clearance at any level, including:
- Confidential, secret, and top-secret clearance
- Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)
- Special Access Programs (SAP)
I highly encourage consulting an attorney before applying for a security clearance, prior to an interview, or immediately upon denial of a clearance.
Contact my office in Washington, D.C., for a confidential discussion of matters pertaining to your security clearance application.
EPSQ & SF86 Security Clearance Application Consultation
Security clearance procedure is governed by adjudicative guidelines adopted by executive order and by federal regulations and statutes, as well as the standard procedures of the issuing agency (for example, the CIA or the Department of Defense.) All applicants for security clearance must fill out an Electronic Personnel Security Questionnaire (EPSQ) and/or Standard Form 86 Questionnaire for National Security Positions (SF86.)
Generally, these forms are used to confirm general background information, professional history, and qualifications. They also address specific questions related to disqualifications or activities which may affect the applicant's fitness to receive a security clearance, including:
- Allegiance to the United States and any foreign influence or preference
- Personal conduct, including sexual behavior
- Psychological conditions
- Criminal convictions and security violations
- Alcohol consumption and drug involvement
- Financial considerations and outside activities
- Misuse of information technology systems and handling protected information
It is important to be honest in all these matters. If you have questions regarding what should be disclosed during the security clearance application process, contact my offices today for experienced and confidential application, interview, and polygraph counseling.
Guidance and Representation for Denied or Revoked Clearances
Denial of a security clearance for any reason may raise complicated legal and factual issues. In order to challenge a denial, the applicant must prove that it is in the interest of national security for the clearance to be granted.
In cases where a security clearance application is denied, the government agency involved will issue a Statement of Reasons (SOR), listing the specific disqualifiers or areas of concern from the application process. That agency's particular review process will then begin.
Since 2001, I have successfully guided a growing number of clients through the process of challenging clearance denials, including:
- Requesting a post-denial hearing or personal appearance
- Drafting a response to the Statement of Reasons
- Preparing for the hearing with witnesses and documentation
- Representing your interests in hearings and appearances
- Appearing before the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA) and other government agencies
The experienced representation of a veteran security clearance lawyer can help increase the odds of a favorable outcome at review hearings, personal appearances, and appeals. Contact me today for a realistic assessment of the likelihood of success in challenging your denied clearance.
Contact Us my Washington, D.C., office today for advice and representation from a distinguished security clearance attorney.
Smith Amendment Waivers
Smith Amendment rules prohibit anyone convicted of a crime and incarcerated for more than one year from obtaining a security clearance without a waiver. Contact me today to schedule a confidential discussion of the practicality of receiving a waiver.
Kathleen E. Voelker, Attorney at Law
1776 K Street NW Suite 800
Washington, DC 20006
Phone: (202) 835-2220 • E-mail • Fax: (202) 835-3939
From new offices near Farragut Square, just three blocks from the White House, Kathleen E. Voelker, Attorney at Law, serves clients in Washington, D.C., nationwide, and internationally in matters of security clearance, white collar criminal defense, and witness rights in federal and corporate investigations.
