Colonial Heights DUIs and Security Clearance
A security clearance is granted because someone works in the public trust. It means that they are held to a higher standard of behavior as they are privy to restricted information or their job has access to power that could be abused. When someone with a security clearance is charged with a DUI, it may be seen as irresponsible, and it could potentially lead to a loss of that security clearance.
If you have a security clearance and have been charged with a DUI, it may be in your best interest to consult with a Colonial Heights DUIs and security clearance lawyer. An experienced DUI attorney may be able to fight your DUI charge and potentially preserve your security clearance.
A DUI Record Could Affect the Ability to Get a Security Clearance
Having a DUI on record could jeopardize someone’s ability to obtain a security clearance, but it really depends on how high the clearance is. Unless someone is looking at FBI-level security clearance, a DUI is not going to bar someone from receiving that clearance. The more secret the clearance, the more dangerous the DUI conviction would be. The people granting clearances have become much more accepting of certain charges in recent years, including possessions of marijuana.
If someone already has a security clearance, receiving a DUI charge or conviction could impact their ability to maintain the clearance. Depending on what their level of clearance is, a DUI conviction could lead to losing their security clearance, especially if they have a top-secret security clearance.
Security Clearance and Employment
Losing security clearance could jeopardize a person’s employment, depending on what their employment is. However, the general rule is that whatever clearance is required for their job that is the clearance that they have. If they have a specific security clearance, it is the security clearance they need for their job. In Colonial Heights, a DUI conviction can lead to the loss of security clearance.
Strategies to Protect a Security Clearance
There are some strategies a defense attorney could take to deal with a DUI charge that may be jeopardizing someone’s security clearance. Individuals with a security clearance are like those with a CDL –Commercial Drivers License–. If a defendant has a high-level security clearance, a lawyer needs to do everything they can get the charge dismissed, reduced, or amended so it does not have a negative effect on that security clearance.
Call a Colonial Heights DUIs and Security Clearance Lawyer Today
If you have been charged with a DUI and it is threatening your security clearance, a qualified attorney may be able to help fight for your rights, and your clearance. Your clearance is likely a necessity for your work, and losing it could negatively affect your livelihood. Do not leave something like this to chance, call a Colonial Heights DUI and security clearance lawyer today to learn more about your options.
