Being charged with a DUI / DWI can have a tremendous impact on your security clearance, especially if the situation ends in conviction. As many jobs in the District of Columbia, Maryland and DC area require and or show preference towards those who have a security clearance, it is critical that one hires a team of skilled trial attorneys to back their case.
Whether you work for:
- The Department of Defense / War (DoD / DoW)
- Department of State (DOS)
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- Department of Justice (DOJ)
- Department of Energy (DOE)
- Department of the Treasury
- Department of the Interior
- Department of Transportation (DOT)
- Department of Veteran Affairs
- Department of Health and Human Services
- Department of the Army
- Department of the Air Force / Space Force
- Department of the Navy
- Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA)
- Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)
- National Security Agency (NSA)
- National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA)
- National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)
- Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI)
- Architect of the Capitol
- Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
- Coast Guard
- NASA
- Department of Commerce
or various other entities tied to the government as well as civilian contractors that may require you to have a security clearance, protecting your clearance is key to maintaining gainful employment in this competitive job market.
Do I Need to Report This?
If you have been arrested and charged with driving under the influence / driving while impaired, there can be expectations to report this incident to your employer. Those who are in roles tied to national security and/or have access to classified information are expected to self-report per the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA). For all who hold a security clearance, it is required to report incidents / events that could impact your ability to meet security clearance requirements.
What Should I be Concerned About?
As with any arrest, there are concerns to be had about how this situation can impact your day to day life. In speaking with our clients, many come to our firm with the following concerns:
- Appearance of arrest: Not long after you are arrested, it is almost guaranteed that your personal information will be placed in the Maryland judiciary case search system, which would place your identifying information next to whatever charges you received. The information provided is quite detailed, with many case search profiles mentioning your full name, date of birth, home address and potentially more information to whoever decides to look into your info.
- Impact on Driving: Law enforcement officers are required to confiscate your Maryland drivers license should you have one and/or have it in your possession when arrested. While a temporary license may be provided, inconveniences such as needing to install an interlock device in your car may come up.
Do You Have Experience Representing Clients With Security Clearances?
A significant number of our clients past and present have security clearances, many of which came to our firm with immediate concern about how their legal situation could create issues with their current or future employment. Our firm has represented countless:
- Intelligence & national security employees (analysts, officers, researchers, etc.)
- Law enforcement officers (federal, state & county level)
- Active duty military service members and reservists (Air Force, Army, Space Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Guard)
- Engineers (aerospace, systems, mechanical, electrical, etc.)
- Various other professionals that seek top tier representation to protect their careers.
Whether your clearance level is:
- Confidential
- Secret
- Top Secret (TS)
- Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information
- Top Secret w/Special Access Programs
Our firm has the experience and expertise needed to lead you to success. We are more than familiar with what is needed to fight a case with security clearance concerns; call our team at 301-321-7277 to discuss your situation today or fill out our online form.
We have offices in Waldorf, Rockville, Lanham, and Frederick, and proudly serve clients in Prince George’s County, Calvert County, Frederick County, St. Mary’s County, County, Charles County, all of Maryland, and the District of Columbia.