Philadelphia Security Clearances and Background Checks

A criminal charge or conviction could affect a person’s security clearance. Generally, when someone has a security clearance, it shows a high degree of trust from the organization, which is usually the government. Depending on the charge, the individual could get their security clearance revoked or may not get one in the first place.

If you are facing criminal charges, you should reach out to a seasoned defense lawyer. An attorney who is knowledgeable about Philadelphia security clearances and background checks could advocate for you and help fight the allegations made against you.

Why are People with Security Clearances Held to a Higher Standard?

People with security clearances are held to a higher standard because they are trusted with a higher degree of sensitive and sometimes valuable information. If a person works for the federal government, they may have a security clearance to protect national security. The providing entity wants to know that the person they hired has the best, imputable moral character and that they would not be tempted or have any sort of situation that reflects poorly on the issuing authority.

Criminal Charges That are Taken Seriously Regarding Security Clearance

Certain criminal charges are particularly worrisome for the defendant regarding Philadelphia security clearances and background checks. For instance, a drug possession charge could be devastating for someone in the military. The military takes all drug charges seriously.

Crimes that involve dishonesty are also of concern for careers involving a security clearance or background check. This includes offenses related to theft, lying, fraud, or making false statements. If someone has a security clearance, at some point they may be called into a higher position and they might need to testify about something or give their official opinion on a report as a trusted individual. They do not want that to be called into question by a prior conviction.

How a Lawyer Approaches a Case Involving Security Clearance Issues

A defendant having security clearance could change the way an attorney approaches a case. For the defendant, the lawyer wants to know this information and finds out by asking them what do they do and what is required for them to keep a job because some crimes could have them stripped of their license. Some crimes may not automatically have their security clearance revoked, but various offenses would call it into question.

There are different classes of crimes. Summary offenses, which are the most minor, include disorderly conduct and low-level retail thefts. There are higher-level crimes and misdemeanors, like DUIs and simple assault. And then there are felonies include aggravated assault and attempted murder. Each of those different levels and will have a different effect on their ability to get and keep a security clearance.

Before the accused talks to their job about the criminal charge, they would want to talk to a lawyer about the security clearance issue and get their advice on the specific crime and how it might affect their security clearance.

A Philadelphia Attorney Could Help

A person who is charged with a crime and is worried about the status of their security clearance should reach out to an attorney. A lawyer who is knowledgeable about Philadelphia security clearances and background checks could help an individual resolve their case and keep their security clearance. An experienced attorney will look into what legal options you have. For instance, a defendant could be eligible for a diversionary program. A skilled lawyer could also build a strong defense to reach a favorable outcome.