Summary
A 41-year-old business process consultant was granted a security clearance despite concerns under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) and Guideline J (Criminal Conduct). The applicant had a history of alcohol-related incidents, including three instances of underage alcohol possession in August 2001, February 2003, and June 2003. Further incidents included driving after illegally consuming alcohol in December 2003, a DUI in December 2008, public intoxication in May 2009 and June 2010, and another DUI in December 2019. A January 2024 psychological evaluation diagnosed a moderate alcohol use disorder, noted as being in sustained remission.
The administrative judge found that the applicant demonstrated significant rehabilitation and responsible behavior over time. Key mitigating factors included nearly six years of alcohol abstinence following the December 2019 incident. The applicant also provided a statement of intent to refrain from alcohol consumption while holding a security clearance.
Additionally, the applicant presented evidence of rehabilitation, including the successful completion of counseling and a negative alcohol screen. These actions collectively led to the granting of the security clearance, which was initially conditional with a warning about future conduct.
Why the applicant prevailed
- The applicant abstained from alcohol for nearly six years following his last alcohol-related incident in December 2019.
- He executed a statement of intent to refrain from alcohol consumption while holding a security clearance.
- The applicant provided evidence of rehabilitation, including successful completion of counseling and a negative alcohol screen.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- AG ¶ 22(c)raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- AG ¶ 22(d)raisedDiagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder
- AG ¶ 31(a)raisedPattern of Minor Offenses
- AG ¶ 31(b)raisedEvidence of Criminal Conduct
- AG ¶ 23(a)appliedTime Has Passed Since the Conduct
- AG ¶ 23(b)appliedAcknowledgment of Alcohol Use Pattern and Evidence of Actions Taken
- AG ¶ 32(a)appliedTime Elapsed Since Criminal Behavior
- AG ¶ 32(d)appliedEvidence of Successful Rehabilitation
Key rule quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the adjudicative guidelines.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedSep 27, 2024
- Answer filedNov 22, 2024
- Hearing heldAug 18, 2025conducted by video teleconference
- Decision dateSep 26, 2025
Cite for
- Mitigation of Alcohol-related Incidents Under Guideline G Due to Time Elapsed and Evidence of Rehabilitation
- Successful Demonstration of Rehabilitation Efforts in the Context of Criminal Conduct Under Guideline J
- The Importance of a Statement of Intent Regarding Future Alcohol Consumption in Security Clearance Cases.