ISCR Case 24-01031

Case Headnote

ISCR Case No. 24-01031

grantedJan 20, 2026· Hon. Pamela C. Benson· hearing

Summary

A 35-year-old male applicant was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption). The Statement of Reasons detailed two DUI charges: one in April 2017, resulting in a no-contest plea, two days in jail, three years of probation, approximately $2,018 in fines, and a three-month alcohol education program. A second DUI charge occurred in July 2020, where his BAC was .20. He again pled no contest, receiving a sentence of 30 days in jail, five years of probation, about $2,000 in fines, and restrictions on visiting establishments primarily selling intoxicants or consuming alcohol.

Disqualifying conditions under Guideline G were raised, specifically concerning a pattern of alcohol consumption that indicates questionable judgment and a history of alcohol-related incidents. However, the administrative judge applied mitigating conditions, acknowledging that the problem was not recent and that the applicant had demonstrated a clear change in behavior.

The clearance was granted because the applicant established a consistent pattern of modified alcohol consumption since his last DUI arrest in July 2020. He has had no further alcohol-related offenses, demonstrating a significant behavioral change. The applicant also expressed remorse for his past actions and has taken responsible steps to control his alcohol use, supported by his girlfriend. The judge concluded that granting the clearance was consistent with national security interests.

Why the Applicant Prevailed

The applicant demonstrated a clear and established pattern of modified alcohol consumption since his last DUI arrest.
He has not had any alcohol-related offenses since July 2020, indicating a significant change in behavior.
The applicant expressed remorse for his past actions and has taken responsible steps to control his alcohol use.

Conditions Referenced

Disqualifying

AG ¶ 22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
AG ¶ 22(c)raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol

Mitigating

AG ¶ 23(a)appliedTime Has Passed Since the Last Incident
AG ¶ 23(b)appliedAcknowledgment of Alcohol Use Pattern and Evidence of Actions Taken

Key Rule Quoted

“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the adjudicative guidelines.”

Procedural Posture

SOR issuedDec 27, 2024
Answer filedJan 15, 2025
Hearing held—Applicant requested a decision based on the administrative record.
Decision dateJan 20, 2026

Cite For

Successful Mitigation of Alcohol-related Security Concerns Under Guideline G
Importance of Demonstrating Lifestyle Changes After Alcohol-related Incidents
Consideration of Support Systems in Mitigating Security Concerns

Editorial summary generated for research. Not legal advice; not a prediction. Verify against the full decision before relying on any quoted language.

¶	Allegation	Finding	Incident	Response	Disqualifying (¶22)	Mitigating applied (¶23)	Mitigation
1.a	In about April 2017, Applicant was charged with driving under the influence (DUI). He pled no contest and was sentenced to two days in jail and three years of probation. He was also ordered to pay court fees and fines totaling $2,018, and he was required to participate in an alcohol education program for three months.	For Applicant	DUI or DWI Alcohol	Admitted	(a) alcohol-related incident away from work (DUI, fighting, etc.) (c) habitual or binge consumption to the point of impaired judgment	(a) so much time has passed / so infrequent that it is unlikely to recur (b) acknowledges the pattern and has established modified use or abstinence	—
1.b	In about July 2020, Applicant was charged with DUI. At the time of his arrest, his blood alcohol content (BAC) registered .20. He pled no contest to the DUI and was sentenced to 30 days in jail and five years of probation. He was ordered to pay court fees and fines totaling about $2,000, not to visit any places where intoxicants are sold as a primary income or business, not to consume alcohol, and	For Applicant	DUI or DWI Alcohol	Admitted	(a) alcohol-related incident away from work (DUI, fighting, etc.) (c) habitual or binge consumption to the point of impaired judgment	(a) so much time has passed / so infrequent that it is unlikely to recur (b) acknowledges the pattern and has established modified use or abstinence	—

Allegation

Finding

Incident

Response

Disqualifying (¶22)

Mitigating applied (¶23)

Mitigation

1.a

In about April 2017, Applicant was charged with driving under the influence (DUI). He pled no contest and was sentenced to two days in jail and three years of probation. He was also ordered to pay court fees and fines totaling $2,018, and he was required to participate in an alcohol education program for three months.

For Applicant

DUI or DWI Alcohol

Admitted

(a) alcohol-related incident away from work (DUI, fighting, etc.)

(c) habitual or binge consumption to the point of impaired judgment

(a) so much time has passed / so infrequent that it is unlikely to recur

(b) acknowledges the pattern and has established modified use or abstinence

—

1.b

In about July 2020, Applicant was charged with DUI. At the time of his arrest, his blood alcohol content (BAC) registered .20. He pled no contest to the DUI and was sentenced to 30 days in jail and five years of probation. He was ordered to pay court fees and fines totaling about $2,000, not to visit any places where intoxicants are sold as a primary income or business, not to consume alcohol, and