Summary
A 53-year-old engineer scientist with 31 years of experience at a defense contractor was granted a security clearance despite concerns under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) and Guideline J (Criminal Conduct). These concerns stemmed from a February 2015 arrest and subsequent guilty plea for driving while intoxicated (DWI).
The Statement of Reasons specifically cited the 2015 DWI arrest and conviction. However, the judge found that the applicant had taken substantial mitigating steps. She completed an alcohol counseling program and fulfilled all court-ordered requirements related to her conviction.
The applicant demonstrated a commitment to responsible alcohol consumption, including not driving after drinking. The judge concluded that the DWI incident was unlikely to recur and did not negatively impact her current reliability or judgment, leading to the decision to grant the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant completed an alcohol counseling program and fulfilled all court-ordered requirements after her DWI conviction.
- She demonstrated a commitment to responsible alcohol consumption and does not drive after drinking.
- The judge found that the DWI incident was unlikely to recur and did not cast doubt on her current reliability or good judgment.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- AG ¶ 22(c)raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- AG ¶ 31(a)raisedA Single Serious Crime or Multiple Lesser Offenses
- AG ¶ 31(c)raisedAdmission of Criminal Conduct
- AG ¶ 23(a)appliedUnlikely to Recur
- AG ¶ 23(d)appliedSuccessful Rehabilitation
- 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 issuedAug 15, 2016
- Answer filedSep 7, 2016
- Hearing heldDec 6, 2016
- Decision dateFeb 1, 2017
Cite For
- Mitigation of Alcohol Consumption Concerns Under Guideline G
- Mitigation of Criminal Conduct Concerns Under Guideline J
- Whole-person Assessment in Security Clearance Determinations