Summary
This case involved a 31-year-old electrician with a high school diploma, whose eligibility for a security clearance was reviewed under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). Initial concerns stemmed from a DUI conviction, which included charges for hit and run and leaving the scene of an accident, as well as 13 delinquent debts totaling $17,344. These debts included a $5,319 charged-off account, a $2,516 repossession collection, and various credit card, telecommunications, and insurance collection debts.
The applicant successfully mitigated these concerns. Regarding personal conduct, he demonstrated remorse and took responsibility for the DUI, convincing the judge that such behavior was unlikely to recur. For financial considerations, he resolved all but one of his delinquent debts prior to the hearing, indicating a significant improvement in financial responsibility.
Furthermore, the applicant engaged in financial counseling and made good-faith efforts to repay his overdue creditors. Based on these actions, the judge found that the applicant had adequately mitigated the initial security concerns, and eligibility for a security clearance was GRANTED.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated remorse and took responsibility for his past DUI conviction, showing it was unlikely to recur.
- All but one of the applicant's delinquent debts were resolved prior to the hearing, indicating responsible financial behavior.
- The applicant received financial counseling and made good-faith efforts to repay overdue creditors.
Conditions Referenced
- E16(c)raisedCredible Adverse Information in Several Adjudicative Issue Areas
- F19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- F19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- E17(c)appliedThe Offense Is so Minor, or so Much Time Has Passed, or the Behavior Is so Infrequent
- E17(d)appliedThe Individual Has Acknowledged the Behavior and Obtained Counseling
- E17(e)appliedThe Individual Has Taken Positive Steps to Reduce or Eliminate Vulnerability
- F20(a)appliedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances
- F20(b)appliedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- F20(c)appliedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem
- F20(d)appliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 21, 2016
- Answer filedMay 27, 2016
- Hearing heldOct 27, 2016
- Decision dateMar 8, 2017
Cite For
- Mitigation of Personal Conduct Concerns Due to Demonstrated Remorse and Responsible Behavior
- Resolution of Financial Obligations as a Factor in Granting Security Clearance
- Application of Whole-person Concept in Evaluating Eligibility for Security Clearance