Summary
A 34-year-old software engineer for a defense contractor was granted a security clearance despite concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption). The applicant had a history of five alcohol-related incidents between 1984 and 1998, including multiple DUI arrests. Specific allegations included a 1986 DUI (later dismissed), a 1991 DUI conviction, a 1993 DUI conviction with a 30-day sentence and treatment, and a 1998 DUI conviction resulting in a 75-day jail sentence and further treatment.
Additionally, the applicant faced allegations of omitting his 1986 and 1991 DUI arrests from his March 19, 2002 SF-86. Other arrests included a February 1996 failure to appear (found not guilty) and a June 1997 incident for which he pleaded guilty to driving without a license.
The clearance was granted because the applicant demonstrated 18 months of sustained alcohol abstinence, and a substance abuse counselor found no evidence of alcohol dependence. The judge also determined that the omissions on the SF-86 were not deliberate or willful.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated 18 months of sustained abstinence from alcohol.
- A licensed substance abuse counselor found no evidence of alcohol dependence.
- The applicant's omissions on the SF-86 were determined not to be deliberate or willful.
Conditions Referenced
- DC 1raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- DC 5raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol to the Point of Impaired Judgment
- MC 2appliedThe Problem Occurred a Number of Years Ago and There Is No Indication of a Recent Problem
- MC 3appliedPositive Changes in Behavior Supportive of Sobriety
- MC 4appliedOmission of Material Facts Was Caused or Significantly Contributed to by Improper or Inadequate Advice of Authorized Personnel, and the Previously Omitted Information Was Promptly and Fully Provided
Key Rule Quoted
“The ultimate determination of an applicant's eligibility for a security clearance depends, in large part, on the relevance and materiality of that evidence.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJul 2, 2003
- Answer filedJul 9, 2003
- Hearing heldNov 6, 2003
- Decision dateJan 29, 2004
Cite For
- Mitigation of Alcohol-related Incidents Under Guideline G
- Non-deliberate Omissions on SF-86 Under Guideline E
- Evidence of Positive Behavioral Changes Leading to Favorable Security Clearance Outcomes.