Summary
A 44-year-old engineer was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The Statement of Reasons detailed a history of alcohol-related offenses, including four instances of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI), along with two other alcohol-related offenses. These incidents occurred between 1988 and 2004.
Additionally, the applicant had a history of drug involvement. From 1978 to 1987, he occasionally smoked marijuana as a student. In 1992, he was arrested and charged with marijuana possession, though the charge was later dismissed, and police confiscated 18 drug-related items, including marijuana and paraphernalia. In 2004, he faced a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.
The denial was based on the applicant's multiple alcohol-related arrests and a diagnosis of alcohol abuse by a certified counselor. Despite his claims of current abstinence from alcohol and drugs, the judge found insufficient evidence of rehabilitation to mitigate the government's concerns, leading to the denial of his clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had multiple alcohol-related arrests, including four DWIs/DUI charges between 1988 and 2004.
- He was diagnosed with alcohol abuse by a certified counselor, indicating a significant issue with alcohol consumption.
- The applicant's assertion of no longer drinking alcohol was deemed insufficient to mitigate the government's concerns.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A7.1.2.1raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- E2.A7.1.2.4raisedDiagnosis by a Credential Medical Professional of Alcohol Abuse or Alcohol Dependence
- E2.A7.1.2.5raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol to the Point of Impaired Judgment
- E2.A8.1.2.1raisedAny Drug Abuse
- E2.A8.1.2.2raisedIllegal Drug Possession
Key Rule Quoted
“No one has a right to a security clearance, and "the clearly consistent standard indicates that security clearance determinations should err, if they must, on the side of denials."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 5, 2005
- Answer filedApr 13, 2005Applicant elected to have the case decided on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decided on written record.
- Decision dateJun 9, 2006
Cite For
- Denial Based on a Pattern of Alcohol-related Offenses Under Guideline G
- Insufficient Evidence of Rehabilitation in Cases of Alcohol Abuse
- Security Clearance Denial Due to Drug Involvement Under Guideline H