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Will a Drug-Related DUI Prevent Me from Getting a Security Clearance?

On Behalf of | Sep 19, 2022 | dui/dwi |

Because of its proximity to Washington, D.C. many Ocean City, Maryland residents work for the government or government contractors. Such jobs often require a security clearance. Many people wonder if they can get a security clearance if they have a past conviction for a drug-related DUI.

The bottom line is: Perhaps, but it will be difficult. While DUIs are common crimes and one or even two alcohol-related DUIs probably won’t disqualify you for a security clearance, a DUI involving drugs is treated differently.

Guideline H, “Drug Involvement,” deals with government concerns for clearance holders in the areas of illegal drug use or abuse of prescription drugs. The government can deny a security clearance based on illegal or improper use of drugs and some agencies will not approve a security clearance to individuals who unlawfully use or are addicted to drugs.

Abusing prescription drugs or other legal drugs can prevent you from obtaining a clearance. Disqualifying drug use can also include the use of marijuana which is illegal under federal law.

Recent drug involvement is especially frowned upon.

If you’re facing drug-related Ocean City DUI/DWI charges, one of the best strategies is to get the charge dismissed or reduced. While the arrest might show up on a background check, a lesser charge can help your prospects for obtaining a clearance.

A probation before judgment is also a possibility. PBJs are granted at the discretion of the judge. If granted a PBJ, you agree to be placed directly on probation and to satisfy court-imposed conditions such as drug and alcohol treatment. You will most likely be on probation for a couple of years.

In addition to looking at ways to get the charge reduced or dismissed, an Ocean City DUI lawyer will examine your case to see if various defenses can be used. These include asking whether the arresting officer had probable cause for the arrest and whether the field tests used for determining sobriety were properly conducted.

An Ocean City, Maryland DUI security clearance attorney can answer your questions about obtaining a security clearance if you’ve got concerns about previous Ocean City drunk driving arrests and convictions. An Ocean City, Maryland DUI/DWI security clearance attorney will review your circumstances to determine how to take advantage of the security clearance application process to best handle your Ocean City DUI/DWI charges. The attorneys at Maronick Law LLC can help.

The office is open during the pandemic and will continue to meet your Glen Burnie, Annapolis, Baltimore, Essex, Ocean City, Towson, White Marsh DUI legal needs. The consultation is free.

We can meet with you remotely if you have access to Zoom. You can contact Thomas Maronick on his cellphone at 202.288.0167, the law office at 410.881.4022 or through the website for a free consultation.

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