Can I Get Security Clearance with a Felony?
If you’re considering a career in the government or defense industry, you may be wondering if a felony conviction will impact your ability to obtain security clearance. The answer is not a simple yes or no, as the decision to grant security clearance is based on a thorough background investigation and evaluation of your criminal history, personal character, and potential for harm to national security.
The Basics of Security Clearance
Before we dive into the specifics of felonies and security clearance, let’s cover the basics. Security clearance is a process by which the government determines an individual’s trustworthiness and eligibility to access classified information. The process involves a background investigation, including a review of your criminal history, as well as an evaluation of your character, reputation, and personal conduct.
Felony Convictions and Security Clearance
A felony conviction can potentially impact your ability to obtain security clearance. However, the impact will depend on the nature and severity of the offense, as well as the length of time since the conviction.
- Recent Felony Convictions: If you’ve been convicted of a felony within the past 10 years, you may not be eligible for security clearance. The government considers recent felony convictions to be a significant factor in determining your trustworthiness and potential for harm to national security.
- Older Felony Convictions: If you’ve been convicted of a felony more than 10 years ago, the government will consider the offense in the context of your entire criminal history and overall character.
- The Type of Felony: The type of felony you’ve been convicted of will also play a significant role in the security clearance process. Felonies involving dishonesty, deception, or moral turpitude may be considered more serious than other types of felonies.
Factors That Affect Security Clearance
While a felony conviction can impact your ability to obtain security clearance, it’s not the only factor considered in the evaluation process. Other factors that may be evaluated include:
- Nature of the Offense: The type of offense you’ve been convicted of, as well as the circumstances surrounding the offense, will be evaluated.
- Length of Time Since the Conviction: The amount of time that has passed since your conviction will also be considered.
- Your Conduct Since the Conviction: Your behavior and conduct since the conviction will be evaluated to determine if you’ve demonstrated rehabilitation and a commitment to living a law-abiding life.
- Your Overall Character: Your character, reputation, and personal conduct will be evaluated to determine if you’re trustworthy and responsible.
The Security Clearance Process
The security clearance process involves several steps, including:
- Application: You’ll submit an application for security clearance, which will include a questionnaire and a request for authorization to conduct a background investigation.
- Background Investigation: A background investigator will review your criminal history, as well as conduct interviews with your friends, family, and acquaintances.
- Adjudication: The information gathered during the background investigation will be evaluated by a security clearance adjudicator, who will make a determination about your eligibility for security clearance.
- Appeals Process: If your application for security clearance is denied, you may appeal the decision to a higher-level adjudicator.
Can I Get Security Clearance with a Felony?
In conclusion, while a felony conviction can impact your ability to obtain security clearance, it’s not a guarantee that you won’t be eligible. The decision to grant security clearance is based on a thorough evaluation of your criminal history, personal character, and potential for harm to national security.
- Recent Felony Convictions: If you’ve been convicted of a felony within the past 10 years, you may not be eligible for security clearance.
- Older Felony Convictions: If you’ve been convicted of a felony more than 10 years ago, the government will consider the offense in the context of your entire criminal history and overall character.
- The Type of Felony: The type of felony you’ve been convicted of will also play a significant role in the security clearance process.
Tips for Getting Security Clearance with a Felony
If you’re considering a career in the government or defense industry and have a felony conviction, here are some tips to increase your chances of getting security clearance:
- Hire an Attorney: An attorney with experience in security clearance law can help you navigate the process and provide guidance on how to present your case.
- Provide Documentation: Be prepared to provide documentation about your felony conviction, including court records and letters of recommendation from your attorney or probation officer.
- Emphasize Your Rehabilitation: Highlight any steps you’ve taken to rehabilitate yourself, such as completing counseling or community service.
- Be Honest and Transparent: Be truthful and transparent about your criminal history and any other information that may be relevant to the security clearance process.
Conclusion
Obtaining security clearance with a felony conviction is not impossible, but it requires a thorough understanding of the process and a willingness to provide detailed information about your criminal history and personal character. By following the tips outlined above and being honest and transparent, you may be able to increase your chances of getting security clearance and pursuing a career in the government or defense industry.
