Which of the Following is Considered a Major Disqualifying Offense?
When it comes to applying for a security clearance, individuals are required to disclose any criminal offenses or other disqualifying information that may impact their eligibility for a clearance. A major disqualifying offense is a criminal offense that is considered so serious that it automatically disqualifies an individual from obtaining a security clearance. In this article, we will explore which of the following is considered a major disqualifying offense.
What is a Security Clearance?
Before we dive into the major disqualifying offenses, it’s essential to understand what a security clearance is. A security clearance is a determination by the government that an individual is trustworthy and can be trusted with access to classified information. There are three levels of security clearances: Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret. Each level requires a background investigation and a determination that the individual is eligible for the clearance.
Major Disqualifying Offenses
The following are considered major disqualifying offenses:
- Spousal Abuse: Any conviction or plea of guilty or no contest to a crime involving domestic violence, including assault, battery, or sexual assault against a spouse or intimate partner.
- Child Abuse: Any conviction or plea of guilty or no contest to a crime involving the physical or sexual abuse of a child.
- Drug Trafficking: Any conviction or plea of guilty or no contest to a crime involving the manufacture, distribution, or possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
- Embezzlement: Any conviction or plea of guilty or no contest to a crime involving the theft or misappropriation of funds or property.
- Fraud: Any conviction or plea of guilty or no contest to a crime involving the making of false statements, misrepresentations, or omissions to obtain a benefit or to defraud another person.
- Illegal Use of Controlled Substances: Any conviction or plea of guilty or no contest to a crime involving the possession or use of a controlled substance, unless the offense was committed more than one year prior to the date of the application.
- Larceny: Any conviction or plea of guilty or no contest to a crime involving the theft of property or money.
- Manslaughter: Any conviction or plea of guilty or no contest to a crime involving the killing of another person.
- Murder: Any conviction or plea of guilty or no contest to a crime involving the killing of another person, unless the offense was committed more than one year prior to the date of the application.
- Perjury: Any conviction or plea of guilty or no contest to a crime involving the making of false statements under oath.
- Robbery: Any conviction or plea of guilty or no contest to a crime involving the taking of property from another person by force or threat of force.
- Sexual Misconduct: Any conviction or plea of guilty or no contest to a crime involving sexual misconduct, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, or indecent exposure.
- Theft of Government Property: Any conviction or plea of guilty or no contest to a crime involving the theft of government property.
Other Disqualifying Offenses
In addition to the major disqualifying offenses listed above, there are other offenses that may disqualify an individual from obtaining a security clearance. These include:
- Criminal Trespass: Any conviction or plea of guilty or no contest to a crime involving the unauthorized entry onto property.
- Disorderly Conduct: Any conviction or plea of guilty or no contest to a crime involving disorderly conduct, including public intoxication, disturbing the peace, or engaging in fighting or violent behavior.
- Driving Under the Influence: Any conviction or plea of guilty or no contest to a crime involving driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Illegal Possession of a Firearm: Any conviction or plea of guilty or no contest to a crime involving the illegal possession of a firearm.
- Reckless Endangerment: Any conviction or plea of guilty or no contest to a crime involving reckless behavior that endangered the safety of another person.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a major disqualifying offense is a criminal offense that is considered so serious that it automatically disqualifies an individual from obtaining a security clearance. The offenses listed above are considered major disqualifying offenses and may automatically disqualify an individual from obtaining a security clearance. It’s essential for individuals applying for a security clearance to disclose any criminal offenses or other disqualifying information that may impact their eligibility for a clearance.
Table: Major Disqualifying Offenses
Offense | Description |
---|---|
Spousal Abuse | Conviction or plea of guilty or no contest to a crime involving domestic violence |
Child Abuse | Conviction or plea of guilty or no contest to a crime involving the physical or sexual abuse of a child |
Drug Trafficking | Conviction or plea of guilty or no contest to a crime involving the manufacture, distribution, or possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance |
Embezzlement | Conviction or plea of guilty or no contest to a crime involving the theft or misappropriation of funds or property |
Fraud | Conviction or plea of guilty or no contest to a crime involving the making of false statements, misrepresentations, or omissions to obtain a benefit or to defraud another person |
Illegal Use of Controlled Substances | Conviction or plea of guilty or no contest to a crime involving the possession or use of a controlled substance |
Larceny | Conviction or plea of guilty or no contest to a crime involving the theft of property or money |
Manslaughter | Conviction or plea of guilty or no contest to a crime involving the killing of another person |
Murder | Conviction or plea of guilty or no contest to a crime involving the killing of another person |
Perjury | Conviction or plea of guilty or no contest to a crime involving the making of false statements under oath |
Robbery | Conviction or plea of guilty or no contest to a crime involving the taking of property from another person by force or threat of force |
Sexual Misconduct | Conviction or plea of guilty or no contest to a crime involving sexual misconduct |
Theft of Government Property | Conviction or plea of guilty or no contest to a crime involving the theft of government property |
Bullets: Other Disqualifying Offenses
• Criminal Trespass: Any conviction or plea of guilty or no contest to a crime involving the unauthorized entry onto property.
• Disorderly Conduct: Any conviction or plea of guilty or no contest to a crime involving disorderly conduct, including public intoxication, disturbing the peace, or engaging in fighting or violent behavior.
• Driving Under the Influence: Any conviction or plea of guilty or no contest to a crime involving driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Illegal Possession of a Firearm: Any conviction or plea of guilty or no contest to a crime involving the illegal possession of a firearm.
• Reckless Endangerment: Any conviction or plea of guilty or no contest to a crime involving reckless behavior that endangered the safety of another person.