Security Clearance

The Defense Never Rests.

Worldwide Military Criminal Defense

Do you need help?

We assist federal employees, contractors, and military members in all stages of the security clearance process. Federal employees, military members, and government contractors are typically required to obtain and maintain a security clearance as a condition of employment or as part of their eligibility for certain positions and promotions. In recent years, there has been a steady increase in the number of jobs and military positions that require security clearances. The handling of classified documents continues to be an issue that shows up in headlines. Now more than ever, it is important for those in the military and those involved in work related to the federal government to obtain and retain their security clearances.

How Many Levels of Security Clearance Are There?

Currently, there are three primary clearance levels:

Confidential: This security clearance tier is the simplest of the three to acquire. It grants access to the least sensitive classified data.

Secret: This is the second level of security clearance, affording individuals access to confidential classified data.

Top Secret: Individuals holding this level of clearance are authorized to access extremely sensitive classified information. As a result, considerably fewer positions require this clearance type.

How Do You Get a Security Clearance?

The application process, as well as the periodic renewal process, involves extensive and thorough background investigations. These investigations look into personal, financial, and criminal history. Unfortunately, things as minor as traffic offenses or credit card debt can cause an initial issuance or renewal to be denied. Once you obtain a clearance, it can be revoked or downgraded at any time a concern arises.

Applying for a security clearance should be taken seriously and approached with care and strategy. Honesty throughout the application and renewal process is essential, especially since failing to maintain a security clearance can lead to loss of employment. We regularly assist federal employees, contractors, and military personnel with nationwide representation in all stages of the security clearance process and have helped many clients retain their clearances. Our attorneys who work in this area have all held clearances and understand the process from both professional and personal experience.

Free Consultation

We can assist with all stages of the process, including:

Guidance and counseling in completing security clearance forms (e.g., e-QIP, SF-85P, SF-86)
Preparation for investigative interviews
Representation during the polygraph process
Response to Statements of Reasons, Notices of Intent to Deny or Revoke a Clearance, and Interrogatories
Representation in security clearance hearings before federal government agencies (e.g., DOHA, DOE, DHS, DOJ, Intelligence Community)
Appeals of adverse security clearance proceedings
Requests for security clearance reconsideration

How Long Are Security Clearances in Effect?

Security clearances remain valid for the duration of your employment or role, subject to periodic reviews at various intervals. Those with Top Secret clearance undergo formal reviews every five years, Secret clearance holders are reviewed every ten years, and individuals with Confidential clearance undergo reviews every fifteen years. Nevertheless, your agency may conduct reinvestigations of your security clearance at any time before the scheduled formal review through random background checks.

For many individuals serving in the military, maintaining a security clearance is vital for professional advancement and future opportunities, both within the armed forces and beyond. However, certain circumstances — such as involuntary discharge or violations of military regulations — can jeopardize a clearance. If you are facing accusations that could potentially result in the loss of your security clearance, seeking guidance from an experienced military lawyer is essential.

If you are facing a military charge that threatens your security clearance and your career, call Younts Law promptly at (833) 739-5291 or (717) 612-4840.

UCMJ

Common Military Law Issues

Worldwide UCMJ Military Defense

Fighting Criminal Charges if You Are on Active Duty. The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) is a complex set of laws and regulations. A conviction for a UCMJ violation can put you in prison and ruin your future. If you’re accused of a UCMJ violation while on active duty, you must contact the right lawyer.

Military Religious Freedom & Religious

Military personnel in the U.S. have a legal right to seek religious accommodation. The process includes seeking the advice and the insights of their commander, medical provider, chaplain, and sometimes an attorney. Military religious freedom attorney R. Davis Younts will protect your right to seek...

Military Medical Professional Defense

Being a medical professional can be difficult and incredibly rewarding at the same time. While providing medical aid and saving people’s lives can be meaningful and valuable, there are incredibly high standards to practice medicine effectively. These standards are even more vital in the military. Strict protocols are in place...

Military Records Corrections and Discharge Upgrades

When someone leaves the military without an Honorable Discharge, that veteran’s job prospects are reduced, he or she receives no education benefits, and some veterans receive no benefits at all. However, these veterans are not without options. Correcting anyone’s military records...

UCMJ Drug Crimes (Article 112a)

Using, possessing, or selling illegal drugs can mean serious legal trouble if you are on active duty. Just one joint of marijuana is enough to ruin your future. If you are charged with a drug crime in a military court, you must be represented by military defense attorney R. Davis Younts.

UCMJ Sexual Assault (Article 120)

The Pentagon has spent millions on sexual assault and rape prevention, but there is little for you if you are the target of a false rape or sexual assault allegation. If you’re on active duty and you are accused of rape or sexual assault, contact military defense attorney R. Davis Younts at once.

Military Separations and Discharge Boards

Our attorneys have almost three decades of experience successfully representing clients in all phases of the military separation process and at Discharge Boards and Boards of Inquiry. Contact us today to learn more about what it is like to work with our team and join the fight to save your military career.

Article 15/Non-Judicial Punishment Defense

Our attorneys are former Staff Judge Advocates and prosecutors who have been involved in hundreds of Article 15/Non-Judicial punishment proceedings. We can assist in all stages of the process and ensure that your rights and career are protected.

ROTC Disenrollment

Allegations of misconduct by ROTC cadets can result in elimination from the ROTC program and the loss of the ability to commission. The ROTC Disenrollment process varies significantly among the each of branches of service. Our attorneys have represented Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps clients facing ROTC disenrollment. Our attorneys are prepared to represent you through all stages of the process.

Titling Removal Actions

Any military member that has ever been named as a “subject” in an investigation by military police, Security Force, CID, OSI, NCIS, or CGIS faces the specter of being “titled.” If you have been titled, any federal background check that is conducted in the future will result in a report that indicates that the military was arrested and charged with a crime. This titling action occurs even if the military member is never arrested, charged with a crime, or court-martialed.

Military Service Academy Investigations and Disenrollment

Our team includes a former JAG that was a prosecutor and military defense attorney at the United States Air Force Academy. Due to this level of expertise our firm has successfully represented cadets a The United States Military Academy (West Point), The Naval Academy (Annapolis), The Coast Guard Academy and the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs Colorado.

Flying Evaluation Boards

Regardless of the alleged misconduct, lack of proficiency, violation of flying regulations, or failure to meet requirements a Flying Evaluation Board (FEB) can have devastating consequences for a military members military career and ability to retain a license in the future. Any military member facing an FEB has the right to be represented by an attorney and the ability to present their case to a panel of three (3) voting members. Our attorneys have successfully represented pilots and other military aviators throughout the FEB process.

Medical Evaluation Boards

The military Disability Evaluation System and the Physical Evaluation and Medical Evaluation Board processes are governed by a complex system of regulations and instructions. Many military members facing referral to these processes and the potential of medical retirement benefit from having a caring and experienced attorney fighting for them and ensuring their critical rights are protected. Our team has over two decades of experience successfully representing military members in this highly technical and specialized area of military law.