Security Clearance Defense Lawyer

Security Clearance Defense Attorney

If you work in the United States government, you are subject to in-depth background checks to ensure you’re reliable and trustworthy. Some positions also require specific levels of security clearance for individuals to access classified national security information. If you’re applying for security clearance or dealing with an issue with your current clearance status, you can turn to a local experienced security clearance defense lawyer to help you understand your legal options.

W. James Payne Law Firm has been helping North Carolina residents navigate security clearance defense cases for over four decades, so we’re familiar with the legal process as well as common tactics that prosecutors use. With our team on your side, you can be prepared for whatever gets thrown your way. You can count on us to be by your side through every stage of the process until the case is settled.

Security Clearance Defense Laws

Security clearance assessments screen individuals before they can access sensitive, confidential information about the nation’s security. This process is essential because it ensures that anyone who is handling confidential matters can be trusted. Even with these laws in place, incidents can still arise.

The FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) reported 112,943 crimes against society in 2024. Moreover, a total of 229 national defense cases were reported to the United States Sentencing Commission in fiscal year 2024.

Compared to other crimes, the volume of these types of criminal activities is generally lower. That said, the implications of the crime can leave a lasting impact on those affected. Security clearance issues can be detrimental at any scale, so strict laws are in place to combat these criminal acts.

Legal Support

If you’re facing an issue, our team is here to help you through it. We can also help with the application process if it’s your first time applying for clearance. As of 2024, the average processing time was 249 days for Top Secret security clearance applications and 138 days for Secret security clearance applications.

By working with a security clearance defense attorney, you can navigate the process efficiently. You can also have peace of mind knowing you’re doing everything correctly the first time around.

Your Local Security Clearance Defense Laws

W. James Payne Law Firm has over 40 years of experience representing clients in security clearance defense cases. Over the years, we’ve settled thousands of cases, giving us invaluable knowledge on how to handle all types of cases. We’re confident that we can develop a personalized strategy to help you through yours.

Our team has experience working on civil and criminal cases, including high-level felonies and white collar crimes, at both the state and federal levels. We’ve built a great reputation over the years, including:

• America’s Top 100 Attorneys list
• American Board of Criminal Lawyers
• Police Benevolent Association Award winners
• Rated by SuperLawyers®
• Rated as a Top Attorney by Avvo
• Recognized as Lawyers of Distinction
• Top 100 Trial Lawyer

Our goal at W. James Payne Law Firm is to help you understand your charges so you can take the right steps to resolve them. Our team can be there for you no matter which direction your case goes, so you don’t have to worry about the intricacies of a security clearance defense case. We understand how prosecutors operate in these cases and can utilize our knowledge of their tactics to help build a strong defense, allowing you to move forward from this situation.

FAQs

What Is a Security Clearance Investigation?

A security clearance investigation assesses if someone is permitted to access classified information about our national security. Breaches in national security are a big deal, which is why these investigations are so important. All federal employees, contractors, and military members must undergo background checks, though the extent of the investigation depends on the type of field you’re in.

How Much Does a Security Clearance Investigation Cost?

The cost of undergoing a security clearance investigation can vary depending on the field you’re in and the reason for the investigation. There are also different levels of security clearance investigations to grant access to information that is confidential, secret, or top secret. By working with a security clearance defense lawyer, you can be sure you go through the process correctly the first time around and don’t make any costly mistakes.

Do I Have to Hire a Security Clearance Defense Lawyer?

You’re not required to work with a security clearance defense lawyer, but it’s typically recommended to seek legal counsel. When you hire a security clearance defense lawyer, you can have peace of mind knowing you have someone on your side who understands how these types of cases work. Your attorney can be there to assist you, to help you learn the process, and guide you through any challenges along the way.

What Disqualifies You From Receiving Top Security Clearance?

To have access to sensitive national security information, you must be able to prove that you’re reliable by filing an application and going through the proper steps. Some things that automatically can have you disqualified include excessive alcohol or drug consumption, criminal conduct, and not having allegiance to the United States. Your personal conduct and underlying psychological conditions can also impact whether you are eligible for top security clearance.

Hire a Security Clearance Defense Lawyer to Help With Your Case Today

Whether you’re applying for security clearance or your security clearance is being questioned, it can be helpful to work with a defense lawyer who understands how to protect your rights. At W. James Payne Law Firm, we craft personalized legal strategies tailored to each of our clients’ unique needs.

That means you can count on us to take the time to understand the intricacies of your case and to put in the work to come up with a solution that works for you. If you’re ready to discuss your case in more detail, our team is just a phone call away. Please call our office to schedule an initial consultation at your convenience.