Losing Security Clearance Over A Suspended Imposition Sentence

[asosa20]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Virginia.

Hi, I have a general question to ask or perhaps some advice. I recently was involved in a domestic incident with my husband, which resulted in me slapping him in the face. This happened in Virginia. I was arrested for the charge of Assult and Battery on a family member. I went to trial and basically the judge found me guilty of the crime, however, gave me an SIS. I have been assigned to attend a probation program called "Fresh Start", which consists of 24 weeks community group counseling. My attorney told me that the charges will automatically be dropped in 4/30/10, and the it will appear on my record as being "dismissed".

I currently hold a Top Secret clearance and I'm extremely concern that this may affect me in the future. I notified my boss about the incident, but he told me he did not want to make a report to our FSO's until there was a conviction of the crime. I would like to know how I should address this to my security FSO, is an SIS technically a conviction? Also, is it true that an SIS will be automatically appear as "dismissed" in my record? I have no prior record, and this was my first time offense. I will be reinvestigated in 2012 for my Top Secret.

Please advice a hopeless mother in Virginia.

Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

[seniorjudge]

Q: is an SIS technically a conviction?

A: No. But I am not the one issuing you your clearance so it doesn't matter what I think.

[asosa20]

So what exactly are you saying then? I don't understand how an SIS is not a conviction. Do you mind explaining? What exactly is an SIS then, why would the courts send you on probation is it is not considered a conviction?

Thanks,