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Admissions to Drug Use in a Security Clearance Investigation

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  • 03-11-2008, 10:01 AM
    nutshell
    Admissions to Drug Use in a Security Clearance Investigation
    Hi, I'm new to the forum. I'm a 30 year old male in CA and about a year ago my employer had me submit an application to the DOD for Secret security clearance. It's not required for my job but it's a plus.

    Anyway, in the application they ask about drug use and I was honest about that. During a follow-up interview I admitted that I use marijuana about once a week during band practice. I also admitted to having purchased it but said I've never sold it.

    My security clearance was denied, which I wasn't surprised about, and there were some follow-up letters about appealing the decision, which was again denied. They basically just reiterated what I had told them and I agreed once again.

    My question is: What is the likelihood that they'll follow this up with criminal charges? And, if so, what might that be?
  • 03-11-2008, 10:20 AM
    cdwjava
    Re: Security Clearance Investigation - Chance Of Criminal Charges?
    Quote:

    Quoting nutshell
    View Post
    My question is: What is the likelihood that they'll follow this up with criminal charges? And, if so, what might that be?

    Nil.

    Marijuana possession in CA is about akin to a traffic ticket. In fact, many traffic tickets have higher fines than marijuana possession.

    They are not going to prosecute you for an admission without any other evidence. In fact, by law, they cannot. However, you do have a chance to turn this negative around - you can still make a decision to stop using dope.



    - Carl
  • 03-11-2008, 10:21 AM
    4eyedbuzzard
    Re: Security Clearance Investigation - Chance Of Criminal Charges?
    Probably not, highly unlikely, very doubtful, etc.

    Can't say never, cause dumber things have happened. But on federal security apps it usually says that the info cannot be used against you later in a crimnal action.

    I wouldn't worry about criminal possession charges, but by being so truthful you may have killed your chances at any job in the near future requiring a security clearance as clearance apps ask if you have ever previously been denied a clearance and why.
  • 03-11-2008, 11:11 AM
    nutshell
    Re: Security Clearance Investigation - Chance Of Criminal Charges?
    Thanks, guys.

    Quote:

    Quoting 4eyedbuzzard
    View Post
    I wouldn't worry about criminal possession charges, but by being so truthful you may have killed your chances at any job in the near future requiring a security clearance as clearance apps ask if you have ever previously been denied a clearance and why.

    I'm not worried about this part. In my line of work requiring security clearance is the exception rather than the rule and the less I have to work with the government the better. :D
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