SECURITY CLEARANCE CONCERNS – GUIDELINE F (FINANCIAL CONCERNS)

The majority of cases reviewed by administrative judges from the Department of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA) involve allegations of financial concerns under Guideline F to DoD Directive 5220.6.  Financial concerns for security clearance applicants are almost always raised following a review of the applicant’s credit reports during the investigation process.  The Central Adjudication Facilities (CAF) always review an applicant’s credit reports during an initial investigation or re-investigation.  Financial issues that commonly turn into allegations on a Statement of Reasons (SOR) include: foreclosures, bankruptcies, judgments, liens, accounts in collections, and IRS debts.

 

The concern of Guideline F is:

 

Failure or inability to live within one=s means, satisfy debts, and meet financial obligations may indicate poor self-control, lack of judgment, or unwillingness to abide by rules and regulations, all of which can raise questions about an individual=s reliability, trustworthiness and ability to protect classified information. An individual who is financially overextended is at risk of having to engage in illegal acts to generate funds.

 

Attorney Patrick Korody has successfully represented clients facing Guideline F (Financial Concerns) allegations in DOHA Security Clearance Hearings across the country.

 

Most applicants fail to properly address the Guideline F allegations at the hearing or are unprepared to present substantial evidence of mitigation at the hearing.  Evidence must directly address each allegation, be well organized, and successfully mitigate the concern.  Evidence at these hearings includes documents and witnesses.

 

Guideline F concerns can normally be mitigated by the time a hearing is docketed with the assistance of a skilled security clearance attorney like Mr. Korody.

 

Mr. Korody engages in consumer law negotiations with debt holders to reach favorable resolutions for his clients that will ensure they keep their clearance.  He has also successfully disputed debts on behalf of security clearance clients, establishing that the debt was erroneous or unlawful.

 

Mr. Korody has been lauded by DOHA Judges and Department Counsel for his preparation, professionalism, and advocacy for his clients.  These cases are very similar to military cases, and Mr. Korody uses his decade-plus experience as a Navy JAG to the benefit of his clients.  He has earned a reputation as “The Nation’s Preeminent Security Clearance Attorney.”

 

Guideline F cases often require the most pre-hearing preparation and time because of the negotiations and communications with debt holders.  Call Korody Law at 904-383-7261 for a free consultation for your Security Clearance case.