Maryland Government Suitability & Fitness Lawyer
Top National Security Lawyers Handling Government Suitability & Fitness Throughout Maryland
At Henault & Sysko Chartered, our Maryland government suitability & fitness attorneys have extensive experience representing federal employees and federal contractors. If you or your loved one was denied a position or removed from a position based on suitability or fitness concerns, we are available to help. To set up a strictly confidential initial consultation with an experienced Maryland government suitability & fitness lawyer, please call us at our Glen Burnie office today.
Suitability & Fitness Determinations: What You Need to Know
Under federal law (Code of Federal Regulations (5 CFR 731)), suitability is considered “character traits and past conduct” that can be used to evaluate whether an employee/contractor is appropriate for federal service and has a fitness “level of character” needed to work in a specific federal position. Under the umbrella of a suitability and fitness determination, an agency can deny/remove an employee for a wide array of different reasons, including:
- Misconduct in employment;
- An arrest or a criminal record;
- Evidence of dishonest conduct;
- Drug use, substance abuse, or addiction; and
- Acts against the American interest.
If you are a current or prospective federal employee or federal contractor in Maryland, a suitability & fitness determination could be used to deny you opportunities. A proactive approach is a must. If you need help, call a national security lawyer immediately.
Suitability & Fitness vs. Security Clearance: What is the Difference?
Federal employees and government contractors should know the difference between a suitability & fitness determination and a security clearance action. While a security clearance is an official matter of national security, a suitability & fitness determination is better understood as an agency-specific personnel matter. For employees and contractors in Maryland, the distinction carries two very important implications:
- Appeal Rights: A security clearance denial or revocation can be appealed. An adverse suitability & fitness determination may not be—at least not directly. Still, that is not to say that employees are without options to challenge an actual or proposed unfavorable suitability or fitness determination.
- Long-term Effect: The consequences of a suitability or fitness denial are typically more limited than those in a security clearance. You may not be hired or may be removed from a position on suitability or fitness grounds, but that will not stop you from seeking federal employment.
Why Trust the Maryland National Security Attorneys at Henault & Sysko Chartered
We have a long history of working with federal employees and government contractors across a wide range of legal matters, including suitability & fitness determinations and security clearance cases. Established by two career NSA employees, our law firm has a comprehensive understanding of national security law and federal employment matters. When you reach out to our Glen Burnie office, you will speak to a Maryland suitability & fitness attorney who can:
- Conduct a confidential, comprehensive evaluation of your case;
- Help you understand the ‘Notice of Proposed Action’ (NOPA);
- Investigate the issue, securing the evidence you need; and
- Devise a legal strategy to best protect your rights and your career.
Call Our Maryland Suitability & Fitness Lawyer for Immediate Assistance
At Henault & Sysko Chartered, our national security law attorneys provide diligent, results-focused advocacy to our clients. If you have questions about the suitability & fitness process, we are prepared to help. For a confidential consultation, please contact our law firm today. With an office in Glen Burnie, we represent clients throughout Maryland, including in Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Baltimore County, Frederick County, Howard County, and Anne Arundel County.
