Washington DC NSA Hearing Lawyer
There are a number of U.S. government agencies that require security clearances before employees, military personnel, or outside contractors can gain access to sensitive information necessary to perform their jobs. If you work for or with the Department of Defense, for example, you typically need to obtain a security clearance from the Department of Defense Central Adjudication Facility. But there are other agencies that have their own security clearance procedures, including the National Security Agency (NSA).
The Washington DC NSA hearing lawyers at Henault & Sysko Chartered assist individuals and businesses when it comes to dealing with the NSA security clearance process. If you are applying for a clearance for the first time, or your existing clearance is in danger of revocation, we can guide you through the process of dealing with the NSA, including representing you at a formal hearing. Our lawyers specialize in security clearance matters, so we have an intimate understanding of the NSA hearing and appeal process.
How the NSA Security Clearance Process Differs from Other Agencies
Like the Department of Defense and other members of the U.S. Intelligence Community, the NSA follows certain adjudicative guidelines when deciding whether or not to grant a security clearance. Some of the items the guidelines look at is an applicant’s allegiance to the United States, and potential foreign influence or preference, their criminal record, their past sexual conduct and alcohol use, and any drug involvement or psychological conditions that might impact on their trustworthiness to handle classified information.
One thing that is notable about the NSA’s security clearance application process is the use of polygraph testing, i.e. lie detectors. Although polygraph evidence is not admissible in court as proof of criminal conduct, the NSA uses such tests to look for information that might disqualify a person from obtaining a security clearance. Indeed, the function of the polygraph is not so much to “catch someone in a lie” as it is to encourage individuals to voluntarily disclose potentially disqualifying information.
At Henault & Sysko Chartered, our lawyers understand how NSA polygraph tests worked. We also know when such tests are misused or misinterpreted. So if you have any concerns about how such testing might impact your application, it is critical you consult with us before taking a polygraph.
Henault & Sysko Can Help You Obtain–or Keep–Your NSA Security Clearance
If the NSA intends to deny or revoke a security clearance, it will send the affected individual a written letter listing any specific security concerns the agency may have. The clearance holder or applicant must then file a written appeal–typically within just 45 days–and address the agency’s concerns. If the NSA denies this first appeal, the individual may then seek an in-person hearing before the NSA Access Appeals Panel.
Although an NSA hearing does not follow all of the rules of a typical courtroom trial, you still retain certain basic rights, including the right to assistance of counsel. This is a right you should never hesitate to exercise. Given the impact a security clearance can have on your career, you need skilled, professional representation from DC NSA hearing lawyers who deal with this process on a daily basis.
So if you need help obtaining or retaining an NSA security clearance, contact Henault & Sysko Chartered today at 410-768-9300 to schedule a free initial consultation.
