Can you get government clearance with a felony?
Asked by: Miss Chaya Cartwright I | Last update: July 17, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (9 votes)
A history of a criminal record is not automatically a disqualifier for a person applying for a security clearance unless the crime involved alcohol, drugs, firearms, explosives, or sexual conduct, according to Washington, D.C., law firm S.L. England.
Can you pass a security clearance with a felony?
Any person convicted of a felony cannot obtain or renew a security clearance unless you are granted a waiver due to mitigating conditions of your conviction. These conditions include: Your criminal behavior and conviction are not recent. Your crime was an isolated incident.
What disqualifies you from a government clearance?
More specific conditions that may endanger your security clearance include: A history of deceptive or illegal financial acts like embezzlement, tax evasion, and fraud; Failure to satisfy your debts; and. Financial problems caused by gambling, drug abuse, or alcohol abuse.
What government jobs can a felon get in the US?
- Military Service - U.S. Navy Search & Rescue. ...
- Retail Store Key Holder. ...
- UpSpire. ...
- Military Service - U.S. Navy Reserve, Construction. ...
- WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS OF TARRANT COUNTY. ...
- Strengthen your profile. ...
- Military Service - U.S. Air National Guard, Aircrew Flight Equipment. ...
- Federal Air Marshal.
Can you work for a government agency with a felony?
Yes, you can work for the Federal Government if you have a criminal record and were formerly incarcerated. People with criminal records are eligible to apply to most federal jobs, however there are some exceptions.
How I Got A Government Clearance as A Convicted Felon
Does the IRS hire felons?
During the hiring process, Federal agencies are generally required to consider people with criminal records IF they are among the highest rated candidates and can comply with the job requirements. There are some exceptions, because specific laws or statutes prohibit employment, depending on the crime committed.
What disqualifies you from a federal background check?
INTERIM DISQUALIFYING CRIMINAL OFFENSES
Extortion. Dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation, including identity fraud and money laundering, where the money laundering is related to a crime listed in Parts A or B (except welfare fraud and passing bad checks). Bribery. Smuggling.
Can a felon pass a federal background check?
Federal Employment Background Check Disqualifiers
These federal employment background checks can return information that may disqualify candidates from being hired. Common disqualifiers found in a federal background check include: Felony criminal convictions.
What is the best degree for a convicted felon?
- Construction Management. Many construction companies do not perform background checks. ...
- Counseling. Some agencies hire ex-offenders as counselors to help those who are currently incarcerated. ...
- Computer Science. ...
- Culinary Arts. ...
- Graphic Design.
Does the FBI hire felons?
FBI Eligibility
Be a U.S. citizen. Public record must be in good standing with no felony convictions. Adherence with FBI drug policy. Pass urinalysis and background investigation.
What do they check for government clearance?
Security clearance information
The background investigation will: Review your previous and current employment history, including contact with your current employer. Verify your education, residential history and financial background. Interview your friends, neighbors, supervisors and coworkers.
How far back do security clearance background checks go?
The following states don't allow criminal background checks to go back further than seven years: Colorado. California. Massachusetts.
Is it hard to get a government clearance?
SCI classifications are only cleared for a few people and the background investigation process as well as the continual monitoring is extremely intensive. The amount of time it takes to receive a security clearance is usually between six months to one year, if all goes well.
Can you pass a Level 2 background check with a felony?
Potentially disqualifying offenses for a Level 2 background check include serious criminal convictions such as violent crimes like murder, assault, and kidnapping; sexual offenses like sexual assault and child molestation; and major drug-related crimes such as drug trafficking and drug manufacturing.
Can a convicted felon get a passport?
Who can and cannot get a passport? According to USA Today, most felons can get a passport without a problem. This is assuming a person is not currently awaiting trial, on probation or parole or otherwise banned from leaving the country.
Can I get a federal job with a DUI?
A DUI conviction is not necessarily a bar to a government job. However, some criminal convictions may prevent you from getting a California state or federal government job. A criminal record can also make you a less attractive candidate compared to a similar applicant without a criminal record.
What's the worst felony?
A crime that's a Class A federal felony is the worst, with a maximum prison term of life in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. A Class E federal felony involves a prison term of more than one year but less than five years and a maximum fine of $5,000.
What is the best job a felon can get?
- Digital marketer. ...
- Freelance copywriter. ...
- Freelance designer. ...
- Painter. ...
- Maintenance worker. ...
- CNC machinist. ...
- Car sales executive. ...
- Entrepreneur.
What states is the most felon friendly?
- Utah. ...
- Vermont. ...
- Virgin Islands. ...
- Virginia. ...
- Washington. ...
- West Virginia. ...
- Wisconsin. ...
- Wyoming. Wyoming has no laws restricting consideration of criminal record in employment, including limits on application-stage employer inquiries.
Does a felony go away after 7 years?
Dismissed felony charges can usually be sealed or expunged right away. In California, a felony conviction stays on your record forever if you do not get it expunged. You may be eligible for an expungement if you did not serve time in state prison.
What federal job can I get with a felony?
- Military Service - U.S. Navy Reserve, Construction. ...
- Military Service - U.S. Air National Guard, Aircrew Flight Equipment. ...
- Transporation Security Officer. ...
- Warehouse Clerk. ...
- Federal Air Marshal. ...
- What are your desired job types? ...
- Conductor Trainee - Primary Recall - Alliance, TX.
Does the CIA hire felons?
Criminal or Unethical Behavior: We trust our employees to uphold the highest standards of conduct. Recent involvement in criminal or unethical behavior can disqualify you from getting a clearance. This includes pending criminal charges, felony convictions, and a dishonorable discharge.
How far back do federal background checks go?
In states like California, criminal background checks go back seven years. However, some states allow a deeper look into your past if the job pays a higher salary (usually over $75,000). Some government jobs or jobs with access to sensitive information may allow - even require - background checks further.
Can you get a top secret clearance with a felony?
A history of a criminal record is not automatically a disqualifier for a person applying for a security clearance unless the crime involved alcohol, drugs, firearms, explosives, or sexual conduct, according to Washington, D.C., law firm S.L. England.
What is a red flag on a background check?
A red flag in a background check is anything alarming or concerning about a person's past. This could be a history of breaking the law, lying about work experience or education, or other serious issues. However, not all red flags are the same. Some might be small and not that serious, depending on the job.