🔒 Adjudicative Guidelines: The 13 Things That Can Cost You Your Security Clearance (And How to Fight Back)

If you’re applying for—or already hold—a security clearance, you need to understand this simple truth:

Your clearance isn’t about who you are. It’s about what the government thinks you might do under pressure.

That’s where the Adjudicative Guidelines come in. These 13 categories are the legal and regulatory framework the government uses to evaluate every clearance applicant, from first-timers to high-level intelligence veterans.

At National Security Law Firm, we specialize in helping clients overcome clearance concerns under each of the 13 guidelines. Whether you’re filling out your SF-86, facing a Statement of Reasons (SOR), or preparing for a DOHA hearing, our team is ready to fight for your clearance—and your career.

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🚨 What Are the 13 Adjudicative Guidelines?

The Adjudicative Guidelines for Determining Eligibility for Access to Classified Information are used by all federal agencies when reviewing your background and deciding whether you pose a national security risk.

Each guideline represents a potential vulnerability. If the government believes you could be pressured, manipulated, or influenced in one of these areas, your clearance could be denied or revoked.

Here are the 13 Guidelines:

1. Guideline A – Allegiance to the United States

2. Guideline B – Foreign Influence

3. Guideline C – Foreign Preference

4. Guideline D – Sexual Behavior

5. Guideline E – Personal Conduct

6. Guideline F – Financial Considerations

7. Guideline G – Alcohol Consumption

8. Guideline H – Drug Involvement and Substance Misuse

9. Guideline I – Psychological Conditions

10. Guideline J – Criminal Conduct

11. Guideline K – Handling Protected Information

12. Guideline L – Outside Activities

13. Guideline M – Use of Information Technology Systems

🔗 Click any guideline above to explore it in detail and see how NSLF can help.

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🧠 How the Guidelines Are Used

The guidelines aren’t black-and-white rules. They’re risk factors the government uses to make a holistic, case-by-case determination about your trustworthiness and reliability.

When evaluating your case, adjudicators apply the “whole-person concept” which means:

• They consider your entire history, not just one incident.

• Mitigating factors can help resolve concerns.

• Even serious issues can be overcome with the right evidence, documentation, and legal strategy.

That’s where we come in.

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🛡️ How National Security Law Firm Can Help

Whether you’re applying for the first time or facing a revocation, we provide aggressive and effective counsel through every phase of the process:

✅ SF-86 Review & Risk Assessment – We flag potential issues and ensure your answers are strategic and complete.
✅ Response to LOIs or SORs – We craft compelling, evidence-based responses that tell your story and apply all applicable mitigating factors.
✅ Representation at DOHA Hearings – Our trial-tested attorneys present your case with clarity and confidence.
✅ Clearance Restoration – If you’ve already lost your clearance, we’ll work to appeal, reverse, or re-apply depending on your unique situation.

We’ve helped hundreds of military service members, federal employees, and government contractors protect their livelihoods.

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💥 Common Issues That Trigger the Guidelines

Even seemingly small issues can trigger clearance concerns:

• ✅ Credit card debt or a past bankruptcy (Guideline F)

• ✅ A foreign spouse or dual citizenship (Guidelines B & C)

• ✅ Social media posts or past associations (Guidelines A & E)

• ✅ Past marijuana use—even if legal in your state (Guideline H)

• ✅ A DUI or alcohol-related incident (Guideline G)

• ✅ A one-time failure to report foreign travel (Guideline E)

• ✅ PTSD or mental health treatment (Guideline I)

👉 If you’ve received a Letter of Intent (LOI), Statement of Reasons (SOR), or notice of a potential issue—act fast. You have limited time to respond.

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🗂 Explore the 13 Guidelines in Depth

We’ve created dedicated pages for each of the 13 guidelines, where you can find:

• Clear explanations of what the government looks for

• Real-world hypotheticals

• Lists of mitigating factors

• FAQs and examples

• How NSLF can help

📖 Start Here:

• Guideline A – Allegiance to the United States

• Guideline B – Foreign Influence

• Guideline C – Foreign Preference

• Guideline D – Sexual Behavior

• Guideline E – Personal Conduct

• Guideline F – Financial Considerations

• Guideline G – Alcohol Consumption

• Guideline H – Drug Involvement and Substance Misuse

• Guideline I – Psychological Conditions

• Guideline J – Criminal Conduct

• Guideline K – Handling Protected Information

• Guideline L – Outside Activities

• Guideline M – Use of Information Technology Systems

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⚠️ Thinking About Hiring a Security Clearance Lawyer? Read This First.

Before you choose an attorney to represent you in a security clearance matter, make sure you know what to watch out for. Not all lawyers are created equal—and hiring the wrong one could cost you your career.

👉 18 Red Flags to Watch Out for When Hiring a Security Clearance Lawyer
This eye-opening guide walks you through the most common warning signs—from unclear pricing and lack of government experience to fake reviews and unethical practices. If you’re serious about protecting your future, this is a must-read.

Don’t take chances with your livelihood. Arm yourself with the truth.

🔍 Want the Full Playbook?

Don’t leave your clearance to chance. Click here to visit our Security Clearance Strategy Center — your go-to resource for:

• Proven strategies to win your case
• A complete cost breakdown
• Tips to avoid common clearance-killing mistakes
• Secrets to maximizing your chances of approval
• Answers to “What if I already got denied?”

👉 You’ve got questions. We’ve got insider answers.

🛡️ Why Choose NSLF?

At National Security Law Firm, we’re not your average clearance attorneys—we’re the elite unit for national security representation:

• Every case is reviewed by our internal attorney board
• Staffed by former DOHA attorneys, Security Threat Assessment experts, and military lawyers
• Located in Washington, D.C. — where clearance decisions are made
• We’re insiders who’ve worked behind the curtain—now we fight for you
• Founded by and staffed with disabled veterans
• One of the fastest-growing national security law firms in the U.S.

💵 Transparent, Flat-Fee Pricing

No surprise bills. No hourly rates. Just mission-focused pricing.

• SF-86 Review: $950 flat fee
• Letter of Intent (LOI) Response: $3,500 flat fee
  This covers everything you need to respond and start defending your clearance.
• Statement of Reasons (SOR): $5,000 flat fee
  Already paid for your LOI response? You’ll get a $3,000 credit applied here.
• Hearing Representation: $7,500 flat fee (includes all travel)
  One fee covers it all—prep, travel, hearing. No hidden costs.

💳 Flexible Legal Financing Available

Worried about cost? Don’t be. We offer financing through Pay Later by Affirm — break payments into 3, 6, 12, or 24 months.

• No credit impact for checking eligibility
• We get paid up front. You pay over time.
• Keep your cash flow. Get the legal help now.

⭐ 4.9-Star Reviews

We’re proud of our record—and our clients are, too.
Read our Google Reviews and see why clients trust us with their careers, reputations, and futures.
Our success is measured in saved careers, restored clearances, and lives back on track.

⚠️ Don’t Wait. The Clock Is Ticking.

The sooner you call, the stronger your defense.

• Your defense starts with a free consultation
• We represent clients nationwide
• Legal help that’s quick, easy, and free to start
• You’ll speak with lawyers who understand the system inside and out
• Don’t risk your clearance—take control now

🪖 The National Security Law Firm: It’s Our Turn to Fight for You.

📅 Book Your Free Consultation Now.

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