A criminal charge in Maryland can have serious consequences beyond court fines or jail time—it can also jeopardize government employment and security clearances. Federal, state, and contract workers are often held to strict background and conduct standards. Even pending charges can trigger suspension, loss of clearance, or job termination. What you do after an arrest matters as much as the case itself.
Why Criminal Charges Matter in Government Employment
Government employees and contractors are bound by high standards of trust and reliability. Agencies like the Department of Defense, Homeland Security, and Maryland state offices routinely run background checks and monitor criminal cases involving employees.
Even before a conviction, charges can raise questions about judgment, integrity, or security risk. For employees with security clearances, agencies may immediately suspend or review credentials while the case is pending.
Types of Charges That Can Affect Your Job
Not every offense leads to dismissal, but certain types of charges raise red flags for government and defense employers:
- DUI and substance-related offenses (especially for roles involving driving or security access)
- Theft or fraud (financial responsibility concerns)
- Assault, harassment, or domestic incidents (workplace or security suitability)
- Drug distribution or firearm offenses (automatic clearance review)
Even minor offenses can cause problems if they suggest dishonesty, violence, or poor judgment.
How Pending Charges Can Trigger Action
Many government agencies and contractors require employees to self-report arrests or charges within a specific time frame—often 24 to 72 hours. Failure to report can itself be a disciplinary violation. Once reported, the agency’s security or HR division may:
- Place the employee on administrative leave
- Temporarily revoke site access or clearance
- Launch an internal investigation
In some cases, these actions occur before a court has ruled, leaving employees facing both criminal defense and job defense simultaneously.
Security Clearances and Criminal Charges
Security clearance decisions follow the Adjudicative Guidelines for Determining Eligibility for Access to Classified Information, which assess a person’s reliability, trustworthiness, and conduct. Criminal activity—especially if recent or repeated—can result in suspension or revocation of clearance.
However, mitigation is possible. Clearances may be preserved if you can show:
- The incident was isolated and not indicative of character
- Steps were taken to address any underlying issues (e.g., counseling or treatment)
- You cooperated fully with investigations and reported the matter honestly
An experienced defense attorney can coordinate with clearance counsel or HR teams to limit collateral damage while your case is pending.
Convictions vs. Dismissals: Why the Outcome Matters
A conviction, even for a misdemeanor, can disqualify you from sensitive roles or future government contracts. In contrast, a dismissal, PBJ (probation before judgment), or expungement may prevent termination or restore eligibility after review.
Maryland’s expungement laws allow many cases to be cleared from the public record after dismissal or successful probation. This is a key step for government employees who must undergo periodic background reinvestigations.
Steps to Protect Your Job After an Arrest
- Hire a lawyer immediately: Early representation helps control both legal and professional fallout.
- Do not speak to investigators or HR without advice: Anything said internally can later appear in court or security review.
- Document your compliance: Keep records of reporting timelines and communications to show transparency.
- Pursue resolution quickly: The faster your case is dismissed or resolved, the easier it is to mitigate employment consequences.
- Ask about expungement: Once eligible, clearing the record protects against future clearance or background issues.
Protect Your Career and Your Future
If you work for a government agency or contractor and are facing criminal charges, your career may be on the line—but it’s not over. Contact Hartman Attorneys at Law today for immediate guidance. We’ll review your case, protect your rights, and help you make the right moves to safeguard your clearance and your future. Call now for a confidential consultation.