For those that have used drugs or controlled substances previously, it is still possible to be approved for access to classified information. A determination will be based on several factors, and there are ways to mitigate concerns.
Whether you are applying for a security clearance or seeking renewal, debt and poor credit can have a significant effect on your ability to obtain or maintain a security clearance. In fact, financial considerations are the top reason for denying a security clearance.
If you have any potential security clearance concern, you should consult with an experienced security clearance lawyer as early as possible. In our experience, the earlier an individual consults with a security clearance lawyer, the better the outcome.
Whatever the reasons may be, ending a marriage is often a difficult process, both emotionally and legally. Marriages typically end through a divorce from your spouse, but on occasion, through annulment. While members of the military follow the same procedures for divorces, additional consideratio...
Below we have outlined the typical stages of a typical Maryland divorce proceeding. Please note that the information provided below is intended as a general overview of the litigation process and is not an all-inclusive guide. Thus, you are cautioned that as your own individual divorce case proce...
As family law litigators we are often asked the question “who holds the right to claim a child for tax purposes following separation or divorce?” Most people are surprised to learn that even though they share near equal parenting time and pay substantial monthly child support for their children ...
The topic of sexual assault prevention and response has received much high-level attention in the last decade. As a result, the Department of Defense (DOD) and Service programs regarding reporting and investigation, the rights of victims and the accused, and command responsibilities have evolved...
1) Service Regulations Since the 1980s each of the US armed forces has adopted a policy of “zero tolerance” for consumption of illicit narcotics, including the unprescribed use of prescription medicines with narcotic effects. Service members should familiarize themselves with the substance abu...
Since 1950, military personnel have been unable to sue the government for personal injuries incurred as a result of service, including injuries caused by the negligence of a Department of Defense (DoD) healthcare provider. This is termed the “Feres doctrine,” named after the Supreme Court case of...
HOT JOB OPPORTUNITY! Our veteran-owned law firm in Prince George's County, Maryland is seeking a Senior Family Law Attorney for *immediate* hire. We were founded by two former JAGs and operate a niche litigation practice representing servicemembers and their families across Maryland, D.C., and V...
On September 9, 2021, a proposed class action lawsuit commenced against the United States of America by Army Reservists (RC) who were unlawfully denied basic allowance for housing (BAH), overseas housing allowance (OHA), endured wage garnishments, and were subjected to criminal probes. Gulley, et...
WE NEED YOUR HELP--we are using our social media, traditional media and any means we have to spread the word that BAH was wrongfully withheld from Army Reservists serving overseas. Yet having served in the military ourselves, we know this incredible community is capable of great things, especially for their fellow solider and their families. If you can, please spread the word within your community.
The Army Board for Corrections agreed that all our clients deserved every penny of the housing allowances taken from or denied to them. They agreed that all the Soldiers who were disciplined never should have been. All their disciplinary records should be permanently erased, and where appropriate, people who were passed over for promotion should be retroactively reconsidered for their next rank. Patriots Law Group is ready to get this result for everyone, as we can now finally go to the Court, get the stay lifted, and the proposed class action we filed can be certified for all these Soldiers.
Over three years ago Patriots Law Group filed a lawsuit on behalf of seven Army Reserve servicemembers proposing a class-action against the Department of the Army for the improper denial of financial entitlements, imposition of wage garnishments, and unwarranted disciplinary actions, and finally ...
As a consumer, you are probably well aware of the hassle and stress that can come from unfair or deceptive practices in the marketplace. In 1977, Virginia enacted the Virginia Consumer Protection Act (VCPA) “to promote fair and ethical standards of dealings between suppliers and the consuming pub...
Prior to January 1, 2020, service members were unable to file a medical malpractice claim against a Department of Defense (DoD) healthcare provider. However, on January 1, 2020 10 U.S.C.S 2733a went into effect providing a pathway for service members to seek relief after suffering an injury due t...
Patriots Law Group is donating 100 fabric face masks to service members.
On March 21, 2020, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (the “EEOC”) revised its Pandemic Preparedness in the Workplace and the Americans with Disabilities Act to provide additional guidance in light of COVID-19. Now, it is important to note that this is not the law, but rather guidance from the EEOC. According to the guidance from the EEOC, employers may take their employees temperature since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the “CDC”) have acknowledged the community spread of COVID-19. However, it is important to note, that this information is subject to confidentiality requirements under the ADA.
Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, certain employers must provide their employees with paid sick leave. The Act also expanded family medical leave for specific issues related to COVID-19. If an employee is unable to work because they are quarantined due to a government order or the advice of a health care provider, are having COVID-19 symptoms, and are seeking a medical diagnosis, then they are eligible for up to 80 hours of paid sick leave at their regular rate of pay.
It can be devastating financially and emotionally to be laid off. When you add on the additional stress that COVID-19 presents, the circumstances can be overwhelming. To help with this, the President recently signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act, which expands access to funds for unemployment benefits.
On March 27, 2020, Chief Judge Morrissey of the Maryland District Court revised the policy on Interim Peace, Protective, and Extreme Risk Protective Orders. The order allows for all new protective, peace and extreme risk protective orders petitions to be heard by commissioners. If the Court grants the petition, they will issue an interim order.
In my blog last week (link) we discussed how military members can sue the military under the Tucker Act when they're denied monies based upon some contractual-based theory (e.g., denial of pay or basic allowance for housing (BAH)). Like the Tucker Act, another waiver of sovereign immunity is the ...
Becoming legal everywhere but the military Has your state recently made pot legal? That may make it legally accessible to your civilian friends but as a military member you need to remember that it is still illegal under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Article 112a, to use, poss...
If you are going through a custody or divorce proceeding involving children, you may have heard the phrase, “the best interest of the child.” Well, what does that really mean and how is it relevant to your family law case? Maryland courts decide child custody disputes by making a finding as to...
Did you know that, as a uniformed member of the armed services, you CAN still sue the military? Many military members are unaware of this, which may stem from a number of misbeliefs, including an overgeneralization of the Feres Doctrine which has long prevented service members from recovering ag...
