USAO Background Check Questions Forum

[Anonymous User]

Can anyone provide some info about the USAO background check? I have a public intoxication arrest that I'm not sure will disqualify me from working as a 1L this summer. Also, is there a drug test? I haven't smoked weed in years, but I am constantly around people that do and don't know if that would come up in any possible drug tests. Thanks!

[Anonymous User]

bumpity bump bump. anyone? sorry, i just have an interview coming up and am wondering if I'm screwed or not

[UnicornHunter]

bumpity bump bump. anyone? sorry, i just have an interview coming up and am wondering if I'm screwed or not

They won't piss test you at the interview. But if you want to work with a federal prosecutor, probably a good idea to ask your friends to stop smoking around you. As for the public intoxication, just disclose it. If that's all it is it won't keep you out.

[Anonymous User]

I worked at a USAO in a secondary market. There was a piss test. A couple months after I got the job (and the clearance process began), I got a call from the FBI stating that I needed to go take a test at a local clinic (they told me where to go) within 48 hours.

Being around people won't show up on a drug test unless you're in a confined space for several hours. However, better safe than sorry. Try to avoid that if you can.

Worth noting that I also had to provide a longer drug history than the 1-year that's common at some major USAOs. I had smoked weed years prior on a semi-regular basis. My clearance took longer than usual, but I got it eventually.

[Anonymous User]

I worked at a USAO in a secondary market. There was a piss test. A couple months after I got the job (and the clearance process began), I got a call from the FBI stating that I needed to go take a test at a local clinic (they told me where to go) within 48 hours.

Being around people won't show up on a drug test unless you're in a confined space for several hours. However, better safe than sorry. Try to avoid that if you can.

Worth noting that I also had to provide a longer drug history than the 1-year that's common at some major USAOs. I had smoked weed years prior on a semi-regular basis. My clearance took longer than usual, but I got it eventually.

That must have been for an actual AUSA position. For summer interns, there's no piss test, but they may ask for your drug history for the last 7 years. Minor drug use will probably not disqualify you as long as it was not within the last year and was sporadic.

[Anonymous User]

Thanks for the responses. Will a public intoxication arrest bar me from clearance? It happened like 6 months ago...

[Anonymous User]

Thanks for the responses. Will a public intoxication arrest bar me from clearance? It happened like 6 months ago...

You may have to write a detailed explanation for it. I had an underage drinking ticket from years ago and had to do same. I did eventually get cleared, but it took longer than normal. This being more recent, yours may take longer and no one can say for sure, but I would not think a PI would be something to hinder you from clearance.

[Anonymous User]

okay thanks, I'm being a bit neurotic about it all. and i hate how USAO makes someone decide relatively quickly (before my school's spring OCI) so it's kind of an all or nothing commitment

[Anonymous User]

I worked at a USAO in a secondary market. There was a piss test. A couple months after I got the job (and the clearance process began), I got a call from the FBI stating that I needed to go take a test at a local clinic (they told me where to go) within 48 hours.

Being around people won't show up on a drug test unless you're in a confined space for several hours. However, better safe than sorry. Try to avoid that if you can.

Worth noting that I also had to provide a longer drug history than the 1-year that's common at some major USAOs. I had smoked weed years prior on a semi-regular basis. My clearance took longer than usual, but I got it eventually.

That must have been for an actual AUSA position. For summer interns, there's no piss test, but they may ask for your drug history for the last 7 years. Minor drug use will probably not disqualify you as long as it was not within the last year and was sporadic.

Quoted user. This was for a 1L position.