A question folks frequently ask when contacting my Firm is an explanation of the difference between a “disciplinary action” or an “adverse action”. A “Disciplinary Action” is a suspension of 14 days or less, written letter of reprimand, or oral counseling. Aside from truly egregious misconduct, an Agency will usually propose a disciplinary action before taking more serious steps....
Continue ReadingIn almost every adverse action case before the MSPB, the issue of the “Douglas Factors” is likely to come up. In short, the Douglas Factors are a tool that the Deciding Official should use in choosing the property penalty to take when a Federal Employee commits misconduct. Later, at hearing, the MSPB will either take testimony regarding the consideration...
Continue ReadingWhen a Federal Agency charges you with misconduct, it has the burden of proving its case against you. What does the Agency have to prove? The first thing the Agency has to prove is that the misconduct occurred. This is usually broken into two parts: The conduct charged actually occurred; The conduct charged is misconduct; Many times, one or...
Continue ReadingIncreasingly, Federal agencies are charging employees with misconduct based on “lack of candor”. This charge is what Agencies use when they can’t prove “falsification”. Falsification is an intentional misrepresentation of some fact. It often arises in filling out some government form, or in the course of an official (or unofficial) investigation – the employee is accused of knowingly providing...
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