Tens of thousands of students enroll every year in colleges and universities throughout North Carolina, with the goal of earning a college degree and working towards a fulfilling career. Anyone who is familiar with the college campus scene, however, is aware that it can be full of never-before seen temptations, and one bad decision or mistake can derail all your hopes and dreams.
College students charged with drug crimes face very serious consequences. A conviction can easily spell the loss of eligibility for financial aid, the loss of job opportunities, and more. Don’t let being arrested end your dreams of attending and graduating from college. We aggressively represent students who are facing drug charges throughout Eastern North Carolina.
If you are a student facing drug charges, it is imperative that you consult a skilled criminal defense attorney to determine the best way to proceed and protect your eligibility for student loans.
Student Aid and Drug Charges
Question 23 on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, 2014-15 (FAFSA) asks if you have ever been convicted of the possession or sale of illegal drugs for an offense that occurred while you were receiving federal student aid.
Answering “yes” or leaving it blank means you will be sent a worksheet with more questions to determine whether you are still qualify to receive aid or if you will become eligible again at some point in the future.
If you lose your student aid eligibility due to criminal charges and a drug conviction, you may still be eligible to reapply in the future. You can regain eligibility early if you successfully complete an approved drug rehabilitation program, or pass two unannounced drug tests administered by an approved program.
If you are convicted of a drug crime after you submit your FAFSA, however, you will not only lose your eligibility for that aid year, but you may be liable for returning any aid you received while ineligible.
Additional Consequences of a Student Drug Conviction
Being convicted of a felony drug charges can make you ineligible for certain careers. You will not only be prevented from pursuing certain educational and professional opportunities, but your civil rights, such as your right to bear arms, will be restricted if you have a felony conviction.
Your college or university will also very likely bring a disciplinary action against you if you are convicted of a crime, which could result in academic probation or even expulsion.
Are You a Student Facing Drug Charges and Worried about Your Student Aid?
If you are a student facing criminal charges that are drug-related, or your child is a student in the Elizabeth City area facing drug charges, call us or contact us online for a no obligation consultation regarding the best strategy to prevent the charges against you from limit in your future opportunities and your federal student aid.
Our dedicated attorneys at Glover Law Firm are ready to assist you today.