Can Drug Charges Affect Financial Aid? click for a free consultation

Posted on September 5, 2019 in drugs

College students currently make up the one of the largest groups of drug abusers nationwide. In 2016, 45% of college males and 42% of college females used an illegal drug. Among these drugs are Adderall, ecstasy, and prevalently, marijuana. 39% of college and high school students use marijuana. For students either in or entering college, a drug charge can have damaging effects on their pursuit of education. In such a situation, securing representation from an experienced Phoenix marijuana defense attorney or drug defense lawyer is essential.

Financial Aid

A drug conviction can suspend your eligibility to receive financial aid if the offence occurred while you were receiving grants, loans, or work-study. You are not required to put down removed convictions or convictions that occurred before you turned 18. Alcohol and tobacco are not illegal drugs under this law.

Possession of Illegal Drugs

If you are convicted of Possession of Illegal Drugs, the length of suspension your eligibility to receive financial aid will last depending on whether this your first offense or if this is a repeat offense. Your ineligibility will last the following for:

• First Offense: One year from date of conviction
• Second Offense: Two years from date of conviction
• Third+ Offenses: An indefinite period

Sale of Illegal Drugs

If you are convicted of selling illegal drugs, the length of suspension your eligibility to receive financial aid will last depending on whether this your first offense or if this is a repeat offense. Your ineligibility will last the following for:

• First Offense: Two years from date of conviction
• Second Offense: An indefinite period
• Third+ Offenses: An indefinite period

Scholarships

Students convicted of selling or possessing illegal drugs can lose their scholarship. The individual terms of the scholarship award will determine whether you will be affected.

Graduate School

Students with drug charges may be rejected from graduate schools. Graduate schools ask on their applications for any criminal offense charges and run background checks on applicants.

Eligibility Through Rehab

Students can regain financial aid eligibility by successfully completing an approved drug rehabilitation program.  Such a program must meet the standards set by Congress and the Department of Education and have two unannounced drug tests and either (1) be qualified to receive funds from a federal, state, or local government agency or program, or from a state-licensed insurance company, or (2) be administered or recognized by a federal, state, or local government agency or court, or by a state-license hospital, health clinic, or medical doctor.

What You Can Do?

If you’ve been charged with a drug offense, seeking a qualified Phoenix criminal defense lawyer is vital. At AZ Defenders, we’re dedicated to representing your case thoroughly and lessening or dismissing your charge. We’re here to defend you and protect your future. Contact the attorneys at AZ Defenders today by calling 480-456-6400 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation to find out what your options are.

Avoiding these serious consequences to your future is always easier earlier than later. Call today for your free consultation.