Drug convictions often have serious consequences, and college students are not immune to those ramifications. In addition to criminal penalties, students may face academic sanctions with the potential to impact every aspect of their futures. If you’ve been accused of a drug crime, it’s always in your best interests to speak to a criminal defense attorney before speaking to police or prosecutors.

Ramifications for College Students Facing Drug Charges

1. Jail Time & Fines

While many states have enacted diversion programs to help those convicted of minor offenses avoid jail, some charges still carry significant penalties. In Massachusetts, for instance, possessing sufficient quantities of a Class A substance may result in up to 10 years in prison and several thousand dollars in fines. Possession of less than one gram of marijuana may be a civil offense in Massachusetts, but selling or intending to distribute the drug may be considered a felony.

2. Loss of Financial Aid

Most students receive financial aid from the government, funds which may be withheld if you’re convicted of even a minor drug charge. Regaining your financial aid eligibility can take one year, potentially resulting in delayed graduation and disrupting your plans.

3. Missed Employment Opportunities

Having a drug conviction on your record may make you ineligible for employment in many sectors, including driving and roles requiring a security clearance. If a criminal defense attorney cannot get the charges dismissed, they may be able to have your record expunged to minimize the impact of a conviction on your career choices.

If you’ve been accused of a drug crime, the criminal defense attorneys at the Bellotti Law Group, P.C. in the greater Boston area can represent you. Due to their proven results and history of excellence, they’ve been named one of the Top 10 Attorneys and Firms by the American Institute of Legal Counsel and earned an AV Rating from Martindale-Hubbel. Visit their website to learn how they can help, or call (617) 778-1000 for a free consultation with a criminal defense attorney.