Many parents want their children to receive a higher level of education to compete in the workforce. But if your child is facing drug possession or drug selling charges, their access to financial aid could be jeopardized. Under federal law, students may become ineligible for student aid once they are convicted of drug crimes.

How Can Drug Charges Affect My Child’s Financial Aid?

If your child was just charged with a drug-related crime, their student financial aid eligibility is generally still intact. However, once it becomes a conviction, suspension of federal student aid is more than likely. The period of suspension will depend on whether the conviction was for drug possession or sale, and on the number of previous offenses. 

When students are asked to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), they will have to disclose any drug convictions received while under a financial aid program. A separate worksheet will need to be completed to determine if the conviction will affect eligibility and for how long. If the conviction didn’t happen while your child was receiving student financial aid, they'd still be eligible. Alcohol and tobacco are not counted as drugs for FAFSA. 

What Can I Do If My Child Is Facing Drug-Related Charges?

The outcome of a drug possession or sale charge will have a significant impact on your child’s future. Thus, it’s better to avoid a conviction as much as possible. Your child shouldn’t plead guilty without first speaking with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Competent legal representation can help with getting charges dismissed or getting a disposition that does not count as a conviction. 

If your child does get convicted, eligibility may be reinstated by finishing a qualified drug rehabilitation program recognized by the Department of Education. You can get in touch with a rehabilitation program to make sure it meets the standards set by the concerned government bodies.

Don’t let a student’s future and dreams hang in the balance. Let the Law Office of Mike Hamilton in Columbia, MO, protect your child’s financial aid eligibility. With over 30 years of criminal law experience, attorney Mike Hamilton handles cases involving drug possession, driving while intoxicated, traffic violations, and other charges. Call his law firm today at (573) 875-5698 to inquire about your free initial consultation, or visit his website to get in touch with him online.

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