Being convicted of a drug crime can have long-lasting consequences, especially for young people just getting started in life. In addition to the criminal law penalties you’ll face, having a drug offense on your record can affect everything from your ability to work in certain industries to your student aid eligibility. If you’re a college student receiving federal financial aid, here’s what you need about how drug offenses affect your eligibility.

How Do Drug Crimes Impact Financial Aid?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), asks whether the applicant has been convicted of a drug crime while receiving grants or loans. If the answer is yes, your eligibility for further aid may be limited or suspended for a certain period.

Your eligibility for financial aid will only be affected if you were convicted of the sale or possession of an illegal substance. Dropped charges, convictions that were set aside, and cases that ended in acquittal will have no impact on your eligibility. You may also still qualify for student aid if you were a minor at the time and were not tried as an adult.

What Happens If You’ve Been Convicted?

If this conviction was your first offense, your student aid eligibility may be suspended for one year if you were charged with possession, and two years if you sold illegal drugs.

Those convicted of a second offense may lose financial aid for two years for possession, and indefinitely for selling.

Any subsequent convictions for either offense will likely result in an indefinite suspension of financial aid, potentially raising the costs of higher education for you.

Luckily, it’s possible to regain eligibility by attending an approved drug rehabilitation program or passing two unannounced drug tests. 

If you’ve been charged with a drug-related offense in Anchorage or the Matsu Valley, turn to Darryl L. Jones, Attorney at Law to fight the charges and protect your access to higher education. This criminal law attorney has over 30 years of experience giving every defendant the representation they deserve. Visit his website for an overview of his criminal law practice, or call (907) 746-9851 to arrange an initial consultation today.