College is a time when young people explore and have new experiences. Unfortunately, this exploration sometimes includes using illicit substances, which can be especially problematic if your child receives financial aid. In some cases, their drug charges may impact their eligibility to work with the Federal Student Aid department in the future. Here’s what you should know. 

How Do Drug Charges Affect Financial Aid Eligibility?

If your child received a drug charge, that doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t be able to obtain financial aid the following semester. However, you’ll likely need an attorney to help them avoid a conviction and keep their eligibility intact.

In some cases, the attorney might be able to convince the judge to set aside the charges for any drug-related crimes. This is often a good solution if your child has a clean record or can prove their sincere regrets. If the crime isn’t set aside, but the trial results in a “not guilty” verdict, the charge won’t affect your child’s eligibility for aid.

If your child is found guilty, though, they might lose their financial help. FAFSA specifically asks all applicants to list whether they’ve received a drug-related conviction, and they take this answer into consideration when weighing whether an application should receive aid.

How Can Your Child Counteract the Effects of a Drug Charge? 

If your child has no choice but to report their conviction, that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. If you have the means to fund the rest of their yearly tuition, they might still be able to continue going to school. Then, in the coming semester, they can try to reapply.

To successfully gain aid, your child will need to enroll in and complete a drug rehabilitation program. Once completed, they’ll need to provide proof of their completion.

If your child needs help combating drug charges, turn to the team at Reiman Law Firm in Lincoln, NE. These knowledgeable lawyers have over 15 years of experience providing top-quality legal guidance and representation. Visit their website to learn more about what they do, and call (402) 477-2130 to schedule a consultation today.