With college tuition on the rise, increasingly more students are turning to federal financial aid programs to help pay for college. Federal student financial aid is heavy regulated and the results of a drug conviction are treated harshly. A criminal conviction for either illegal drug possession or distribution of drugs affects whether your eligible for financial aid.
Ineligibility Periods
Eligibility for federal financial aid is affected by type of the convictions and how recently they occurred. For first offense drug possession charges, you’re ineligible for one year from the conviction date. First offense sale of drug charges make you ineligible for two years. Second offense possession equals two years of ineligibility, while second offense drug sales equals indefinite ineligibility. Three or more possession or sales convictions also results in an indefinite period of ineligibility.
Drug Conviction During the School Year
Even if you’re approved for aid, if you’re convicted during the academic year that you receive that federal financial aid, you will need to contact your financial aid office and will be required to pay back the aid received.
Drug Rehabilitation Program Requirements
If you are ineligible for federal financial student aid have the option to qualify for aid through completing an approved rehabilitation program. In some cases you may also qualify through passing unannounced drug tests.
Boston College Student Lawyer
Criminal Attorney Patrick Donovan is a former prosecutor that has successfully represented many Boston area college students. Attorney Donovan is experienced in all aspects of the court process including clerk’s hearings, arraignments, trials and pleas. Attorney Donovan has appeared in over fifty courts in Massachusetts. If you have a question or would like a free consultation call Attorney Donovan today.
