There are many ways that a drug conviction can impact your future. One of these has to do with getting financial aid after the conviction. You might find that you have to take some extra steps if you are trying to get federal student aid. There are a few factors that come into the picture when you are trying to determine how a drug conviction might affect your chances of going back to school.
One of the factors that has to be considered is whether you were receiving federal financial aid when you were convicted. If you were, there is a good chance that you will be ineligible for financial aid. Your current eligibility will likely be suspended.
Another factor that comes into the picture is whether you have gone through rehabilitation since the conviction. There are a few ways that you can do this. One is to have two random drug tests through a program that is approved as a drug rehab. Another is to actually go through an approved drug rehab program.
When you are trying to determine how a drug conviction might impact your ability to receive federal student aid, you will have to complete a worksheet. This will help you find out where you stand. If you can’t currently receive the aid you need, you might have to take specific steps to regain your eligibility.
Defendants who are facing drug charges should evaluate how they might be impacted in this regard and in others. This might help you come up with a defense strategy to combat the charges.
Source: Get Smart About Drugs, “Federal Student Aid and Consequences of a Drug Conviction,” accessed March 30, 2018