Drug crimes can prevent people from achieving the goals they have set. Potentially long-term consequences could set people back several years.
For students, a drug conviction might interfere with their eligibility to remain on scholarship. Depending on the situation, this outcome might destroy their academic progress.
Navigating drug charges
Alleged involvement in drug crimes does not mean anything until a formal conviction. However, during the waiting period, people might face disciplinary action from their school. According to Just Think Twice, some schools have rigid requirements for maintaining scholarships, which could mean serious consequences for drug crimes.
Students should refrain from discussing their situation. They might unnecessarily incriminate themselves when they say too much or speak to the wrong people. Students should commit to good behavior and prioritize observance of campus rules during this time.
Assessing other options
In the past, drug crimes meant immediate ineligibility to continue receiving government funding for school. However, according to the Federal Student Aid website, changes to the requirements mean that drug convictions no longer impact a person’s FAFSA eligibility. If students do lose school-funded scholarships, they might still be able to continue their education with the help of FAFSA funding.
Students might also consider asking for financial help from family or friends who they can pay back later. They could also choose to take a semester or two off to address the drug convictions before moving forward with their education.
Drug crimes do not have to be the reason people live a continuous life of crime. With adequate support and an improvement in personal habits, people convicted of drug crimes can overcome their past and have a successful future.
