If your child has been charged with a drug-related offense, they could face a range of consequences, including fines, jail time, substance abuse treatment, and academic probation. For a student currently enrolled in college, their federal financial aid eligibility can also be affected. Below, learn more about these effects, as well as some steps parents can take to protect their child and their child's financial aid, including hiring a lawyer.

Effects

On their FAFSA form, students are asked if they've ever been convicted of a drug offense, and they must answer truthfully. If the charges were reversed or dismissed, the student should answer no.

If an applicant was under 18 years of age and tried as a minor, eligibility is not affected. However, when an enrolled student currently receiving federal aid is convicted of a drug crime, federal aid will usually be suspended. For a first possession offense, the student won't qualify for one year. That timeframe is extended to two years for a first drug-dealing offense. With subsequent offenses, periods of ineligibility become increasingly longer.

What to Do

Federal financial aid makes it possible for millions of students to afford higher education, so, understandably, you don't want your child to lose access to this program. Contact a lawyer right away if they have been charged with a drug crime but not yet convicted or exonerated. They will help you explore your legal options and design a strategy to achieve the most favorable outcome.

Parents should also be sure their child fills out the FAFSA honestly. Lyding may cause financial aid to be denied. Alternatively, if your child has already been awarded aid when the dishonesty is discovered, the government can demand repayment.

A lawyer will protect your child's rights and fight for their interests. The team at Lockie & Macfarlan is here to help. With over six decades of combined experience, they serve clients throughout the Elko, NV, area. Their attorneys represent all types of criminal law cases, including drug charges and DUIs. Call (775) 738-8084 to schedule a consultation, or visit their website to browse their services.