Being charged with a drug offense can have consequences far beyond fines, probation, or jail time, especially for students. One of the most overlooked impacts is how drug charges can jeopardize college financial aid, scholarships, and future educational opportunities.
If you or your child is facing drug charges in North Carolina, understanding how it could affect FAFSA eligibility and other aid programs is critical.
Take control of your future and education by contacting a criminal defense lawyer. At Martine Law, we have your back.
How Drug Charges Impact Financial Aid
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
In the past, any drug conviction during a period of receiving federal financial aid could make students ineligible for aid. As of July 1, 2023, the FAFSA no longer asks about drug convictions.
However, there are still ways a drug charge can affect aid:
- Incarceration during an academic term may make a student ineligible to receive aid.
- Some federal grants or work-study programs may still be suspended while incarcerated.
- Drug convictions can appear on a criminal record, which could be reviewed by scholarship committees or schools with their own eligibility requirements.
State and Institutional Aid
North Carolina schools and private scholarship providers may have their own rules regarding student conduct. Drug charges can lead to:
- Loss of state-based scholarships or grants
- Disqualification from institutional aid based on student code of conduct violations
- Suspension or expulsion from the school, which can terminate eligibility for aid
Common Scenarios for Students
- Simple possession charge: Often treated as a misdemeanor but still creates a criminal record.
- Distribution or trafficking charges: Much more serious, often felonies, with harsher penalties and long-term consequences.
- Campus-related arrest: May trigger both criminal charges and school disciplinary hearings.
What Should You Do If…
You Are a Student Charged With a Drug Offense
- Stay silent until you have legal counsel. Anything you say can be used against you in both criminal court and school disciplinary hearings.
- Contact a North Carolina criminal defense attorney immediately to explore your options for dismissal, diversion, or record protection.
- Notify your school carefully—do not give statements without legal advice.
You Are a Parent Concerned About Aid
- Get a copy of the school’s conduct policy and financial aid rules.
- Work with your attorney to prepare for any administrative hearings.
- Explore deferred prosecution or conditional discharge programs to keep your child’s record clean.
Legal and Academic Consequences
Even if FAFSA eligibility is no longer automatically suspended, drug charges can still cause:
- Suspension or expulsion from school
- Loss of housing if living on campus
- Denial of future scholarship opportunities
- Permanent criminal record affecting jobs, internships, and grad school applications
Key Takeaways
- Federal aid eligibility is no longer automatically lost for drug convictions, but other school-based or private scholarships can still be affected.
- Criminal records from drug charges can harm future opportunities even if aid is not suspended.
- Early intervention from a criminal defense attorney can protect your record, your aid eligibility, and your future.
Suggested Internal Links
- North Carolina Criminal Defense Attorney
- Charlotte Criminal Defense Lawyer
- North Carolina Drug Charge Lawyer
If you or your child is facing drug charges in North Carolina, don’t risk losing financial aid or future opportunities. Contact Martine Law for immediate help.
FAQs
Will a misdemeanor drug charge automatically cancel my FAFSA?
No. FAFSA no longer asks about drug convictions, but your school or state aid provider may still take action.
Can I appeal if my scholarship is revoked due to a drug charge?
Yes, many programs allow an appeal, especially if charges are dropped or dismissed.
What if I’m convicted but complete probation?
A conditional discharge or expungement may restore eligibility for aid and keep your record clean.
Does a pending charge affect financial aid?
Not automatically, but it may impact school disciplinary decisions that could indirectly affect aid.
Should I hire an attorney even if it’s a first offense?
Yes. Protecting your record early can prevent long-term damage to your education and future.