Your child has worked hard to earn good grades, participate in extracurriculars, and dream about the future. However, when a drug conviction is part of the story, college admissions can become more complicated.

 

Colleges are increasingly examining applicants’ character alongside academic achievements, and legal issues can influence their view of a prospective student. For this reason, if your child is facing criminal charges, you should retain a lawyer as soon as you can.

 

The Impact of a Drug Conviction

 

Colleges and universities often conduct thorough background checks on applicants to ensure the safety and well-being of their campus community. When evaluating applications, one of the factors taken into consideration is the applicant’s criminal record. A drug conviction creates a red flag for college admissions officers. It raises concerns about the applicant’s character, judgment, and potential risk to the campus community. Colleges strive to maintain a safe and drug-free environment for their students, and applicants with drug convictions may be viewed as potential threats to this goal.

 

Our attorneys can work with you to create a strategy addressing the conviction head-on, explaining the context and any positive changes your child has made. A carefully crafted legal approach can make a significant difference in how a college perceives a student’s past, helping shift the focus toward their readiness and growth.

 

Admissions Policies and Disclosures

 

Every college or university has its own admission policies and procedures. Some institutions have strict policies regarding drug convictions, while others consider the circumstances surrounding the conviction and the steps taken towards rehabilitation. Many colleges require applicants to disclose any past criminal convictions on their applications. Failing to disclose a drug conviction can result in having an offer of admission rescinded or being dismissed from the institution if the conviction is discovered later.

 

 

Financial Aid and Scholarship Eligibility with a Drug Conviction

 

A drug conviction can also impact eligibility for federal financial aid, which may be a concern for families relying on financial support. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has guidelines regarding drug-related offenses, meaning that certain convictions could disqualify a student from receiving federal loans, grants, or scholarships. Additionally, some private scholarships may have restrictions for students with drug convictions.

 

Having a drug conviction on a record can make the already complex financial aid process even more challenging. Our legal team is here to provide the guidance you need to understand these impacts fully. We’ll work with you to explore every available option, whether that’s securing alternative financial aid or appealing a decision.

 

What Steps Can Families Take?

 

Knowing what to do when a drug conviction is on your child’s record can be overwhelming, but there are ways to support their college aspirations and highlight the positive aspects of their story. Expunging or sealing records, understanding admissions policies, and advocating for financial aid eligibility are all ways our attorneys can support you in overcoming the unique challenges your family faces.

 

Contact a Minneapolis Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

 

At Keyser Law, we recognize the uphill battle students face when a drug conviction stands between them and college opportunities. Our Minneapolis criminal defense attorneys provide personalized, focused support to help reduce the impact of these charges on your child’s college admission prospects. We will work tirelessly to minimize these consequences through record expungement or a strong defense strategy. Don’t let a drug conviction impact your child’s college plans. Call (612) 338-5007 or submit our online form to speak with our Minneapolis drug lawyers.