A conviction for any drug offense can have a huge influence on the defendant’s life, limiting employment prospects and possibly resulting in jail time. The consequences, however, are much more serious for college and high school students, who face a host of non-criminal penalties with the potential to impact their entire future. Wood & Rabil, LLP Attorneys at Law, DUI attorneys serving Winston Salem, NC, explain even simple marijuana possession can make being accepted to or paying for college nearly impossible.

College Admissions Consequences

Depending on local school board rules, the penalties for marijuana possession may complicate the process of applying for college. Some jurisdictions, for instance, require an automatic suspension or may expel students charged with marijuana possession, even if the arrest occurred off school grounds. The negative effect on the student’s academic performance can diminish their chances of getting into the school of their choice, potentially shaping the rest of their life.

Loss of Financial Aid

Federal law makes any college student convicted of a drug offense ineligible for financial aid, which likely means the end of their college career. With the rising cost of tuition, this punishment essentially puts higher education out of reach for most students. For the first offense, students can lose their financial aid for one year; this will be two years for a second offense. Those convicted of three different offenses may be permanently ineligible for federal financial aid, although these terms can be shortened if the student completes an approved drug rehabilitation program.

If you or a family member has been charged with driving under the influence of marijuana, the skilled DUI attorneys at Wood & Rabil, LLP Attorneys at Law have the experience to aggressively defend your rights. They understand how profound the impact of these charges may be and pride themselves on giving every client the personal attention and effective representation they deserve. To learn more about their services and schedule a consultation with a DUI attorney today, visit their website or call their offices at (336) 722-5700.