Drug use in many college campuses is prevalent. But just because it is commonplace does not mean it is legal! Students who get caught with drugs can face not only trouble with the law, but also severe ramifications from their school such as suspension or even expulsion. If you are charged even with a mere possession of marijuana, a narcotic or a prescription drug, it is important for you to consult with a Fairfax criminal lawyer as soon as possible.
Here are some of the consequences of getting arrested for drug possession in college:
Jail Time
If you are charged with drug possession, the thought of going to jail is always on the back of your mind. The amount of time you spend in jail will depend on the type of drugs you had in your possession and whether or not you have a criminal background. For example, if you have previous drug possession convictions on your record, you may have to spend more time in jail than someone who has never been in trouble with the law before. And, many states have first offender rules that will dismiss the case if the defendant does drug education and abstains from drugs. Sometimes community service and/or a driver’s license suspension is included.
Academic Probation
Colleges and universities frown upon drug use and may likely put students caught with drugs on academic probation, suspension or even expulsion. These are not criminal penalties imposed by a judge. These are the rules of the school that you agreed to when you accepted admission. (It was probably in the fine print of your acceptance letter.)
Student Aid Can Be Taken Away
It is also common for colleges and universities to take student aid away from students charged with drug possession. This can be particularly detrimental if this is your only means of paying for your education. You may have no choice but to leave school if your student aid is revoked. If your loan is under a federal or state program, the federal law may require revocation of aid.
You May Not Get Into Graduate School or be Hired by a New Employer
If you have plans to go to graduate school after college, a drug possession on your record could really slow you down. Many graduate programs conduct background checks on applicants and might reject those with criminal records. Whether you want to go to law school or medical school, getting convicted of drug possession can hurt your chances. Employers often ask whether a person has a criminal record. Some jobs will deny employment for certain offenses.
Hiring a Criminal Lawyer
An experienced lawyer knows just how scary it can be to get arrested for drug possession. You are worried about the possibility of going to jail and how it will affect your future. A skilled lawyer can evaluate your case to see if it can be won, and if not, figure ways to get your case dismissed through any available special programs, reduce your penalties, and protect your legal rights.
Thanks to our friends and contributors from Dave Albo Attorney for their insight into criminal defense.