Affording the cost of a college education in Texas usually means that you will have to look for some type of financial aid. Most people cannot afford to pay for college without some help. That is why the government provides financial aid options. To get approved for this help, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. When you do, you will notice a question asking you if you have ever had a drug conviction. That may stop you in your tracks if you have a past drug charge on your record.
Denison University explains that a drug conviction could make you ineligible for financial aid. However, if your conviction was when you were a juvenile, will not count. The only way it could is if you were tried as an adult. Even then, though, it may not make you ineligible.
Convictions only count if they occur when you are receiving financial aid. If you were not receiving aid on the date the court found you guilty on the charge, then it will not impact your ability to financial aid. This is important to note.
Even if your conviction does count and makes you ineligible, you will not be ineligible forever in most cases. If this was your first conviction, you are only ineligible for one year. After that time, you may qualify for aid. If it was your second conviction, you must wait two years. However, if you have a third conviction, you do get a lifetime ban from receiving aid. This information is for education and is not legal advice.
