3 Ways A College Student Can Be Impacted By A Criminal Conviction

Being accused of committing a crime can be frightening. It's important that you seek the help of an experienced criminal law attorney to help you plead your case in court. This is especially true if you are currently attending a university or college, or if you plan to enroll in the near future.

Most people know that a criminal conviction could result in fines and possible jail time, but few understand how a criminal conviction could impact the life of a college student.

1. You Could Be Denied Admission

Nearly all college applications ask about criminal history. It's important that aspiring students are honest about any arrests or convictions when filling out a college application, because lying could be grounds for immediate denial.

Unfortunately, disclosing that you have a criminal conviction could also jeopardize your ability to gain entrance into the college of your choice. Recent studies show that more than 60% of colleges use criminal history as a deciding factor when making decisions pertaining to admissions.

An attorney can help you plead your innocence so that you can be acquitted of your charges and avoid the complications a criminal conviction causes when trying to gain admission to college.

2. You May Not Receive Financial Aid

A college education doesn't come cheap. Many students rely on federal financial aid to help cover the cost of tuition. A criminal conviction could cause you to become ineligible for the grants and low-interest loans offered through the federal government.

Anyone convicted of a drug-related offense (whether the conviction is a misdemeanor or a felony) are not eligible for financial assistance through the government. All other convictions are considered on a case-by-case basis.

If you plan to use financial aid to help you pay for educational expenses, you will need an attorney to help you fight your criminal charges.

3. You May Be Denied Access to On-Campus Housing

Major colleges and universities offer on-campus housing to their students. This type of housing tends to be the most convenient and most affordable option for many students. A criminal conviction could prevent you from taking advantage of on-campus housing.

Background checks are often conducted by housing offices to determine if applicants would pose a risk to other students living in close proximity. A criminal conviction could raise a red flag, resulting in your spot being offered to another student instead.

Don't let a criminal conviction interfere with your college education. Work with an experienced criminal defense attorney to prevent a conviction from going on your permanent record.

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