As a high school senior in El Paso, getting into college is probably one of the biggest things on your mind right now. Getting accepted into one of Texas’ many colleges and universities is very competitive. Besides highlighting every positive thing about your educational achievements and life experience, you may need to deal with an arrest on drug charges in your past and how it could affect your ability to pursue higher education.
Will I still get into college?
First, there is the college application. Most universities ask applicants to disclose if they have a criminal record. However, the fact that you were charged with a crime like drug possession in the past does not automatically disqualify you from getting accepted. Most universities are specifically concerned about applicants with a history of sexual or violent crimes. They may overlook a drug offense, especially if you were never convicted. So it is better to be honest about a drug-related arrest than try to cover it up.
Student loans and a drug record
Getting into college is just the first step. Most teens and their parents must find a way to pay for it too. But if you have been convicted of a drug crime, you are ineligible for most federal student loans. While you may have other options to pay for school, this is something to keep in mind when dealing with drug charges as a minor. Instead of pleading guilty to charges just to make them “go away,” you and your attorney should consider your future first.
Finding a solution to a tough situation
Juvenile drug charges can affect more than your education. If you are tried as an adult, you could be facing time behind bars and a criminal record that follows you around for years. Your attorney can help you fight to keep your case in juvenile court and keep the long-term consequences to a minimum.
