Convictions for driving under the influence (DUI) have a number of consequences in California. You could be fined and sent to jail after a DUI conviction. DUIs convictions can also impact your life in other ways, especially if you are in college.
Sometimes, a DUI can even affect your standing for college scholarships and financial aid. Find out how DUI convictions can impact your college career here with the Simmrin Law Group. You can get additional legal advice by contacting us at (310) 896-2723.
DUIs and Federal Financial Aid
Many students rely on FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) assistance to get through college. Some DUI charges may make you ineligible to receive FAFSA assistance. However, alcohol-related DUIs will not generally impact FAFSA.
Drug-related DUI charges can restrict your ability to use FAFSA. The DUI itself should not jeopardize your financial assistance. However, if police officers find drugs in your vehicle and charge you with drug possession, you cannot apply for FAFSA benefits.
For a free legal consultation, call (310) 896-2723
Underage Charges for Drug Possession
Your criminal record is often sealed if you were accused of a crime while under 18. If your record was sealed for a drug-related offense, you should be able to apply for FAFSA benefits. This can allow you to get the funds you need to attend college.
Additionally, you may be able to get FAFSA benefits if you complete a drug rehabilitation program following your conviction. Note that not all drug rehabilitation programs are acceptable. You will need to complete a program approved by FAFSA.
The Impact of Incarceration on Financial Aid
You should be aware that a DUI conviction can lead to time in jail or prison. While you are incarcerated, you cannot apply for many forms of financial assistance for classes you intend to take WHILE incarcerated.
Many drivers convicted of a DUI will face jail time. While in jail you cannot apply for federal student loans for classes taken while incarcerated, though you may apply for:
- A Pell Grant
- A Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
- A Federal Work-Study
Drivers sentenced to time in prison are not eligible for:
- Pell Grants
- Federal Student Loans
You are allowed to apply for an FSEOG or a Federal Work-Study while incarcerated in a prison, but it can be very difficult to secure these forms of financial aid. You can speak to a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles about your financial aid options by calling (310) 896-2723 today.
College Scholarships and DUI Charges in California
Thus far, we have discussed your options to secure federal financial aid after a DUI conviction. You may also be interested in applying for scholarships to cover your educational costs. Scholarships are not controlled by the federal government. Instead, they are handled by private donors or foundations.
The regulators of a scholarship are allowed to set rules regarding the dispersal of scholarship funds. Some scholarships may refuse your funds based on your criminal history, especially if you were convicted of a felony. Scholarship requirements vary widely, so you will have to look into each scholarship you would like to secure.
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College Admissions and DUI Convictions
As you can see, a DUI can affect your ability to secure college scholarships or financial aid. DUI convictions can also impact your ability to achieve entry into the college of your choice. Some colleges will deny admission to students convicted of a DUI.
You are required to disclose your DUI charges if questioned on your college application. Attempting to lie about a DUI charge increases the odds that your admission to the program will be denied. You can increase the odds of gaining entry to a college after a DUI conviction by showing that you have changed since your conviction. You may want to:
- Be upfront when discussing your DUI
- Explain what caused your DUI arrest
- Ensure you commit no additional DUIs
- Attend voluntary alcohol treatment
- Volunteer and perform community service
Note that successfully resolving a DUI charge can help you avoid issues with college entry. You can focus on handling DUI charges now by contacting the Simmrin Law Group for professional legal help.
DUIs can Impact College Scholarships and Financial Aid
A DUI can make it harder for you to get college scholarships and financial aid. DUIs can even prevent you from attending the college you want. Fortunately, you can get help handling DUI charges by working with a DUI lawyer in Los Angeles. The Simmrin Law Group can offer you a FREE case evaluation now.
Reach out to us today by calling (310) 896-2723 or filling out our online contact form.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form