Under federal law, students who have drug-related convictions may be ineligible for federal student aid. This includes offenses ranging from a minor misdemeanor marijuana possession conviction to felony drug trafficking in Ohio.

FAFSA Disclosures

Students seeking federal financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The application contains a question related to drug convictions. It is critical that you do not misrepresent any convictions as it is a crime to knowingly make a false statement on the application.

One question on the FAFSA is in regards to drug possession and drug trafficking (i.e., illegal sale of drugs) convictions during a period of enrollment for which you were receiving federal student aid (e.g., student loans, grants, and/or work-study). When answering this question, you are not required to disclose convictions that have been expunged or sealed, or convictions that occurred when you were a minor.

I Have a Drug Conviction in Ohio. Am I Eligible for Federal Financial Aid?

If you have been convicted of possession of drugs or drug trafficking, you are not eligible for federal financial aid during the period from the date of conviction through the interval discussed below. The period of ineligibility for federal student aid depends on whether the conviction was for possession of drugs or drug trafficking and the number of prior offenses. If you were convicted of both possession of drugs and drug trafficking, the period(s) of ineligibility will be for the longer interval.

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Can I Still Apply for Federal Student Aid if I Have Drug Convictions?

Yes, even if you have drug possession or drug trafficking convictions, you can still apply for federal student aid. You may be eligible depending upon the date of the convictions and the number of convictions. Furthermore, you may be eligible for other types of aid.

You can regain eligibility, even if the ineligibility period is indefinite, by completing an appropriate drug treatment program that meets the Department of Education standards. The drug treatment program must meet the following criteria:

1. Have two unannounced drug tests; and
2. Must either: (a) be qualified to receive funds from a government agency or program, or state-licensed insurance company, or (b) be administered by a government agency or court, or state-licensed hospital, clinic or medical doctor.

What Do I Do If I Submitted My FAFSA Before I Was Convicted?

If you are convicted of drug possession or drug trafficking after submitting your FAFSA application, you should contact your school’s financial aid office immediately. You will be required to repay all aid you have received after your conviction due to your ineligibility.

Columbus and Delaware, Ohio Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with a criminal offense in Columbus or Delaware, Ohio, contact Johnson Legal, LLC and speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Attorney David Johnson of Johnson Legal, LLC will discuss your case and assist you in fighting the charges. Call (614) 987-0192 or send an email to schedule a consultation regarding your criminal offense case.

Johnson Legal, LLC serves the following cities in the central Ohio area for Criminal Defense:

Westerville, Worthington, Columbus, Polaris, Reynoldsburg, Grandview Heights, Shawnee Hills, Bexley, Pickerington, Gahanna, Sunbury, Powell, Upper Arlington, New Albany, Dublin, Hilliard, Lewis Center, Galena, Clintonville, Huber Ridge, Blacklick, Grove City, Delaware, Marysville, Groveport, Newark, Canal Winchester, Obetz, Marion, Mt. Gilead, Pataskala, Granville, Whitehall, Franklin County, Morrow County, Licking County, Knox County, Union County, Madison County and Delaware County