If you’re serving a jail term or convicted for drug-related offenses, a DUI could potentially affect your eligibility for student loans. Read on to learn more about this topic and then contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 for a free legal consultation with a Costa Mesa DUI lawyer.
Does a DUI Conviction Impact Your Student Loans?
California adopts a firm stance on crimes involving driving under the influence (DUI). A DUI conviction can carry heavy penalties, including jail time, probation, license revocation, and substantial fines. Collateral consequences can include increased insurance premiums and job search challenges. However, a DUI, in most circumstances, does not influence your eligibility for federal student loans.
As a Costa Mesa DUI lawyer could clarify, your student loans generally won’t be affected by a DUI. But, state grants and loans, private student loans, and scholarships could be impacted. Furthermore, if you’re currently incarcerated (on a DUI or other charges) or if arrested for drug possession or dealing drugs, you might lose current loans and be ineligible to apply for federal student loans for up to 2 years.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a mandatory form for those seeking federal student loans or other federal student aid. This form doesn’t inquire about previous DUI convictions but does ask about past convictions for drug possession and/or illegal drug sales. A DUI conviction involving drugs doesn’t need to be reported on your FAFSA.
If, during a DUI arrest, drugs were found in your vehicle or possession, you could be charged with a drug-related offense (such as drug possession). A conviction on this count would require reporting on the FAFSA. This could result in losing your current federal student aid and/or being disqualified from receiving any federal student aid for up to two years. But, even with a drug-related conviction making you ineligible for student loans, eligibility could be reinstated by completing a drug rehabilitation program.
It’s important to note these rules apply only if you’re receiving student aid and actively enrolled in school at the time of a drug-related conviction. A past conviction wouldn’t affect your eligibility for federal student loans if you decide to return to school later in life.
For individuals incarcerated for any offense, including a DUI in California, federal student loans are not available. As a Costa Mesa DUI lawyer could explain, this rule pertains only to courses undertaken while in jail. Upon release, you can apply for federal student aid to utilize for education outside of a detention center.
The regulations surrounding these matters can be confusing and intimidating, especially for those depending on student loans and other aid to pursue higher education. While a DUI conviction may not prevent you from receiving federal aid, it might impact your chances of securing other types of loans and aid. Hence, securing a competent Costa Mesa DUI lawyer to defend you against DUI and other criminal charges is of utmost importance.
At Chambers Law Firm, we recognize the potential negative implications of a criminal conviction, including its impact on your future educational endeavors. We advocate fiercely for all our clients, whether they face DUI or other criminal offenses such as drug possession or sales. To learn more about how we can assist you, contact us today at 714-760-4088 or via email to schedule a complimentary case evaluation.
