It’s true that getting a conviction for a DUI can affect your ability to get scholarships and financial aid in California. Convictions only impact some forms of financial assistance, and the effects may depend upon whether or not you have to spend time in jail or prison.
A Los Angeles DUI lawyer can provide more information about whether or not you can lose financial aid for a DUI. An attorney can also help you face these charges head-on, potentially preventing a conviction and protecting your future.
Does Your DUI Affect Scholarships and Financial Aid?
A DUI affects some types of financial aid but not others. Your exact eligibility depends on:
- Whether you’re seeking federal student aid or a private scholarship
- Your incarceration status
- If your DUI is a felony conviction
- Whether any drug charges are associated with your DUI
So, it’s true that a DUI conviction might affect your ability to get scholarships or financial aid. We’ll look at each of these factors and help you understand your eligibility.
Can You Lose Financial Aid for a DUI?
You may not immediately lose your federal financial aid after a DUI arrest. However, you may lose access to federal student aid if you face jail or prison time after a conviction. Additionally, a conviction may disqualify you from receiving additional money from a scholarship.
Note that if your classes start after your release, these limits should not apply to you. In that case, you are free to seek all types of federal student aid as long as you do not face other restrictions.
Can You Get Student Aid After a Conviction?
You will have severe limits on your eligibility to seek federal financial aid for your schooling while incarcerated in California. Some types of federal aid are simply off-limits, and others give priority to other applicants.
But the details depend on whether you’re in a state or federal prison (such as for felony DUI, DUI murder, or some repeat DUIs) or a local or county jail (most DUIs).
Felony DUIs and Federal Student Aid
Your eligibility for federal student aid drops significantly if you have a felony conviction on your record. The court system in California treats some DUI charges as felonies. Some DUI charges always count as felonies, and some become felonies if you have enough prior DUIs.
Most federal student aid programs simply will not award anything to individuals with felony convictions.
Drug Charges and Federal Student Aid
According to official rules on eligibility for students with criminal convictions, drug charges will not affect federal student aid eligibility at this point. However, you may still face challenges securing federal aid while incarcerated in a jail or prison.
To find out for sure, simply fill out the FAFSA (student aid application form) and any worksheets that may apply to your specific situation. An attorney can provide more information and assistance if the police arrest you for driving under the influence of drugs.
Other Types of Scholarships and Financial Aid
All of the above restrictions apply only to federal student aid. Other forms of student aid may have their own restrictions. Many scholarships, for example, are provided by non-profit foundations or private individuals.
They are free to make whatever rules they want regarding criminal history. Most will allow you to apply as long as you don’t have a felony on your record. Some will allow felons to apply as well. But almost all will require you to disclose your past convictions, and they may use this as a determining factor if it’s a close decision between you and another applicant.
Some organizations also offer scholarships or loans specifically to former convicts, including felons, to help them start a new life. However, it’s true that a DUI conviction might affect your ability to get scholarships or financial aid.
Other Penalties for a DUI Conviction
DUI convictions can impact your life in other ways. For example, you may face jail time, fines, and restrictions on your driving privileges. In some cases, the court may order you to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle before allowing you to drive again.
Fortunately, an attorney can take steps to help you handle these charges, potentially getting your charges reduced or dismissed.
Your lawyer may need to show that the police stopped you without due cause or that they failed to follow the correct steps for administering a blood alcohol content (BAC) test.
Protect Your Scholarships and Financial Aid after a DUI Arrest
It’s true that a DUI conviction might affect your ability to get financial aid and scholarships in California. Fortunately, you can get professional help after an arrest by reaching out to a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer.
Our team can help you contact an attorney who can assist you with all legal matters. Call or fill out our online contact form to learn more.
