For many people, college is a time of firsts. It’s an opportunity to branch out on your own, figure out who you really are and have new experiences. In addition, college students are twice as likely to experiment with drugs and alcohol than if they don’t attend college.
Drug use in college is so pervasive, it can be easy to forget that it’s actually against the law. College students caught with drugs—even just a couple grams of marijuana—can face long-term consequences in many areas of their lives.
In today’s post, we break down these consequences:
- Criminal charges: If you’re caught in possession of a small amount of marijuana (under 30 grams), you can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor and face up to a year in jail and as much as $5,000 in fines.
- Academic aftermath: If you’re attending college on federally funded student aid, this funding could be revoked. Your college may also have strict policies against drug use. They could put you on academic probation or even suspend you—which could impact when you get to graduate.
- Future ramifications: Even after you pay your fines or serve your time, your criminal record stays with you. This can hurt your chances of landing a job, renting an apartment, getting a loan or being accepted to graduate school—unless you get your record expunged.
Even minor drug charges can have a huge effect on your future. If you’ve been caught with drugs, it’s important to consult with a criminal defense attorney immediately to help curb the potential damage.
