The penalties for having illegal drugs on you in South Carolina can be severe. But the costs aren’t all in the courtroom. Getting convicted for possession could also put a heavy burden on your education.
Prescription drugs in the wrong hands can start at a few hundred dollars. More serious offenses can have you looking at years in prison and thousands in fines. Though these consequences are nothing to take lightly, the real cost could be the effect this will have on your future.
Learning the hard way
Higher education is the gateway to a successful career for many people, but a drug conviction can derail that train:
- Financial aid: A drug conviction can spell the end of monetary help you have coming. Federal assistance could be in jeopardy, as well as any state funds. Private scholarships often have their own standards, but those benefactors may also remove financing.
- Admissions: Better schools can have tighter requirements. A thorough screening process could reveal that you’ve got a criminal past. This makes a big difference when you’re going head-to-head with other students. You may have to explain your record when applying for undergrad or graduate studies.
- College eligibility: Many schools have a code of conduct that you agree to follow by enrolling. Each college has its own way of handling these matters, but you could be looking at a process that plays out alongside your criminal trial. It’s likely up to the school to determine your future there.
Understanding the impact a drug conviction can have on your future is essential to planning your approach. Make sure you know how your school will handle the news, and it may affect the way you proceed.
