What if I Get Arrested?

Getting arrested can have an effect on college or it may not. It depends on how old you were, convicted and the reason for the arrest. If there was a minor “oops” when you were 14, get that record sealed. If you were involved in a street fight at 18 and convicted of assault, that is quite different. Some universities are placing questions about past crimes on application forms. Larger universities want to avoid campus violence by eliminating potential problems. However, many minors that have been arrested have gone on to receive full-ride scholarships to college. Decisions are made on a case by case basis.

However, there is a Kiss of Death. Drugs. The FAFSA drives all financial aid for college and there is a question on the FAFSA asking if you have been arrested on drug charges. “Have you ever been convicted of possessing or selling illegal drugs?” You could be denied college completely because few can afford college without financial aid. Drugs are something to avoid even being around if you have plans for attending college. In the case of drugs, hiring an attorney to prevent a conviction is definitely worth the cost.