College is a time for exploration and youthful experimentation, which may not always lead to positive results. According to the National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC), suburban teenagers from middle-class families and young adults are the primary distributors and abusers of other dangerous drugs (ODD) in Florida. ODDs such as GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate), LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) and ketamine are immediately and increasingly accessible in gyms, parties and college campuses. Your kid may not even realize the gravity of ingesting the substance or being in possession of the substance until it is too late.
Consequences of a drug charge for a college student
College students may think dealing or doing drugs is a normal part of the college experience since movies and television programs glamorize the act. They may think universities take drug-related incidents lightly, but they do not, and you should not. Here are the consequences a college student may face:
- Educational consequences: Each university has its code of conduct regarding how to punish a student who misbehaves. They may suspend or expel the student. The student can also face academic probation. A conviction may delay the student’s graduation. The student may be unable to join student groups, student government or university sports teams. A drug offense on a student’s criminal record can also lessen their chances of pursuing higher education.
- Financial consequences: A drug conviction may force the university to withdraw a student’s scholarship. The student will also have to pay a fine of at least $2000 if the court convicts them of a misdemeanor and $5000 if the court convicts them of a third-degree felony. Although a drug conviction no longer affects federal student aid eligibility, jail time may financially strain you and your kid.
- Legal consequences: Aside from potential jail time and thousand-dollar fines, a conviction will go on a student’s permanent criminal record. The student may have difficulty getting a job or renting an apartment in the future.
The consequences of a drug conviction can affect your kid’s entire future. There is a fine line between adventure time and jail time.
The wrong place at the wrong time
Because controlled substances and ODDs are so available, it is easy for young impressionable students to mistake these for something else. The student may have also been unlucky or unfortunate. They accidentally got in trouble without any intention.
Whatever the circumstances are of the drug charge, your kid has all the right to defend themselves, and you have all the right to fight alongside them. A single mistake should not tarnish the innocence of youth.
