Even minor drug convictions can have lasting impact

The "war on drugs" has gone on for nearly 40 years and there's no victory in sight. But, there's plenty of victims...sadly some of the victims aren't aware of some of the scariest consequences that a drug conviction can result in. For example, in New York State possession of less than an ounce of marijuana isn't a criminal offense, its simply a "violation" called "Unlawful Possession of Marijuana"(UPM). On paper its a pretty innocent sounding offense, roughly the equivalent of a traffic ticket. You pay a fine and go your way...well, not quite!

For first time offenders caught with more than an ounce of pot (a misdemeanor) the typical resolution is a plea bargain down to a UPM violation. Sounds good, right? Well, what most people don't know (and a lot of attorneys don't either) is that even a conviction for a violation like UPM can deprive you of college financial aid for ONE YEAR! Yep, its right there in the 1998 Higher Education Act passed by Congress. So, if you're in college or about to go to college are are relying on either Federal or State tuition aid, be careful about accepting any pleas to minor pot (or other drug offenses). It could really cost you down the road...