When a young person heads off to college, it’s usually their time to establish their personal identity, explore all the opportunities before them and find their independence. Mistakes are going to be made, and that’s all part of the process.
Unfortunately, however, some mistakes can change their entire lives for the worse – and that includes drug charges. The legal, academic and career consequences can be tremendous. Here’s what students (and their parents) need to know:
Massachusetts is tough on drug crimes
Massachusetts has some of the strictest drug laws in the New England region. While the state has legalized certain recreational drugs for adults 21 years of age and over, criminal penalties remain severe for underage drug possession, possession of other controlled substances and drug distribution or the intent to distribute.
- Underage possession: Anyone under 21 caught with recreational drugs that are legal for other adults can face civil fines, required drug awareness programs and potential criminal charges.
- Controlled substances: Charges involving drugs such as cocaine, MDMA, LSD or prescription drugs without a valid prescription can result in serious criminal penalties, even for first-time offenders.
- Distribution and intent to distribute: Being accused of selling or sharing drugs (even prescriptions for “study” drugs, like Ritalin) on or near a campus can lead to felony charges, long-term consequences and enhanced penalties.
Even relatively small amounts of drugs found in a student’s possession can trigger charges that carry lifelong repercussions.
College students facing drug charges have additional challenges
For students, a drug arrest is more than just a legal problem – it can utterly derail their educational and professional paths. Colleges and universities in Massachusetts often have their own student conduct policies that impose disciplinary measures that are separate from the court system. A drug charge can endanger a student’s:
- Academic standing: A student may face suspension, expulsion or the loss of campus housing after a drug-related incident.
- Financial aid: Federal student aid can be jeopardized by drug convictions, cutting off funding that many students rely on.
- Future opportunities: Graduate school admissions, internships, and employment opportunities often require background checks, and a drug conviction can severely limit those options.
The stigma of a drug charge alone – even without a conviction – can cause damage to a student’s reputation and relationships in numerous ways. Beyond academics, a drug conviction can lead to additional collateral consequences. These can include the loss of driving privileges and – for international students – put their visa in danger.
Even once a student graduates, the ripple effect of a drug charge (especially if the charge is followed by a conviction) can be tremendous. Students who hope to pursue careers in health care, education, medicine, finance or the law may find their career path permanently closed because they won’t be able to obtain professional licensing.
How can you move forward after a drug charge?
If you or your child is a Massachusetts college student facing a drug charge, don’t ignore the seriousness of the situation. The most important step after a drug charge is securing experienced legal representation as fast as possible.
A skilled criminal defense attorney can evaluate whether evidence was lawfully obtained and challenge illegal searches or seizures. They can also negotiate for reduced charges, alternative sentencing or the application of diversion programs designed for young or first-time offenders. They can also protect the student’s academic and professional interests while navigating both the criminal justice system and separate campus disciplinary processes – which may also keep them in school.
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