Jul 13, 2019

If you’ve already been convicted of a crime and have finished your sentence, then you’re in a position where you’re trying to put your life back together. If not, but have been charged with a crime, then this information may factor into whether or not you make the decision to hire a private lawyer.

Because college and financial aid can be just as difficult to secure as employment and housing when you’ve been convicted of a crime.

Page Contents

Drug offenses offer the biggest challenges.
It’s harder to get private loans, too.
You may still have options.

Drug Offenses Offer The Biggest Challenges.

Drug offenses, even misdemeanor drug offenses, bar you from receiving federal student aid of any kind. If you’ve been convicted of other crimes you can receive aid, if you meet all the other requirements.

This is also true of federal grants created to help inmates study while they’re still in prison.

It’s Harder To Get Private Loans, Too.

Don’t think you can simply flip to private loans. Any criminal conviction can make some lenders shy away from issuing a private student loan.

Private loans can be dangerous, too. They come with higher interest rates, and don’t offer the same options for deferment, forebearance, forgiveness, or income-sensitive payment that federal loans do.

College admissions can be problematic with any kind of conviction.

Only a handful of states prohibit colleges and universities from asking about criminal history on their applications: Louisiana, Maryland, and Washington. And nationwide, 66% of all colleges and universities ask.

Thus, if you’re trying to apply for college here in New York you could face some significant barriers before you even have to worry about paying for it.

You May Still Have Options.

In New York, it is possible to have some criminal records sealed under some circumstances. If you’ve got no more than 2 misdemeanor convictions, or 1 felony and 1 misdemeanor, and you’ve been crime-free for ten years, you might qualify.

You might also qualify if you took certain drug treatment programs. Sealing your records can help broaden your options. While the federal government can still see your record, other organizations won’t be able to, including potential employers and educational facilities. Our offices can help with this process.

Ideally, of course, you’ll have legal support that keeps you from getting convicted in the first place. If you’ve been charged with a crime, don’t wait. Protect your career future by calling our office today.

About The Author

Jeffery Greco

Jeffery Greco is an attorney providing legal services covering Criminal Defense and Criminal Defense: White Collar and Criminal Defense: DUI / DWI. Jeffery Greco, who practices law in New York, New York, was selected to Super Lawyers for 2020 - 2023. This peer designation is awarded only to a select number of accomplished attorneys in each state. The Super Lawyers selection process takes into account peer recognition, professional achievement in legal practice, and other cogent factors. Prior to becoming an attorney, he studied at South Texas College of Law Houston. He graduated in 2004. After passing the bar exam, he was admitted to legal practice in 2005.

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Can You Get Student Loans With A Criminal Record?

About The Author

Jeffery Greco

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