What are the real consequences for getting ticketed for possession of marijuanna–in particular for college age people. Some say it’s trivial. Some say it will result in not being able to get a job, mess with getting internships or into grad school, housing and credit problems. Your opinions–especially those based on real experience–are valued.
A ticket?
Search in “college life” subforum and you will see stories of getting kicked out of college…
At my kids’ college, it is one semester suspension and mandatory drug and alcohol counseling. It’s a very convoluted story that did not involve any actual marijuana, but yes, it is first hand experience.
Many things in life will ask for a police background check, so it’s better if there is no conviction. A number of my friends have security clearances and admitted to occasional use of marijuana in college. It’s probably better than having a DUI.
I think it may still mean you can’t get federal financial aid, but i’m not sure if a ticket (which is all it is in some states) rises to that level.
Many states use misdemeanor citations to avoid dragging people to jail immediately for minor offenses (keeps officers on the streets rather than doing paperwork) – it’s a one sheet that may look like a ticket. The form gives you a time limit to go to the courthouse and get processed. It is an arrest; conviction can effect financial aid. For most first offenders, it’s very likely that the kid can get a deferred conviction (it’s called a number of things depending on locality) that would allow the misdemeanor to be expunged after a year of not getting in any more trouble. You may need to get him a lawyer, but it should be a simple process.
My institution (private, top 20) typically would give a reprimand or probation for a minor marijuana possession along with a drug and alcohol assessment (and requirements to follow the recommendations from that assessment). Talk to the conduct office. A kid is very unlikely to get suspended for a first offense unless it is a very strict or religious campus with a zero tolerance policy. It’s not something to panic about, but it needs to be taken seriously.
It really depends on where you live. Here in San Francisco, SFPD usually doesn’t even write the citation. You generally have to annoy them or catch them on a bad day. It’s considered extremely low on the list of enforcement priorities, and the general vibe is that we’re so close to legalization here that even cops don’t really care much. University police will write the citation, however. School’s scared of losing federal funding. General rule, you get a misdemeanor ticket, which varies between a fine, “drug education”, and community service (VERY unlikely to include jail time). University only adds discipline if you do it in school housing, and I’m not actually sure what their punishment is, except that they don’t evict on the first offense.
I’m sure it will depend on the location. My D got a citation for underage alcohol possession on a beach in NJ once; cop told her it was like a traffic ticket, she paid a fine and went on her way. It did not prevent her from getting a federal security clearance (she did disclose it although I doubt it is on her record).
Many states now have agreements when a Minor in Possession gets a ticket. Their drivers license can be suspended, and other states will honor that? My nephew got one in california, and tried to work it out himself but ended up getting a lawyer. If the charge goes though, his license will be suspended for 6 months. I’ve known kids who got them while riding a bike. Nephew was just sitting on s beach at noon, not causing trouble or acting wild.
@mamabear1234 that is on her record but it’s not an impediment to security clearance.
If a student is eligible for a criminal forgiveness system, they should use it and follow all of the requirements. In PA, it is called Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition, and it is a way for first time offenders to have a criminal record avoided. Here’s info on PA.'s system. I understand many other states have similar rules:
http://www.philacriminaldefenselawyer.com/criminal-defense/ARD-program/
In Pennsylvania, there is such a thing as a summary charge, which is lower than a misdemeanor.
I believe many campus police forces would handle the matter with college discipline and not criminal charges. The Phila. City Council passed an ordinance ordering the police to not file criminal charges for possession of small amounts of marijuana.
As noted above, a person can lose federal Pell grants and be ineligible for additional federal student loans if they have a drug conviction. That regulation SHOULD be limited to drug sales, but it is not. That regulation makes it hard for persons with a previous drug problem to get a second chance.
You could lose all federal financial aid.
If person is interested in a health care career, he/she could become ineligible for licensure. In most states, you can’t get licensed if you are found guilty of any felony or a drug related misdemeanor. For a minor drug related misdemeanor, i.e. underage alcohol possession, you might be able to get licensed if you meet with the board and explain the issue. If you more or less say you were young and immature and this won’t happen again; you can still get a license.
If it is only a ticket, ie you never appear before a judge, then it isn’t a conviction and you will not lose federal financial aid.
I have several friends who got MIP tickets for alcohol and marijuana use in high school and college. None of them have had issues going forward- and many are professionals who have to go through background checks.