<p>I was recently arrested for possession of marijuana and paraphernalia (misdemeanor) and awaiting my court date. I start class in a week and already have my finical aid worked out. Will my finical aid be taken away mid semester? Should I call my finical aid adviser before I start? Should I just wait for my record to expunged and then re apply next year? I would really appreciate any answers from people with experience or who are knowledgeable in the matter. Thanks</p>
<p>First of, talk to your financial aid counselor directly. There is no better resource for issues such as this.</p>
<p>However, as outside research that may help you get peace of mind or put things into perspective, please read this material:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href=“http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/ondcp/recovery/fafsa.pdf”>http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/ondcp/recovery/fafsa.pdf</a></li>
<li><a href=“https://studentaid.ed.gov/sites/default/files/2014-15-student-aid-eligibility-drug-worksheet.pdf”>https://studentaid.ed.gov/sites/default/files/2014-15-student-aid-eligibility-drug-worksheet.pdf</a></li>
</ul>
<p>For the first link, specifically read the parts what it talks about what it means to be ‘receiving aid’. It does sound to me that like, since the offense for which you might be convicted of took place before classes started, it would not count against you and that you should be OK as long as you do not commit / get busted for another drug related crime while you are in college.</p>
<p>Definitely work directly with your counselor though to make sure this issue is squared away and there are no mistakes or surprises on their end if you do end up being convicted.</p>