How DUIs Affect Financial Aid and Scholarships

Research shows that 30% of college students drive after drinking alcohol. This choice can often lead to several consequences: accidents, injuries, and death. Even if an inebriated student manages to drive home unscathed, Arizona still has the toughest DUI laws in the nation. This means if you get pulled over intoxicated, you’re going to get dinged.

What college students may not realize is just how significant a DUI charge on their record is. It’s not a myth—students can miss out on financial aid and scholarships due to DUI charges. Here’s how.

Current Incarcerations

For individuals currently incarcerated due to a DUI charge, their eligibility for financial aid depends on whether they’re in jail or prison.

County Jail

Not eligible for federal student loans
May apply for a Pell Grant
May apply for Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant*
May apply for Federal Work Study*

*Schools are only allotted a certain amount of funds and may give priority to other students.

State or Federal Prison

Not eligible for a federal Pell Grant
Not eligible for federal student loans
May apply for Federal Supplemented Educational Opportunity Grant*
May apply for Federal Work-Study Grant**

*Grants are primary given to applicants who have Pell Grants

**Unlikely to work an appropriate job while incarcerated

Felonies

Most federal student aid programs will not award grants to individuals with felony DUI convictions. In Arizona, felony DUIs are:

DUI with a minor under 15 in the vehicle
DUI with suspended driver’s license
DUI with 2 prior DUIs within the last 60 months

Scholarships

Many scholarships are provided by non-profit foundations or private individuals meaning they have the right to choose whether or not they award students who have DUI charges. Almost all require applicants to disclose their past convictions.

Are you a student who’s been charged with a DUI? Contact Nava Law before school starts in the fall. We’ll fight to get that charge off your record.

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Manuel Vasquez

Armando is best attorney hands down! Awesome ways of communicating with me utilizing multiple forms of communication like his portal/phone/ or text! He also will always try to find the best deals for you possible. Lastly, very resourceful as to who he can verify you with for different services/needs if he’s not able to help you with something!

Joan Espinoza

If I could give Armando Nava more than a 5 star review I would do it in a heart beat. I have known him for a while now and he is someone I genuinely respect and admire. He is there for you no matter how hard or easy your case is, he does not judge you, and he does everything in his power to make the client satisfied.

Aramis

I am writing this review almost a year after my charge (that I thought was going to do a year in jail) was dismissed. Armando has been very transparent and always available. I still ask him for legal advice even after my case was finished and he always helps. He will be a great ally for you and has been a dear friend for me.