School Zones

Massachusetts Drug Crimes Lawyer
School zone Violations

When an arrest involving controlled substances takes place in, on, or near school property, separate and additional charges are added to the arrest that carry strict mandatory penalties, fines and prison terms. Adding “school zone violations” to a drug arrest dramatically increases the likelihood of serving time and paying large fines. 

The Court does not care if the person charged did not know what the boundaries were, where the school was located, or that the law exists.  Penalties for school zone violations reflect the seriousness of this crime. The mandatory minimum term of imprisonment for a conviction of a school zone violation is two years – in addition to the sentence for the controlled substance violation.

If you have been charged with violating school zone law, it is vital that you contact a Massachusetts Criminal Drug Lawyer immediately.  Stephen Neyman has successfully represented clients arrested for school zone violations and won acquittals, had charges reduced, or dismissed. Call 617-263-6800 immediately or click here to send an email.    

A school zone is any place in, on, or within 1,000 feet of any of the following, whether the school is in session, on recess, or during weekends and holidays:

• private or public pre-school
• an accredited Headstart facility
• elementary school
• vocational school
• secondary school
• middle school
• junior high school
• high school

The same law applies to any location within 100 feet of a public park or playground.

The mandatory minimum term for violating school zone boundaries is imprisonment in the state prison for not less than two (2) nor more than fifteen (15) years or by imprisonment in a jail or house of correction for not less than two (2) nor more than two and one-half (2 ½) years. A fine of no less than $1,000 nor more than $10,000 may also be imposed.

Convictions for possession with the intent to distribute, distribution or trafficking within 1,000 feet of a school zone or within 100 feet of a public park or playground requires the Court to impose a 2 year mandatory sentence to be served from and after the sentence for the controlled substance violation.

Anyone who has been arrested for a school zone violation in addition to a controlled substance violation needs an aggressive, experienced Criminal Drug Law Attorney who understands how the Court views this offense and knows how to strategically defend school zone violations in connection with illegal substance violations.   Stephen Neyman has successfully represented clients arrested for school zone violations and won acquittals, had charges reduced, or dismissed. Call 617-263-6800 immediately or click here to send an email.