School Zone Drug Violations

School Zone Drug Violations are governed by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 94C Section 32J. School Zone Drug Violations occur when an individual is charged with the intent to distribute a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school or within 100 feet of a public park or playground.

It is important to note that you can be charged with this crime if you are arrested in your apartment and your apartment is within 1,000 feet of a school. You do not have to be on school property or on public property, and you do not have to know that you are within 1,000 feet of a school. An individual who is charged with this crime cannot claim that he or she did not have knowledge of the boundaries of a school as a defense to this crime.

It is also important to realize that many individuals who are charged with a drug crime in an urban setting, such as Boston or Cambridge, will be subject to an additional school zone drug violation charge. Urban areas are very compact with many schools and parks, and it is very common to be within 1,000 feet of a school or 100 feet of a public park or playground.

Punishment

An individual who is convicted of a school zone drug violation may be sentenced to 2.5 years to 15 years in the state prison or 2 to 2.5 years in a jail or house of correction. There is a mandatory minimum sentence of 2 years imprisonment. In addition to imprisonment, a fine of $1,000.00 to $10,000.00 may be imposed.

School Zone Drug Violation Criminal Defense Representation at Altman & Altman, LLP

For over four decades, the Greater Boston Law Firm of Altman & Altman, LLP has been providing outstanding legal services to clients throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Our experienced team of MA School Zone Drug Violation Criminal Defense Lawyers has the knowledge and courtroom expertise necessary to successfully defend these types of charges. We will explore creative legal solutions that are specifically tailored to meet your needs in order to resolve your matter.

At Altman & Altman, LLP, we understand that facing School Zone Drug Violations in Massachusetts is frequently a confusing and frightening experience for those involved. With this uncertainty and anxiety in mind, our skillful Criminal Defense Attorneys will outline all of your legal options and will fully explain your rights in order to help you navigate these difficult waters. With offices conveniently located in Boston and Cambridge, our attorneys have the ability to speak with their clients face to face about their legal concerns. If you are facing School Zone Drug Violation Charges in MA, please Contact the Greater Boston law firm of Altman & Altman to schedule a Free & Confidential Initial Consultation with one of our criminal defense attorneys. During this free of charge initial meeting, our skilled MA criminal defense lawyers will fully explain your legal options and will field any legal questions you may have. All consultations are completely confidential.

Selling drugs in a school zone is a serious offense, and carries significant penalties. With over 40 years of criminal defense experience our criminal defense attorneys have handled numerous school zone cases. Get the advise you need from our experienced aggressive criminal defense lawyers. Our defense attorneys are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us at 617.492.3000 for a free confidential consultation