When you’re caught possessing or selling illegal drugs in Texas, these charges carry severe punishments that can significantly affect your future upon a conviction. However, if you are caught with drugs near or in drug-free zones, the penalties may be enhanced. In the 1970s, Congress passed an early version of a law that increased penalties for individuals selling or using drugs near or in drug-free zones.
In Texas, the current drug-free zones have branched to include most areas where kids and minors may be present. Even when a person may not know they’re in a drug-free zone, they can still suffer the punishments of their actions.
What Areas Are Considered Drug-Free Zones?
Depending on the state, the rules and areas of drug-free zones can change. In Texas, those caught within 1,000 feet of drug-free areas can suffer severe consequences. The locations that encompass drug-free zones include:
- Daycare centers
- Playgrounds
- Private or public elementary schools
- Private or public secondary schools
- Private or public youth centers
- Higher learning institutions (colleges and universities)
Not only will there be penalties for the above areas, but other places are known to have a significant number of children in the area. There is also another rule in Texas which states that a person cannot have or sell drugs within 300 feet of the following:
- Public swimming pools
- Video arcade facilities
- School buses
If your house or apartment is within 1000 feet of a drug-free zone, you may wonder if you will face harsh charges. However, Texas is one of the seven states that have exceptions to the drug-free zones. If you were in a private residence with no children present in the residence and you did not make money off of the crime, you can be excluded from the drug-free zone charge.
How Can a Drug-Free Zone Impact Your Criminal Charge?
If you are caught possessing or distributing drugs within 1,000 feet of a drug-free area, you face a more severe charge than if you had been caught outside of a drug-free zone. For example, what would typically be a third-degree felony charge is enhanced to a second-degree felony charge within 1,000 feet of a school.
The enhanced charge leads to increased penalties upon a conviction. Depending on the location and type of drugs, you can have five years added to your sentence, as well as a fine double that of the original amount.
Spending an extended amount of time detained can have significant effects on you and your family’s life. From job offers to educational opportunities, you may find it challenging to pursue the life you dreamed of due to this mistake. If you find yourself in a similar position, contact a defense attorney to discuss your defense options.
Contact a Texas Defense Attorney at Sophia Martinez Law
Everyone makes mistakes, but when you face serious charges, having a dependable drug crime attorney on your side significantly affects the outcome of your case. Sophia C. Martinez has years of experience working with clients from across Texas to secure their position and protect their rights. With countless positive testimonials and past results, you can trust that you will have reliable representation for your case.
Sophia Martinez Law has the tools and resources to provide you with accessible communication and knowledge. By providing services in both English and Spanish, clients can feel comfortable discussing their case with attorney Sophia Martinez.
Call (210) 226-3000 or fill out our contact form for more information on how we can help you today.