School Zone Drug Distribution

New Hampshire officials, like those in many other states across the county, are extremely concerned about keeping drugs away from neighborhoods where schools are located.

If you have been arrested on charges of distributing drugs within a school zone, you could be up against some harsh penalties.

You will need the assistance of criminal defense lawyer Michael Anzalone, who is experienced in defending drug cases in New Hampshire, on both the state and federal levels.

The idea behind school zone distribution laws came from the 1970s, when President Ronald Reagan launched his war on drugs. The idea is to have drug-free zones in and around schools and other places where children are likely to be present, such as parks. This is to protect students and children from people who are selling or using drugs.

Every state applies some kind of enhanced penalties for anyone charged with distributing, selling, possession or manufacturing drugs within a certain distance from these so-called “safe” locations.

In New Hampshire, for example, state laws set the drug-free zone at 1,000 feet. That means, simply, that if you are arrested within 1,000 feet of a school or other place where children or students congregate. Most of the states use this distance, but some enhance charges if you are caught less than or more than 1,000 feet from these locations.

If you’ve been accused of using or dealing in drugs within a school zone, you need to contact criminal defense lawyer Michael Anzalone of Nashua, New Hampshire.

At The Anzalone Law Firm, we don’t judge you. We make sure that you get the best possible outcome in the judicial system. We make sure of this by digging into the evidence to make sure that your arrest didn’t stem from an illegal search and seizure by police.

Of course, you’ll want to make sure you don’t talk to police investigators before you have a legal representative by your side. They will want you to talk about your case, but you need to know that anything you tell them can be used against you in court. So the best advice is to consult with your lawyer before you talk to investigators.

In New Hampshire police and prosecutors are tough on drugs and you could find yourself facing long prison sentences if you are caught within a school safety zone. For example, conviction on possession with intent to sell less than 1 ounce of drugs is a felony that carries a penalty of up to 3 years in prison and fines of up to $25,000 on a first offense. But if you are caught within a school zone, the penalties double. So, for a first offense you could be looking at up to 6 years in jail.

This is why you need to take this charge seriously. You need to prepare yourself for the long judicial road and work with your attorney to get the best possible outcome.

Please contact Michael Anzalone today for a free consultation.