School Zone Offenses

Distributing Marijuana in a School Zone

New Jersey law imposes severe penalties for distribution of marijuana within a school zone. Minimum periods of jail are imposed if an individual is convicted of selling marijuana within 1,000 of school property, so it is imperative that an experienced attorney be enlisted in these cases. The lawyers at our defense firm, the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, have extensive experience handling school zone charges and include a former prosecutor. Feel free to contact our law firm at 1-877-450-8301 to reach a lawyer 24/7.

New Jersey Law for Distribution of Marijuana in a School Zone

If an individual distributes marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school or school property, he may be charged under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7. The implications of this law are very serious as they involve the imposition of mandatory jail. Where less than one ounce of marijuana is involved, the minimum period of incarceration is fixed at one year. In marijuana cases involving greater weight, the term of imprisonment must include a minimum term of incarceration of three years. In order to obtain a conviction under this law, the state must produce a resolution or other proclamation from the local governing body that designated the area of the infraction as a drug free school zone.

There are certain basic principles concerning application of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7 that individuals should also know. While an individual must intend to distribute marijuana to fall under this law, an intention to distribute the drugs within the zone is unnecessary. All that is required under this strict liability statute is that the distribution occur within an area adopted as a drug free school zone and that the school property be actually, regularly and consistently used for school purposes.

If you were arrested or indicted for distribution of marijuana in a school zone, we are available to assist you. These are very serious offenses and require the know how of a seasoned defense lawyer. That is precisely what you will achieve with our office as our attorneys have been defending marijuana charges in NJ for years. A lawyer from our firm is available immediately to address your questions and concerns.