Texas takes drug offenses very seriously. Drug-free zone designations are one of the most significant location-based factors under state law that can impact the severity of the drug charge. Here is what you need to know about them.
What is a drug-free zone?
To protect the vulnerable population, especially children, the state marks certain public and youth-focused spots as drug-free zones. Under Texas law, people who commit a drug crime in these zones may face far more severe charges than they would elsewhere for the same crime.
Locations designated as drug-free zones
Texas law establishes drug-free zones around specific public locations to protect the community. The size of the protected zone depends on the type of property:
- 1,000-Foot Zone: Schools, day-care centers, colleges and universities, playgrounds, youth centers and residential treatment centers.
- 300-Foot Zone: Public swimming pools and video arcades.
- School Buses: There is no distance buffer around the bus—the enhancement applies directly on the bus itself.
Committing a drug offense within these designated boundaries can automatically increase the severity of the charges and result in stricter mandatory sentencing.
How do drug-free zone charges affect a person’s sentence?
A person’s potential punishment for committing a drug crime in a drug-free zone depends on the offense type. Serious drug crimes can lead to highly enhanced punishment. For instance, a person who commits a third-degree felony in a drug-free zone may face charges for a second-degree felony. Similarly, for someone facing a first-degree felony, the mandatory minimum term of imprisonment is increased by five years and the maximum fine is doubled.
Protecting your rights
If you face charges for drug crimes in a drug-free zone, you can enlist the help of an attorney experienced in criminal defense. They can look at your case and help you tackle Texas’s complex legal system.