Possession in a Fort Worth Drug-Free Zone

The reason for establishing a “drug-free zone” in Texas is two-fold: to protect individuals, usually children, and to provide greater punishment for individuals who engage in illegal conduct in these zones.

Drug free zones are designated by statute and are an effort by lawmakers to keep drug dealers from targeting children or young adults. The most common drug free zones are schools.

Which zones are drug free in Texas?

Drug-free zones include schools, daycare centers, and institutes of higher education, such as colleges, medical schools, junior colleges, and technical institutes. Public swimming pools are also protected by this statute.

A playground is also considered a drug-free zone if the playground is both open to the public and intended for recreation. To be covered under the drug-free zone statute, the playground must include three or more play stations intended for children, such as slides, teeterboards, swing sets, etc.

Video arcades also qualify as drug free zones if they are open to the general public, including minors, and intended for the use of common video arcade equipment such as pinball or video machines, and contain at least three video or pinball machines. Finally, youth centers, primarily for those 18 and under, which provide athletic, cultural, or civic activities on a regular basis are considered drug free zones.

What is the punishment for possession in a drug free zone in Fort Worth?

Different types of drug cases have different “enhanced” consequences if committed in a drug-free zone. In some cases, the minimum prison term is increased by five years, and the fine can double if the offense is committed in a protected zone. In other cases, the offense can be enhanced from a state jail felony to a felony in the third degree. This increases the minimum jail term from 180 days to two years. Similar enhancements cover crimes otherwise considered misdemeanors under the law.

Call an attorney if you’re facing possession in a DFZ

Because of the severity of these potential penalties, it is important for anyone who has been arrested on a charge of possession in a Fort Worth drug-free zone to reach out to an experienced attorney for help. We can help. Call our defense firm today for a free consultation.

For more information, please reference the Health and Safety Code Section 481.134