Washington County Drug-Free Zone Attorney

In Utah, drug crimes such as possession and distribution have a penalty enhancement if the crime occurred in a drug-free zone. As defined by statute, drug-free zones are outlined as a drug crime taking place within 1,000 feet of a school, child care facility, park, church, shopping mall, sports facility or parking lot. The drug-free zone statute was passed as an effort to protect children from being affected by drug crimes, but in essence, it has simply increased the penalties for possession and distribution convictions. Because of the many areas included in the statute, there are fewer areas that are not a drug-free zone than those that are. Thus, it is highly probable that a drug arrest that leads to a drug charge will take place in one of the drug-free zones.

Overcoming The Enhancement

Although the statute aims at doing a noble thing, and protecting children, in reality, it misses the mark and increases charges for many offenders that have not had any such contact with minors. Because of this misleading law, it is important that you have an attorney to defend you and help you overcome this enhancement. You should not be punished for dealing with minors when, in fact, you did not. The attorneys at Salcido Law Firm are experienced in dealing with drug-free zone enhancement, and they know how to help you defend your rights.

Contact Us For Your Defense

With a newer law that is controversial in the legal community, like the drug-free zone enhancement, there can be room for an attorney to persuade a judge not to impose the increased penalty. Furthermore, drug crimes like possession and distribution are such serious crimes you don’t want to have to deal with anything else that could further threaten your liberties. Our lawyers are ready to defend your rights and will help you understand your options. Call us at 435-922-3277 or email us today to set up a free consultation.