Another recent development in Tennessee law deals with the application of school zones to drug-related felonies. In these particular situations, the legislature has determined that when there is drug activity of a resale type variety – could be delivery, could be possession – within 1,000 feet of a school that it constitutes a drug free school zone violation.

That means that the actual felony – let’s say it’s a schedule 2 cocaine case – is elevated one level. A schedule 2 cocaine case would ordinarily carry a penalty range from 8 to 30 years, but you know what? The legislature has seen fit through the use of the school zone to elevate it one level, and it now jumps to a minimum of 15 years to 60 years with a penalty that requires a 100% service of that 15 years.

It is an extraordinarily serious crime. You need an extraordinary lawyer to deal with this situation should you find yourself or a loved one presented with this unfortunate set of circumstances. Having practiced throughout the southeastern United States for almost 30 years, I consider myself well-versed in the area of drug law. I want to be your attorney. My name is T. Scott Jones. I’m with the Knoxville firm of Banks & Jones, and I can be contacted at 865-546-2141 or at banksjones.com.