Randall L Vonderheide PC - Logo

Attorney at Law

Phone: (765) 423-2557

Fax: (765) 423-4544

300 Main Street, Suite #500
Lafayette, IN 47901

Drug Free Zones


The potential sentences for certain drug offenses in Indiana can be increased if committed in a drug free zone. Drug free zones include on a school bus as well as in, on, or within 500 feet of school property or a public park while a person under 18 years of age was reasonably expected to be present. The purpose of the drug free zone enhancement is to protect children from drugs.

In McAlpin v. State, the evidence was insufficient to support the defendant’s conviction for Level 4 felony dealing in methamphetamine because it was not reasonably expected that a person under 18 years of age would be present at a public park which consisted of an outdoor amphitheater but no playground equipment, benches, or shade trees at 10:00 a.m. on a school day. The State presented no evidence that it is common to see children at that park during school hours. The Court of Appeal reduced the conviction to a Level 5 felony.

With over 33 years of handling thousands of criminal cases, Steven Knecht is familiar with the possible defenses to drug offenses and other criminal charges. Few other attorney can match his trial experience and knowledge of criminal law and he can use that experience and knowledge to benefit you. If you find yourself having been arrested, you should immediately hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer that you can trust such as Steven Knecht to help you fight the State because you have a lot at stake on the outcome.

Filed to Ask a Lawyer, Marijuana & Other Drugs

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