In Maryland, drug distribution charges are already serious—but if the alleged offense happens near a school, the stakes rise dramatically. Under Maryland Criminal Law § 5-627, distributing controlled substances within a designated school zone carries enhanced penalties, including mandatory minimum prison sentences.
At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we defend clients in Annapolis, Glen Burnie, and throughout Anne Arundel County who are facing high-stakes drug charges in or near school zones. Led by former prosecutor Christian Hartman, our firm understands how these cases are prosecuted—and the strategies needed to fight back. Here’s what you need to know if you or a loved one is facing this charge.
Maryland’s School Zone Drug Law: § 5-627
Under Md. Crim. Law § 5-627, it is a separate offense to manufacture, distribute, dispense, or possess with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) within 1,000 feet of an elementary or secondary school property.
You can be charged with this offense even if school is not in session and even if no students were present at the time. The law is designed to deter drug activity anywhere near educational facilities, so prosecutors often enforce it aggressively.
What Counts as a “School Zone” in Maryland?
The statute defines a school zone as:
- Any public or private elementary or secondary school property
- 1,000 feet in any direction from the property line of the school
This includes:
- School playgrounds and athletic fields
- Adjacent sidewalks, parking lots, and alleys
- Areas that cross into residential neighborhoods or commercial blocks
Importantly, you don’t need to know you were in a school zone to be charged under this law. Prosecutors can prove the location using maps, property records, or police testimony.
Enhanced Penalties for School Zone Drug Distribution
Violating § 5-627 is a separate felony from the underlying drug charge. If convicted, you face:
- Mandatory minimum two years in prison (cannot be suspended)
- Up to 20 years total imprisonment
- Fines up to $20,000
- A permanent felony record
These penalties apply in addition to any sentence for the underlying manufacturing, distribution, or PWID charge. That means a conviction could result in stacked prison time.
How Prosecutors Prove School Zone Cases
In many cases, the state will focus on:
- The exact location of the alleged drug activity (using police maps, GPS data, or Google Earth)
- The type and amount of the controlled substance involved
- Any evidence of intent to distribute (packaging, cash, scales, ledgers)
- Witness testimony, including undercover officers or confidential informants
The school zone enhancement doesn’t require proof that students were harmed or involved—only that the activity took place within the 1,000-foot radius.
Defense Strategies for School Zone Drug Charges
Fighting a § 5-627 charge requires attacking both the drug charge itself and the school zone enhancement. At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we develop tailored strategies that may include:
- Challenging the Location Evidence: We verify measurement methods and confirm whether the alleged location is truly within 1,000 feet of school property.
- Contesting the Search and Seizure: If police violated your Fourth Amendment rights, evidence of drugs or location could be suppressed.
- Questioning Intent: We may argue the drugs were for personal use, reducing the charge from distribution to possession.
- Attacking Witness Credibility: We examine whether confidential informants or undercover officers are reliable and consistent in their testimony.
- Negotiating for Reduced Charges: In some cases, we work to eliminate the school zone enhancement entirely, significantly lowering potential penalties.
Why Hire Hartman Attorneys at Law?
With a former prosecutor on your side, you get insight into how the state builds school zone drug cases—and how to dismantle them. We offer:
- Direct attorney access from start to finish
- 24/7 availability for urgent calls and jail visits
- Aggressive courtroom representation and skilled negotiation tactics
- A track record of defending serious felony drug cases in Maryland
We know what’s at stake in these cases, and we fight to protect your future.
Facing a School Zone Drug Charge in Annapolis? Call Now.
A school zone drug distribution charge in Maryland can mean years behind bars—and once the prosecutor files it, they rarely back down without a fight.
Contact Hartman Attorneys at Law to schedule a free, confidential consultation. We’ll review the evidence, explain your options, and work to secure the best possible outcome.