As with the possession and distribution offenses previously discussed, commission of one of the drug paraphernaliacrimes listed above within 1,500 feet of a school zone carries an additional mandatory minimum penalty. Also, this penalty is added onto any other penalty for the underlying offense. The statute reads, in relevant part:

Any person who violates subsection (a) or (b) of this section in or on, or within one thousand five hundred feet of, the real property comprising a public or private elementary or secondary school and who is not enrolled as a student in such school shall be imprisoned for a term of one year which shall not be suspended and shall be in addition and consecutive to any term of imprisonment imposed for violation of subsection (a) or (b) of this section.

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 21a-267(c)

To secure a conviction under this section the state must prove two elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

Possession, Use or Intent to Sell Drug Paraphernalia Within 1,500 Feet of a School Zone – Elements

Element One:

The defendant possessed, sold, or possessed with the intent to sell drug paraphernalia.

Element Two:

This possession occurred in, on, or within 1,500 feet of a school zone or daycare center.

For any conviction for the possession, use or intent to sell drug paraphernalia within 1,500 feet of a school, you are facing a mandatory minimum one year in prison to run consecutively to any other penalties.

Getting Help

Possession, use, intent to sell drug paraphernalia is a serious accusation. If you face this charge, you need to defend yourself. A good way to do this is by contacting a criminal defense attorney. Such a lawyer can establish a defense for you and help you through the court process.