Heightened Penalties for Crimes Near School Zones in Fort Myers

Committing certain crimes in a school zone may lead to heightened penalties for defendants in Fort Myers. Some of these heightened penalties may be obvious, but others are rather subtle. Defendants may be particularly vulnerable to these increased consequences if they live inside a school zone. How can you defend yourself against these charges? Can a Fort Myers defense attorney help?

 Speeding 

Speeding in a school zone can lead to heightened penalties in Florida. Other traffic violations may lead to much more serious consequences. For example, the Cameron Mayhew Act now enforces serious penalties for causing an injury while passing a stopped school bus. These incidents often occur in school zones.

DUIs can also lead to more serious penalties if committed in school zones. Judges have the authority to issue longer sentences for these offenses. In February of 2025, a man in Fort Myers was arrested after falling asleep at the wheel outside an elementary school. Police quickly determined that he was intoxicated – and they had to break a window to wake the man up. It is not clear whether this individual was a parent of a student at the school.

 Selling Drugs 

Defendants may face particularly severe sentences for selling drugs within 1,000 feet of a school. If you are caught with a certain amount of drugs, police could establish an “intent to sell.” If they caught you within 1,000 feet of a school, your offense could be upgraded to a serious felony. This could potentially represent the difference between a relatively short prison sentence and decades behind bars. You could face up to 30 years in prison for selling drugs within 1,000 feet of a school in Florida.

If your quantity of drugs was relatively low, you may be able to argue that they were for personal use only. This could potentially allow you to avoid a much more serious penalty, although you would still face consequences for possession. Speak with a drug defense attorney for more information about this strategy.

 Carrying Firearms 

In the case of the intoxicated man who fell asleep behind the wheel outside an elementary school in Fort Myers, police also determined that the defendant was armed. In Florida, possession of a firearm on school grounds is a serious offense – even if you are legally allowed to possess and carry firearms. For all intents and purposes, schools are “no-go zones” in terms of firearms – and violators may face third-degree felonies.

 Can a Fort Myers Defense Attorney Help Me? 

If you have been accused of committing crimes in a school zone, you should speak with an experienced defense attorney in Fort Myers immediately. Even if the underlying offense was relatively minor, you could face serious criminal penalties for committing crimes near schools in Florida. The Foley & Wilson Law Firm may be able to help you mitigate these consequences – so schedule your consultation today to learn more.

Sources: 

fox4now.com/news/local-news/lee-county/fort-myers-man-arrested-after-showing-up-to-elementary-school-intoxicated-armed

flhsmv.gov/safety-center/child-safety/school-bus-safety/