Is school zone considered school property?

[donnaf31]

What is the name of your state?minnesota My son was cited with possesion of drug paraphenalia (pipe) in a school zone. The principle has suspended him for 5 days with possible recommendation for expulsion. I then received a letter from the principle that they are suspending him for 10 days and then he will only be admitted back to school under certain circumstances. He is a high school senior. My question is the student handbook states that a student caught on school property is drugs or paraphanelia will be suspended. Is the school zone also considered school property? I am not happy with my sons choices but neither am I happy with the way the school handled the situation considering I have proof that students have brought weapons to school, been caught selling drugs and NO disciplinary actions were taken on several occasion. He was parked almost 1 city block from the school.

 

[wincha]

drugs

you need to support the school. your son needs to learn a lesson. do not try to get this changed. also please get your son some substance abuse treatment. most likely his problem is worse than you know.

 

[BelizeBreeze]

you need to support the school. your son needs to learn a lesson. do not try to get this changed. also please get your son some substance abuse treatment. most likely his problem is worse than you know.

Now that you've heard from the moral majority, here is the CORRECT LEGAL ANSWER.
a 'school zone' is defined by statute. And the 'crime' your son perpetrated is one of possession of a small amount, also defined by statute.

For distribution of a small amount of marijuana (42.5 grams or less) for no remuneration, the penalty is a fine of up to $200 and possible requirement of drug education. For sale of any amount less than 5 kilograms the punishment is up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Sale of 5 kilograms or more is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000. For sale of 25 kilograms or more, the penalties increase to a possible 25 years in prison and a fine up to $500,000. Sale of 50 kilograms or more is punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a fine up to $1,000,000.

The penalty for sale to a minor is up to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000. Sale within a school zone, park zone, public housing area or near a drug treatment facility increases the penalty to up to 15 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000.

Although Minnesota has effectively decriminalized possession, the penalties for possession of even a small amount within a school zone, can be devastating. And based on statutes, the school has every right to not only suspend your son, but also to expell him.

He should be counting his lucky charms.