JAMES Arron JONES

Drug offenses committed within a drug-free zone (areas near schools, parks, or youth centers) receive enhanced penalties—the charges and sentences are treated as more serious to protect children and vulnerable persons. For example, a simple drug possession near a school may be charged as a felony instead of a misdemeanor.

Penalty: Class E felony; 1-6 years; fine up to $3,000

It is illegal to knowingly manufacture, deliver, sell, or possess with intent to deliver a controlled substance. This is typically a Class E felony punishable by 1 to 6 years in prison and a fine up to $3,000, but the penalty increases to a Class A, B, C, or D felony depending on the type of drug and amount involved.

Penalty: Class E felony; 1-6 years; fine up to $3,000

It is illegal to knowingly use, possess, deliver, or manufacture drug paraphernalia (equipment used to consume, produce, or test drugs, such as pipes, syringes, or meth labs). This is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and a fine up to $2,500, but it can be enhanced to a Class E felony depending on circumstances.

Penalty: Class A misdemeanor; 11 months 29 days; fine up to $2,500