Possession of cocaine in a school zone will have additional penalties in New Jersey. If an individual is convicted of cocaine possession in a school zone, they may be required to perform a minimum of 100 hours of community service in addition to the penalties imposed for the crime, unless the penalties include incarceration.nnA school zone is considered on or within 1,000 feet of any property used for school purposes that is leased to or owned by an elementary or secondary school or school board, including school buses. Additionally, it is considered a third-degree offense if the individual is convicted of possession with the intent to distribute in a school zone. This offense carries a penalty of imprisonment where the defendant is not eligible for parole for a minimum of three years to one-half of the entire sentence, and a fine of up to $150,000. A criminal defense lawyer will exhaust all possible defenses to ensure their client has the best possible outcome in a cocaine charge involving a school zone.