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November 8, 2007
 Montana Drug Offender Sentencing Data Analysis
Montana legislators are considering enacting sentencing reforms to allow
diversion alternatives for offenders with chemical dependencies and/or
mental illness. The report reviews sentencing data from 2003 through 2007
to reflect the current handling of such offenders. Montana law already
allows judges to impose alternative sentences for drug offenses.
During the period under review, the Montana Department of Corrections
placed 70 people, about 15% of drug possession offenders, directly into
prison. Most of those placed in prison were first-time offenders, but
nearly a third had also committed other non-violent crimes. The review
notes that based on the data, further study or sentencing reform effort
would be most effective if targeted at first-time drug offenders who had
committed other non-violent crimes.
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OPEN MINDS