Montana drug users managing to avoid serious jail time

Laws in Montana are managing to let drug users avoid serious jail sentences, Tri-Agency Task Force supervisor C.J. Reichelt said Friday.

Reichelt was speaking about drug issues facing the Hi-Line at the monthly North Central Pachyderm Club meeting at the Duck Inn Vineyard Room.

“A first offender could end up with a two- to three-year sentence but could be deferred and end up with just probation,” Reichelt said. “Those who have had three to five offenses could end up just in a rehab program.”

“It’s become too expensive to keep people in prison,” Reichelt added.

He said the...