Courts and Crime

Crime related to meth production, distribution and possession affect treatment and corrections in Montana.

Treatment or drug courts combine intensive supervision with drug testing, sanctions and rewards to try to reduce recidivism and rehabilitate drug users.

A number of Montana laws specifically address meth production, distribution, possession and treatment.

Sentencing statistics

Data from the United States Sentencing Commission show that in Montana and across the country, drug-related cases account for about 35 percent of all offenses. In Montana, 74.3 percent of federal drug cases involve meth, while nationally, methamphetamine accounts for 21 percent of drug offenses.

Distribution of Sentenced Offenders by Primary Offense Category
Offense	Montana	Nation
Drugs	28.1%	34.4%
Firearms	17.5%	11.6%
Fraud	13.4%	10.7%
Immigration	10.9%	24.3%
Other White Collar (includes embezzlement, forgery/counterfeiting, bribery, money laundering and tax)	4.4%	4.7%
Larceny	2.7%	2.4%
Robbery	0.5%	1.6%
Other	22.4%	10.2%
Source: United States Sentencing Commission, Statistical Information Packet, District of Montana, Fiscal Year 2007 (PDF)

Distribution of Drug Offenses by Drug Type
Drug	Montana	Nation
Methamphetamine	68.9%	20.3%
Marijuana	17.5%	25.2%
Powder cocaine	7.8%	24.7%
Crack cocaine	5.8%	20.7%
Heroin	0%	5.5%
Other	0%	3.7%
Source: United States Sentencing Commission, Statistical Information Packet, District of Montana, Fiscal Year 2007 (PDF)

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