Paying the price
By Phil Davidson . pdavidson@postregister.com
Since meth hit the mainstream a decade ago, the Idaho Legislature has amended state law several times to deal with the meth scourge.
Now, even possessing a trace of methamphetamine residue is a felony and there are mandatory prison sentences for traffickers. At least 15 different provisions in Idaho Code address meth.
Here's a look at some of the penalties:
. Attempting to manufacture methamphetamine or amphetamine is a felony trafficking violation punishable by a minimum of two, but no more than 15 years in prison and at least a $10,000 fine.
. The penalties are harsher for actually manufacturing meth and can include up to life in prison and a $100,000 fine.
. Idaho also has harsh penalties for possessing, manufacturing or delivering ingredients of meth. For example, possessing 500 or more grams of pseudoephedrine, a common ingredient in cold medicines, is a mandatory 10-year prison sentence and at least a $25,000 fine.
. It's not illegal for a person to have meth in their system, but possession of even the smallest amount of the drug is a felony punishable by as much as seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
. Possessing 28 or more grams of meth is considered felony trafficking. Penalties range from at least three years in prison and a $10,000 fine for 28 grams or more, to a minimum of 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine for 400 grams or more. To put it in perspective, 28 grams is approximately 1 ounce, which can fit inside a sandwich baggie.
. Possessing less than 28 grams of meth with the intent to deliver can land a person behind bars for life and fines up to $25,000. There are no mandatory sentences for this charge.
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