Kivela Seeks To Lighten Penalty For First-Time Meth Offenders

Representative John Kivela has introduced a new bill to help in the fight against meth.

The bill creates a misdemeanor crime concerning meth production and allows prosecutors the choice between charging suspects with a misdemeanor or a felony.

Previously suspects could only be charged with a felony.

The hope is that this will be less detrimental to first–time offenders and give them a better chance at rehabilitation.

The misdemeanor offense would carry a penalty of up to one year in prison and up to a thousand dollars in fines, or both.