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Oregon law enforcement calls for 'misdemeanor' approach to drug possession charges



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PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon is hoping to take a new approach to drug possession charges that would treat “user-amount” convictions more like misdemeanors.

A felony drug conviction often comes with a jail sentence and probation, with few options for treatment. Oregon Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police said they are working with lawmakers to change how “user-amount” drug possessions convictions are treated.

The proposed changes would help combat the damaging effects of drug addiction, which they say too often leads to drug arrests over controlled substances.

They propose a misdemeanor approach to possession charges that would be accompanied by an individualized, mandated drug treatment program. This would only be considered when possession is the only crime committed.

Under the new approach, they hope drug abusers would be less likely to commit further crimes that clog the criminal justice system.

“We believe our limited criminal justice resources should be focused on addressing violent crime and property crime problems that destroy community livability,” a joint release from the State Sheriff’s Association and Oregon Association Chiefs of Police said.

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