Montana § 45-9-101 - Criminal Distribution Of Dangerous Drugs

Full text of Montana Montana Code Annotated § 45-9-101 — Criminal Distribution Of Dangerous Drugs, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 45-9-101. Criminal Distribution Of Dangerous Drugs

Criminal distribution of dangerous drugs. (1) Except as provided in Title 16, chapter 12, a person commits the offense of criminal distribution of dangerous drugs if the person sells, barters, exchanges, gives away, or offers to sell, barter, exchange, or give away any dangerous drug, as defined in 50-32-101 . (2) A person convicted of criminal distribution of dangerous drugs involving giving away or sharing any dangerous drug, as defined in 50-32-101 , shall be sentenced as provided in 45-9-102 . (3) A person convicted of criminal distribution of dangerous drugs not otherwise provided for in subsection (1), (2), (4), (5), or (6) shall be imprisoned in the state prison for a term not to exceed 25 years or be fined an amount of not more than $50,000, or both. (4) A person who was an adult at the time of distribution and who is convicted of criminal distribution of dangerous drugs to a minor shall be sentenced as follows: (a) For a first offense, the person shall be imprisoned in the state prison for a term not to exceed 40 years and may be fined not more than $50,000. (b) For a second or subsequent offense, the person shall be imprisoned in the state prison for a term not to exceed life and may be fined not more than $50,000. (5) If the offense charged results in the death of an individual from the use of any dangerous drug that was distributed, the person shall be imprisoned in the state prison for a term of not more than 100 years and may be fined not more than $100,000. (6) A person convicted of criminal distribution of dangerous drugs that involves distribution of fentanyl, carfentanil, sufentanil, alfentanil, or a fentanyl derivative, and who possessed or distributed a mixture containing one or more of these substances in a combined amount greater than 100 pills or a combined weight greater than 10 grams in a form such as a powder, solid, or liquid, inclusive of any additives or cutting agents, shall be imprisoned in the state prison for a term of not less than 2 years or more than 40 years or may be fined not more than $50,000, or both. The court may not suspend execution or defer imposition of the first 2 years of the sentence, except as provided in 46-18-222 (1) through (4), and during the first 2 years of imprisonment, the offender is not eligible for parole. (7) Practitioners, as defined in 50-32-101 , and agents under their supervision acting in the course of a professional practice are exempt from this section.

Source: official Montana text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Montana § 45-9-101

What does Montana Code Annotated § 45-9-101 cover?

Section 45-9-101 ("Criminal Distribution Of Dangerous Drugs") is part of the Montana Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Montana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Montana § 45-9-101?

A common citation format is "Montana Code Annotated § 45-9-101" (Montana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Montana law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Montana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Montana attorney.

How does Montana § 45-9-101 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Montana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Montana.