South Dakota
South Dakota is home to 755,933 people. The capital is Pierre. There are 3,095 people in state prison and 5,372 people on probation.
Methamphetamine addiction has been on the rise for the past year. Marijuana still remains the drug of choice by many. Cocaine has increased in availability over the past year and remains the drug of choice by some. Heroin and MDMA have only been found in small quantities by law enforcement. MDMA appears to be on the rise. Marijuana is available throughout the state. Oxycontin is becoming a concern due to its high level of abuse.
South Dakota has a crime rate 51% lower than the national average. 91% of crimes reported are property crimes.
Possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana is a misdemeanor carrying a sentence of up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Anyone who tests positive to marijuana can be tried for possession. Delivering less than half an ounce of marijuana is a misdemeanor and comes with a 15 day mandatory minimum sentence with up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Any sale under one ounce is a felony with up to 2 years in prison and a $2,000 fine. If the sale is to a minor the sentence can be up to 10 years with a $10,000 fine. If the sale takes place 1,000 feet from a school of within 500 feet of any area children may be at its a 5 year mandatory minimum sentence and a $10,000 fine. Anyone living in a room where marijuana is being used or kept can be charged with a misdemeanor and do up to 1 year in jail and be fined $1,000. There is a zero tolerance drugged driving law in effect in this state.
Every day the police will make about 15 drug arrests and 10 DUI arrests.
Every month the state of South Dakota will lose about 20 residents to alcohol related death and 3 to illegal drug overdose.
