Pubdate: Thu, 07 Feb 2013
Source: Missoula Independent (MT)
Copyright: 2013 Missoula Independent
Contact: http://posting.bigskypress.com/missoula/SubmitaLetter/Page
Website: http://missoulanews.bigskypress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1534
Author: Jessica Mayrer

Medical Marijuana

WILLIAMS GETS FIVE YEARS

Inside the Russell Smith Federal Courthouse in Missoula on Feb. 1,
dozens of Chris Williams' supporters stood when the former Montana
Cannabis partner was escorted into the courtroom in handcuffs to be
sentenced on federal drug and weapons charges.

Some of Williams' friends wept. Others clenched their hands. The
lingering smell of marijuana hung in the air. Across the aisle,
federal Drug Enforcement Agency agents stared straight ahead.

The scene inside the courthouse was as unusual as the post-conviction
agreement that prosecutors and defense attorneys crafted in Williams'
case. Montana Cannabis was once among the largest dispensaries in the
state. After federal law enforcement raided the operation in 2011, the
Department of Justice indicted Williams and his former partners on
felony drug and weapons charges. Three of the partners pleaded guilty
and asked the court for leniency. Williams, however, refused to admit
guilt. Williams maintained that he operated legally under Montana's
medical marijuana law. The innocent plea, Williams said, constituted a
protest of federal marijuana policy.

"The main reason that I went to trial is because I felt it was my
duty," Williams said during the sentencing hearing.

In September, a jury found Williams guilty of eight felony counts.
Federal sentencing laws mandated that Williams face upwards of 80
years in prison. The prospect of Williams spending the remainder of
his life in jail mobilized marijuana advocates who launched a White
House petition that called to "Free Chris Williams" and garnered more
than 27,000 signatures. Many in attendance at his sentencing hearing
arrived via a green "Cannabus" that was arranged by his supporters.

In December, when prosecutor Joseph Thaggard agreed to drop six of the
eight charges against Williams and waive a $1.7 million forfeiture
requirement, speculation swirled about whether the public pressure
influenced the peculiar sentencing agreement.

During Williams' sentencing hearing, Judge Dana Christensen shed light
on the agreement. Christensen said he was the one who called attorneys
together to hash out a more suitable punishment for Williams. "An
85-year sentence in this case would simply be unjust," Christensen
said.

On the remaining gun charge, Christensen sentenced Williams to five
years in prison. The drug count will be satisfied by the time Williams
has already served. In exchange for the deal, Williams agreed to give
up his right to appeal. 
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