By BRIAN

CHRISTENSEN

Staff Writer

IRON MOUNTAIN — An Ishpeming woman convicted of methamphetamine possession as a three-time habitual offender was sentenced recently in Dickinson County Circuit Court to nine months in jail.

Shannon Magnuson, 41, will also spend two years on probation for the felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Defense attorney Henry McRoberts said Magnuson had taken responsibility for her actions and had a strong desire to maintain her sobriety. McRoberts said the recommendation in the pre-sentence investigation report for nine months in jail with credit for 100 days served was appropriate, but asked Dickinson County Circuit Judge Mary Barglind to consider a reduction in jail time.

Dickinson County Prosecuting Attorney Lisa Richards said she was encouraged by Magnuson’s attempts at sobriety despite her conviction, the second possession offense in eight months.

“It is my hope she can turn the corner and put her addiction behind her,” Richards said.

Magnuson apologized for the offense and said she has never stopped fighting her battle with addiction.

Barglind noted the guideline scoring range for the offense allowed for a prison sentence, warning Magnuson that another offense would score higher yet.

According to the criminal complaint, Magnuson was a passenger in a vehicle Michigan State Police stopped Feb. 1 in Sagola Township.

Magnuson reportedly admitted to state troopers a small plastic bag of methamphetamine on the floor of the vehicle belonged to her.

Magnuson had initially been charged with possession of a controlled substance as a four-time habitual offender, a felony punishable by up to life in prison, but Richards agreed to reduce the habitual offender notice in exchange for Magnuson’s guilty plea.

Brian Christensen can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 229, or bchristensen@ironmountaindailynews.com.