You may have heard that very few criminal cases ever go to trial. If all or even most of them did, our courts, judges and prosecutors would be overwhelmed. A big part of the reason they don’t is because prosecutors and defendants reach a plea agreement. That’s when a...
Criminal Defense
Should you testify in your criminal trial?
Whether it is a misdemeanor like trespassing or a serious felony like murder, facing a criminal charge is a big deal. If you are convicted, you might pay a heavy price to society. Plus, you will end up with a criminal record. It is not uncommon to want to give your...
When does Montana provide immunity from drug-related charges?
As the number of drug overdose fatalities became an epidemic throughout the country, states, including Montana, began enacting laws to encourage people to get help for those suffering an overdose rather than flee the scene with their own drugs. Because people often...
What are the penalties for arson in Montana
Montana's vast and picturesque landscape has laws that protect both its natural and man-made treasures. One such law targets those who intentionally set fires. Whether they threaten acres of pristine forest or a neighborhood, fires carry severe consequences in...
What are some limits to Montana’s self-defense laws?
Montana has different self-defense laws in place, including a "stand your ground" law to protect people who might otherwise face murder charges for exercising deadly force in a confrontation. However, self-defense laws do not apply to all violent encounters. State law...
What should drivers know about Montana’s implied consent law?
Even though Montana prizes the individual freedoms of its residents, state law prohibits drinking and driving. Sadly, though, according to the Montana Department of Transportation, the state also has among the highest fatality rates from drunk driving in the country....
How a DUI conviction places your career in jeopardy
You understand the criminal and civil penalties you may face after a DUI conviction. Going to jail, paying an exorbitant fine, and losing your driver’s license and vehicle frighten you. However, other penalties lie beneath the surface; those that you may not have...
How do Montana courts determine what is drug paraphernalia?
Along with illegal drugs, sometimes the police find an object that they think is drug paraphernalia, a tool or object used to produce or package drugs. Since a paraphernalia conviction can add more punishment on top of other drug charges, mounting a defense could...
What to know if you are a first-time offender
Getting arrested is a scary experience, particularly if it is the first time for you to go through this experience. Regardless of whether or not you are guilty of the charge, there are some basic guidelines that all people under arrest or awaiting trial should be...
Reviewing the penalties for drunk driving in Montana
Whether you face drunk driving charges currently or you worry about finding yourself in this position at some point in the future, it is essential to go over the penalties for drunk driving. In Montana, you could face a number of serious consequences as a result of a...