Missoula Criminal Defense Blog
Do police have a right to view your phone data?
Most people’s lives and actions are detailed on their smartphones, and they become a hot commodity for the police if they suspect you have committed a crime. That’s especially true in the wake of protests that erupted after the killing of George Floyd while he was in...
How to expunge a criminal record in Montana
A criminal record is a heavy burden to bear. Criminal convictions, arrests and even dismissals show up in background checks, hurting one’s chances of renting an apartment, qualifying for a mortgage or even getting a job. Thankfully, many Montana residents’ criminal...
What is the Firearm Owners Protection Act?
Across the country, there are many proposals that could reduce your Second Amendment rights, but in Montana, there is a bill trying to strengthen them. According to MontanaRight Now.com, the Firearm Owners Protection Act aims to help protect the carry rights of those...
How does a crime become a federal offense?
While the penalties for a federal criminal conviction will vary based on the offense and the related federal statutes, a federal crime should never be taken lightly. A conviction may mean your very livelihood is compromised. For an offense to take on a “federal”...
How should you handle being “caught” with your own prescription?
You have a prescription for anxiety medication, and you sometimes bring a few pills with you when you leave the house, just in case. During a traffic stop, the police officer notices the loose pills, maybe in an unmarked bottle. Can you receive a drug charge for...
What are standardized field sobriety tests?
What do police in Montana do when they pull someone over that they suspect of DUI? They have many tools in their arsenal. Today, we will discuss just one of them. We will take a look into field sobriety testing. In specific, we will look at standardized field sobriety...
What is implied consent?
In Montana, according to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, it is illegal for you to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration level at or above 0.08%. If you are under the age of 21, a law enforcement officer can arrest you for...
DUI penalties in Montana
Under Montana law, there are strict penalties for individuals convicted of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Even a first offense may lead to jail time, significant fines and a license suspension. A judge also has the authority to require an...
Does Montana recognize concealed permits from other states?
If you want to invite a friend from another state to go on a hunting trip somewhere in Montana, you might wonder if your friend can legally possess a concealed gun while visiting. Since states may choose to not recognize the gun permits of other states, you might want...
Does Montana have ignition interlock laws?
While DUI laws are in existence across the country, it is important to know that the laws may change slightly depending on the state. Like many states in the union, Montana possesses an ignition interlock device law in certain circumstances. The courts may require...
