When faced with a life-threatening situation, our instinct for self-preservation often takes over. Would you rather think about the consequences of your actions if you are about to die? Probably not. However, there are times when your attempt to defend yourself may...
Criminal Law
Why people get arrested for DUI without being over the limit
In Montana, impaired driving charges are among the most common reasons for the state to prosecute individuals. Most people understand that there is a legal limit to how much alcohol they can have in their bloodstream. If police officers pull someone over while they...
Ignition interlock devices as penalties for DUIs
Fines and jail time are some of the penalties awaiting drivers charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Montana. But a court can also order a convicted driver to have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed on their vehicle. An IID is a device that locks...
What happens to your license when you’re charged with DUI?
It can be intimidating to face a driving under the influence (DUI) charge in Montana. If a court convicts you for the violation, you potentially face heavy fines and jail time. And depending on specific aggravating factors, those penalties become more severe. But what...
What happens to underage drivers who commit DUI?
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a severe crime that could lead to grave consequences, such as deadly collisions and physical harm. This crime could endanger many people, including the driver, their passengers and others on the road. Convicted offenders could face...
Can landlords ban guns in Montana?
Montana, known for its vast landscapes and independent spirit, has a unique stance on gun ownership and regulations. However, when it comes to the rights of landlords to ban guns on their properties, the situation becomes more nuanced. In Montana, the state...
Exceptions to the right against warrantless police searches you should know about
You probably know that the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits the police from searching a person's home without getting a search warrant first. Specifically, the amendment states, "the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers,...
Potential penalties for a first DUI in Montana
Finding yourself in the position where you’ve been pulled over by the police for driving under the influence of drink or drugs will probably leave you with a million questions about what’s coming next. It’s a terrifying prospect to face, especially when you’ve never...
4 defenses to assault charges in Montana
Assault cases are common in Montana. These charges can have severe consequences and significantly affect your life in numerous negative ways. Fortunately, there are some defense strategies that can increase the possibility of a favorable defense. Here are some of the...
Can police officers search someone’s trash without a warrant?
If someone doesn't know their rights, they might end up in a very vulnerable position while dealing with law enforcement officers and/or when facing criminal charges. For example, many people don't really understand their rights regarding police searches. What they...