Drug-impaired driving is a serious criminal offense that risks significant legal consequences. In Montana, driving under the influence of drugs is treated with the same severity as driving under the influence of alcohol. Montana law prohibits operating a motor vehicle...
Criminal Law
The financial consequences of your first DUI in Montana
If you've been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Montana, you may be facing a range of financial consequences in addition to the potential criminal penalties. The economic impact of a DUI can be significant, from fines and fees to increased insurance...
What makes the 2nd amendment so controversial?
The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution is an essential component of America's Bill of Rights. The Second Amendment states, "A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall...
Is it a crime to switch around the labels of drugs?
In 2021, Montana joined a growing list of U.S. states that have legalized marijuana for both recreational and medical use. Although the state continues to ban the possession and consumption of the substance in public, people are free to consume and even cultivate...
Police officers need a reason to stop a vehicle
When someone gets pulled over, it can’t just be a random stop. Even if it turns out that the driver is under the influence of alcohol, for example, the police still need to have a reason to initially pull a car over for a stop to be lawful. They cannot just stop...
Understanding your rights to defend yourself
Every person has a fundamental, constitutional and civil right to defend themselves, but the extent to which we can exercise those rights is often a topic of concern. Different rules and regulations exist in each state that define the legality of self-defense. We all...
What rights do I have when police pull me over?
Encountering law enforcement can be terrifying. Law enforcement officers play a critical role in our society by preventing crime and apprehending wrongdoers. However, they might pull over a few innocent civilians in the process. If police officers stop you, know that...
What offenses can cause license revocation in Montana?
Montana imposes hefty penalties for traffic violations and DUI offenses, including license revocation. It is a sanction enforced by the state's Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), possibly removing driving privileges for years. Most of the time, this penalty has a specific...
Drunk and carrying a concealed weapon? It’s illegal
Residents of Montana don’t need a permit to carry a concealed weapon in public, but there are certain corner cases when having a concealed weapon could get you into trouble with the law. Let’s say you’re driving one night after drinking with friends. You have a...
Can I be charged with murder if I acted out of self-defense?
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...