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...
Criminal Law
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...
Can officers stop and frisk anyone in Montana?
Police officers are often eager to catch someone in the process of committing a crime, but they should always respect people's civil rights when trying to establish a case against a suspect. There are limitations on how long officers can detain people without...
3 reasons police officers can enter your home
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to let the police into your home. If you find yourself in a position where they’re asking to come in, it’s a genuine question. You can tell them no if you would like. That does not give them the grounds to arrest you or cause...
Why the chain of custody matters in drug cases
The process of collecting, storing, and transporting evidence before its presentation in court is known as the chain of custody. It is critical in criminal cases because it establishes the authenticity and reliability of the evidence, which can ultimately determine...