Drug courts may not have started in Montana, but they certainly made their way here. The first one opened up in 1996, and they have been so successful that there are now 31 of them in the state. The goal of these courts is to keep people out of prison. Those who have...
It can certainly be nerve-racking to be pulled over by the police. You may not have any idea what they believe you did wrong or why they initiated the traffic stop. And you certainly want to avoid doing anything that would incriminate yourself or make the situation...
Many people talk about the law without really knowing what they’re talking about. Often, these stories fall down the grapevine and facts are tangled and distorted (if the stories were ever true to begin with) eventually creating myths that people live by. Many myths...
The gun laws in Montana are not nearly as restrictive as they are in other states. For example, a special license is not needed to carry a firearm in a concealed fashion. It is legal for almost anyone to practice concealed carry if they would like to do so. That said,...
Drinking before you drive isn't just illegal. It is also incredibly risky. You could fall asleep at the wheel or cause a crash that hurts you or someone else. You likely know that you shouldn't try to drive after overindulging at a late-night party, but you might...
You’ve always been a law-abiding citizen and have had no previous run-ins with the police. Violence is the last thing on your mind. Unfortunately, you come under attack one day and have to use force to defend yourself. You’re shocked to find out that law enforcement...
Law enforcement will seldom pull you over out of the blue. If they do, it is normal to feel rather anxious and concerned. You are probably worried about the offense for which the police are stopping you and the potential consequences. Knowing what to do and the...
The Second Amendment to the federal Constitution enshrines the basic right to bear arms. Exactly how an individual makes use of those rights will depend on the state where they live and their personal history. Factors including mental health issues, dishonorable...
When law enforcement has probable cause to believe you are driving under influence (DUI), they will pull you over for investigation. Besides the field sobriety tests, the police may direct you to take a breath test. This test is meant to establish your blood alcohol...
Being charged with driving under the influence can have a devastating impact. Even without a conviction, a DUI can follow a person around for the rest of their life. It may appear in background checks when attempting to secure a loan, a new job, or an apartment. So,...
