Powerful Advocacy,  Investigation, Negotiation, and Litigation

Your Criminal Law Questions Answered

At Stevenson Law Office, we provide skilled criminal defense representation to clients in Missoula and throughout western Montana. Our clients come to us with questions about their rights and the law. When they need answers, we are here for them.

Here are a few frequently asked questions about criminal defense in Montana:

Do I Really Need A Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Definitely. As soon as you are arrested, the state begins building its case against you. They will seek out facts that support their position and ask you questions designed to trip you up and confess, even if you have done nothing wrong. With an experienced defense lawyer on your side, you can counter their investigation and shield yourself from their investigative tactics. Your attorney can seek out facts that support your position.

Will I Lose My Gun Rights?

Convictions for certain crimes, including many violent offenses, have harsh consequences, including, in many cases, loss of the convicted person’s gun rights. This is why it is so important to build a strong defense from the outset. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can work to get your charges dismissed or limit consequences to the greatest possible extent. As explained, a conviction can lead to a loss of your gun rights. Do everything in your power to keep it from getting to that point.

It Was A Minor Offense. Can I Just Pay The Fine And Move On?

People who “just pay the fine and move on” often regret their decision months, even years, down the road. Even a small traffic offense adds points to your license, which can someday add up and result in license suspension or revocation. If you have a criminal conviction on your record, even for a relatively small offense, employers can pass you over without hesitation. A criminal conviction could also hamper your ability to get into the school of your choice or to even possess a firearm. The amount of money and trouble this “small charge” could cost you is potentially immense. The best way to avoid these consequences is to consult with an experienced criminal law attorney at the very outset.

The information on this page is for general purposes. For answers to your specific criminal law questions, contact our law firm online or by telephone at 406-552-1851.