Category: DUI Defense

What Missoula Drivers Should Know About Eye-Tracking Roadside Tests Key Takeaways: The horizontal gaze nystagmus test measures an officer’s visual impression of involuntary eye jerking, not alcohol concentration. Each of the three standard clues is a subjective judgment made without instruments, and body camera footage often cannot verify what the officer claims to have seen. Montana appellate courts, including in a Missoula County appeal, have treated HGN testimony as a genuinely litigated evidentiary question, and the Montana Supreme Court has indicated that expert testimony is generally needed to establish HGN reliability. Many sober conditions, inner ear disorders, head injuries, medications, and fatigue, can produce nystagmus, while patrol lights, wind, snow

Understanding Prescription Drug DUI Charges Under Montana Law Key Takeaways: Yes, police in Missoula can charge you with a DUI for prescription drug impairment, even when you take medication exactly as prescribed, because MCA § 61-8-1002(1)(a) covers driving under the influence of "any drug." Unlike alcohol and THC, prescription drugs have no per se numerical threshold, so prosecutors must prove actual impairment using officer observations, field sobriety tests, and blood testing. Montana’s absolute liability framework means intent does not matter, and case law like State v. Nobach requires officers to be qualified before testifying about drug effects. Montana’s implied consent law makes refusal of a blood test carry separate consequences,

Understanding When a Montana DUI Crosses Into Felony Territory Key Takeaways: A DUI in Missoula becomes a felony when a driver has three or more prior qualifying convictions and is convicted again, or when a single incident causes serious bodily injury or death. Montana applies a lifetime lookback, meaning prior convictions count toward the felony threshold regardless of when they occurred. The gap in consequences is dramatic: misdemeanor exposure reaches up to one year in jail and fines up to $5,000, while felony penalties can reach five years in prison, fines up to $10,000, and lengthy license revocations. Aggravating factors, such as a high BAC or a passenger under 16,

Understanding the Role of Prior Convictions in a Montana Felony DUI Key Takeaways: In Montana, a DUI becomes a felony on the fourth or subsequent offense, making each prior conviction classification critical to your exposure. Challenging even one defective conviction can reduce charges or change the outcome. The strongest challenges rest on the right to counsel, since any waiver must be made specifically, voluntarily, and knowingly. A defendant can present an affidavit and testimony to shift the burden to the State. Out-of-state and tribal court convictions count through comity but remain subject to validity review, accuracy checks, and statutory exclusions. Credibility, corroborating documentation, and BAC figures attached to priors all

First DUI Offense in Missoula: Understanding the Penalties You May Face If you were recently arrested for a first DUI in Missoula, you are likely wondering what penalties the court can impose and how a conviction could affect your future. Under Montana law, a first DUI offense carries mandatory jail time, significant fines, a license suspension, and additional requirements that can follow you for years. The severity of these consequences depends on several factors, including your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of the arrest and whether any passengers under 16 were in the vehicle. Understanding exactly what you are up against is the first step toward building an

Your First DUI Court Appearance in Missoula: What to Expect If you have been charged with a DUI in Missoula, Montana, the arraignment is your first formal court appearance, and understanding what happens can significantly impact how your case proceeds. A DUI arraignment is where the court formally presents the charges, confirms your identity, and asks for your plea. Under Montana law, arraignment procedures are governed by Title 46, Chapter 12 of the Montana Code Annotated. Knowing what to expect can help you protect your rights and make informed decisions from the start of the Montana DUI legal process. If you are facing DUI charges in Missoula, the team at

If you were recently arrested for DUI in Missoula, one of the most critical windows you face has nothing to do with your criminal case. Under Montana law, you generally have 30 days from the date you are given notice of your right to a hearing to file a petition in district court to challenge the suspension of your driver’s license. This deadline, governed by MCA § 61-8-1017, runs separately from any criminal charges and applies when you have refused a chemical test requested by law enforcement. Missing this window may mean losing your driving privileges without ever having the chance to contest the suspension before a district court judge.

Aggravated DUI in Montana is a serious criminal charge carrying penalties well beyond a standard DUI. Montana law recognizes an "aggravated" DUI when certain factors are present, such as a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.16 or higher, a prior license suspension tied to a previous DUI, or refusing a breath or blood test when the person’s driver’s license was previously suspended, canceled, or revoked under the provisions of an implied consent statute. Originally codified under MCA § 61-8-465, Montana’s aggravated DUI provisions were repealed and recodified in 2021 under MCA §§ 61-8-1001, 61-8-1007, and related sections, effective January 1, 2022. If you are facing aggravated DUI charges in Missoula,

Can Missoula Police Charge a DUI Without Actual Driving? Yes, Missoula police can charge you with a DUI even if you were not actively driving your vehicle. Under Montana law, a person commits the offense of driving under the influence if they drive or are in "actual physical control" of a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. This means that sitting in a parked car with the keys accessible while intoxicated could potentially result in DUI charges. Understanding how Montana’s actual physical control law works is critical for anyone facing these charges in Missoula or throughout the state. If you have been arrested or cited

Can a DUI Charge Be Dismissed in Missoula, Montana? Facing a DUI charge in Missoula can feel overwhelming, but dismissal is possible under the right circumstances. Montana law provides several avenues for challenging DUI charges, from contesting the legality of the traffic stop to disputing the accuracy of chemical testing. While the state takes impaired driving seriously, the prosecution must still prove every element of its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Understanding your rights and the potential weaknesses in the evidence against you is the first step toward building an effective defense strategy. If you have been arrested for DUI in Missoula, contact Tipp Coburn Lockwood P.C. at 406-506-0575 to