Experienced Montana Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys Protecting Your Rights

Domestic violence charges in Montana carry serious consequences. A conviction can result in jail time, loss of gun rights, permanent criminal records, and even loss of parental custody. These penalties affect your reputation, freedom, and future. Whether you face a first-time allegation or a repeat accusation, you need a skilled Montana domestic violence lawyer to defend your case from the start.

At Stevenson Law Office, we understand the emotional weight and legal complexity involved in domestic abuse cases. Many domestic violence arrests occur during heated disputes, often without thorough investigation. False allegations, misunderstandings, and exaggerated claims can lead to life-altering charges. Our legal team provides aggressive criminal defense strategies for clients throughout Montana, fighting to protect your freedom, constitutional rights, and family life. With years of courtroom experience and a deep understanding of Montana assault and domestic abuse laws, we know how to challenge weak evidence and expose inconsistencies in police reports and witness statements.

Montana courts take accusations of intimate partner violence seriously. However, every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Stevenson Law Office ensures every client receives a personalized defense rooted in the facts. Our firm works quickly to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a case that challenges the prosecution’s narrative. If you or someone you love has been accused of domestic battery, stalking, harassment, or violating a protective order, don’t wait. Get immediate legal representation from a respected Montana criminal defense firm. For a deeper understanding of how Montana defines domestic violence and addresses family safety, review official state statutes through the Montana Department of Justice resource.

Understanding Domestic Violence Charges Under Montana Law

Domestic violence in Montana is not a standalone crime. Instead, prosecutors file charges under other criminal statutes like assault, partner or family member assault (PFMA), strangulation, stalking, or unlawful restraint. The unique element that elevates these charges is the relationship between the parties. If the alleged victim is a spouse, former partner, household member, or co-parent, the state may file PFMA charges under MCA § 45-5-206.

The Legal Threshold for Domestic Abuse Allegations

Montana law defines partner or family member assault as the infliction of bodily harm, reasonable apprehension of injury, or offensive physical contact against a protected person. First-time PFMA is typically charged as a misdemeanor. However, second or third offenses, strangulation, or violations of protection orders are often charged as felonies. Felony domestic violence convictions carry longer prison terms and harsher collateral penalties, including loss of firearm rights and disqualification from public housing.

In many domestic abuse cases, law enforcement officers arrest individuals based solely on a single accusation without thoroughly assessing credibility or motive. Montana officers often pursue mandatory arrest protocols, even if the alleged victim recants or refuses to testify. This practice leads to unjust prosecutions that require a powerful and strategic defense.

Mandatory Arrest and No-Drop Policies in Montana

Several counties in Montana follow a “no-drop” policy, meaning prosecutors can proceed with domestic violence cases even if the accuser wants the charges dismissed. This removes prosecutorial discretion and increases the importance of early defense intervention. Once charges are filed, the case enters the criminal court process, and the accused must prepare for a battle that may involve pretrial conditions, protective orders, and invasive supervision.

Our attorneys at Stevenson Law Office understand how to challenge weak PFMA claims before they escalate. By proactively investigating every aspect of the incident, we present judges and prosecutors with the full context, not just what appears in the police report. We file motions to suppress unlawful evidence, seek dismissal when appropriate, and prepare to litigate if trial is necessary.

Life-Altering Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction in Montana

Being convicted of domestic violence in Montana does not just mean fines or jail. It affects nearly every aspect of a person’s life, from employment to housing to child custody. The consequences begin immediately after arrest and intensify with each stage of the legal process. Individuals must understand what is at stake when charged with domestic assault or partner-family member violence.

Criminal Penalties for PFMA and Related Charges

First-time convictions for partner or family member assault in Montana may carry up to one year in jail and fines up to $1,000. A second conviction may result in mandatory jail time. A third conviction is a felony punishable by up to five years in Montana State Prison and up to $50,000 in fines. Charges that involve strangulation, weapons, or serious bodily injury often lead to immediate felony filing.

If the case includes allegations of violating a protective order or no-contact order, the defendant may face additional charges and bond revocation. A permanent criminal record for PFMA may never be sealed or expunged under Montana law. This conviction follows you for life unless dismissed or overturned. That is why you need a veteran Montana domestic violence defense lawyer from Stevenson Law Office to fight aggressively from day one.

Loss of Gun Ownership and Federal Firearm Restrictions

A PFMA conviction in Montana invokes the federal Lautenberg Amendment. This law prohibits anyone convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor from owning or possessing firearms. Hunters, law enforcement officers, and military personnel may lose careers and rights permanently, even after serving their sentence. A single domestic assault conviction bars you from passing background checks or applying for concealed carry permits in Montana or nationwide.

Even if the court does not order firearm surrender, federal law enforcement agencies like the ATF may still enforce bans. That makes it vital to avoid conviction at all costs. Stevenson Law Office works to get charges reduced or dismissed to protect your constitutional rights and long-term freedom.

Immigration Consequences for Non-U.S. Citizens

Non-citizens charged with domestic violence in Montana face additional complications. A conviction for PFMA or any domestic-related felony can result in deportation, visa revocation, inadmissibility, or denial of green card applications. Domestic violence is considered a crime of moral turpitude under federal immigration laws. Even if you receive a deferred sentence or suspended jail time, immigration authorities may still initiate removal proceedings.

Our defense attorneys understand the intersection between Montana criminal law and U.S. immigration consequences. We tailor our legal strategies to avoid outcomes that may harm your immigration status. If you are not a U.S. citizen and have been charged with domestic violence, contact us immediately for aggressive and informed defense representation.

Employment and Professional Licensing Issues

Background checks for jobs, housing, and professional licensing will reflect any domestic violence charges or convictions. Employers may terminate employees or reject applicants with even a misdemeanor PFMA charge. Nurses, teachers, real estate agents, security guards, and other licensed professionals may face investigations or board discipline. The Montana Department of Labor and Industry enforces strict moral character standards.

At Stevenson Law Office, we work to prevent permanent damage to your career. In many cases, we negotiate dismissals, deferred prosecution agreements, or amended charges that do not trigger employment consequences. The sooner you involve our legal team, the more likely we can protect your livelihood.

Parenting and Custody Restrictions in Family Court

Montana family courts prioritize child safety in all custody and visitation decisions. A domestic violence conviction may trigger supervised visitation, termination of custody rights, or loss of parental privileges. Even if you were never convicted, allegations of abuse may result in family law consequences.

Courts can issue temporary protective orders that prevent contact with children, restrict communication, or require parenting classes. Judges review criminal records when determining whether custody aligns with the best interests of the child. If you are facing both criminal charges and a family law dispute, our firm provides coordinated representation to protect your parental rights.

Strategic Defense Against Domestic Violence Allegations in Montana

When domestic violence charges threaten your future, you need a defense plan built on speed, strength, and precision. At Stevenson Law Office, we respond to accusations immediately by launching a full-scale investigation and preserving all critical evidence. Our Montana criminal defense attorneys work to shift the burden back onto the prosecution. We confront weak allegations with direct, forceful challenges at every phase of the case.

Challenging Credibility of the Accuser and Inconsistencies in the Narrative

In many Montana domestic violence cases, the only evidence is the accuser’s version of events. That makes it essential to examine their statements line by line. We expose contradictions between witness accounts, body cam footage, and recorded dispatch calls. These inconsistencies help us build a narrative that undermines credibility and introduces reasonable doubt. Allegations rooted in personal bias, revenge, jealousy, or custody battles are not uncommon. Our firm investigates these motivations thoroughly and uses them to cast doubt on the prosecution’s story.

When the alleged victim changes their story or expresses reluctance to cooperate, we bring this shift into the courtroom. Recanting, minimizing, or modifying accusations can significantly weaken the state’s case. Our attorneys exploit every deviation in testimony to show jurors that the incident may not be what it seems. These techniques work best when employed early, which is why hiring an experienced Montana domestic violence defense lawyer without delay can be a decisive advantage.

Using Surveillance Footage, Text Messages, and Digital Evidence

Today’s digital footprint can be a powerful defense weapon. Stevenson Law Office secures and reviews cell phone records, text exchanges, social media content, GPS logs, and home surveillance recordings to uncover critical evidence. Many cases turn on what happened before or after the incident, not just during it. If the accuser initiated contact, issued threats, or fabricated elements of their story, we use electronic documentation to expose those facts to the court.

Digital timelines often contradict verbal accusations. Metadata from photos, call records, or messaging platforms can demonstrate that the defendant was elsewhere or that the accuser’s timeline is inaccurate. With our resources and investigative experience, we use the digital trail to reinforce your version of events and discredit the state’s narrative.

Filing Motions to Suppress Illegally Collected Evidence

Montana law prohibits the use of evidence obtained through unconstitutional searches, unlawful detention, or improper police interrogation. If law enforcement violated your rights at any point before or during arrest, Stevenson Law Office files immediate motions to suppress that evidence. Courts often exclude key evidence when officers fail to follow protocol. Without that evidence, the state’s case may collapse or weaken enough to force a dismissal or favorable plea.

Many domestic violence arrests occur in chaotic situations. Officers may skip critical steps, enter homes without consent, or collect statements without issuing Miranda warnings. Our legal team conducts a comprehensive review of police conduct to identify violations. By forcing the court to evaluate the legality of the evidence collection process, we shift momentum in your favor.

Negotiating Favorable Outcomes Before Trial

Not every domestic violence case in Montana needs to go to trial. Our attorneys often reach resolutions that prevent lifelong consequences without sacrificing your legal standing. In many cases, we persuade prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges when the evidence is shaky or the accuser refuses to cooperate. Courts may also approve agreements that allow for case dismissal if you meet specific conditions within a set time.

We prepare for trial from day one, but we also use early leverage to achieve outcomes that avoid jail time, maintain employment eligibility, and preserve reputations. Our deep understanding of local court practices gives us an advantage in resolving cases efficiently and favorably. The faster we act on your behalf, the more legal options remain available.

Taking Your Case to Trial With Confidence

When the facts demand a trial, Stevenson Law Office is ready. We develop a complete courtroom strategy tailored to the facts, charges, and personal circumstances of each client. Our attorneys cross-examine the accuser directly, introduce exculpatory evidence, and make sure jurors hear your story. In Montana, the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Our trial team makes sure they cannot meet that burden.

We prepare every witness, review every detail, and anticipate every argument the prosecution may raise. This disciplined approach enables us to expose weaknesses in the state’s case and highlight facts that support your innocence. When clients trust us with their freedom, we deliver courtroom representation that reflects decades of experience and proven success.

Transparent Legal Fees for Montana Domestic Violence Defense Cases

At Stevenson Law Office, we believe every person charged with domestic violence in Montana deserves strong legal representation, regardless of financial situation. Legal defense should never be out of reach when your freedom and reputation are at stake. That is why we offer a clear, upfront fee structure and flexible payment options tailored to your needs.

Flat-Fee Criminal Defense Representation with No Surprises

We offer flat-fee representation for most domestic violence and PFMA cases throughout Montana. That means you pay a single agreed-upon rate that covers all core services, including investigation, pretrial hearings, and trial preparation. There are no hidden costs, no surprise hourly charges, and no billing for routine phone calls or court appearances. You will always know what to expect before signing a retainer.

Flat fees allow you to plan with confidence and eliminate the stress of unpredictable monthly invoices. Whether your case involves misdemeanor domestic assault or felony PFMA charges, our team will explain every detail of the fee structure during your initial consultation. The goal is to provide top-tier legal defense without creating financial uncertainty.

Flexible Payment Plans and Access to Affordable Criminal Defense

We understand that an arrest often comes with unexpected expenses. That is why Stevenson Law Office works with clients to create payment plans that accommodate different financial circumstances. Based on the complexity of the case, we may offer installment options that allow you to begin your defense without delay. The sooner our attorneys can start protecting your rights, the stronger your legal position becomes.

We never compromise the quality of our defense strategy based on payment size. Every client receives the full attention, resources, and courtroom preparation necessary to fight domestic violence charges. Our commitment to transparency and affordability has made us a trusted name in Montana criminal defense.

Value of Investing in an Experienced Montana Domestic Violence Attorney

Hiring a seasoned Montana domestic violence lawyer is an investment in your future. A conviction can impact your job, housing, immigration status, and even child custody rights for years to come. The cost of inadequate defense often far exceeds the cost of hiring the right attorney. Our firm has helped hundreds of clients avoid jail time, reduce felony charges, and clear their names after wrongful accusations.

The experience and courtroom skill of Stevenson Law Office can make the difference between conviction and acquittal. We treat every case with the seriousness it deserves, because we know how much you have to lose. Investing in your defense today may prevent years of consequences tomorrow.

Speak with a Montana Domestic Violence Defense Attorney Today

If you or someone you care about has been arrested or charged with domestic violence in Montana, you need legal help immediately. Every moment counts when your rights, your freedom, and your reputation are on the line. Do not wait to see what the prosecution will do next. Take control of the situation by putting an experienced criminal defense attorney in your corner.

Stevenson Law Office provides aggressive and effective defense for clients accused of domestic assault, partner or family member assault, and other related charges across Montana. We bring decades of courtroom experience, relentless advocacy, and deep knowledge of state law to every case we handle. Our firm is trusted by individuals and families throughout Montana because we deliver honest guidance, smart strategy, and powerful results.

Call us today to schedule a confidential consultation. Let us listen to your side of the story, answer your questions, and explain exactly how we can protect you. You are not alone. With Stevenson Law Office on your side, you have a legal team committed to clearing your name and defending your future.

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