Relentless Montana Felony Defense Attorneys Ready to Protect Your Rights

Felony charges in Montana carry serious consequences, including prison time, massive fines, and a permanent criminal record. When your future is on the line, you need the backing of experienced Montana felony defense attorneys who understand local laws, prosecutors, and courts. At Stevenson Law Office, we build strong, aggressive defenses tailored to your case, ensuring you’re not railroaded by the system.

Felony allegations in Montana range from violent crimes to white collar offenses, but they all share one truth: the prosecution will come at you hard. If convicted, you could face years behind bars, thousands in financial penalties, loss of voting rights, and difficulty finding work or housing. Early intervention by a skilled felony defense attorney can make all the difference. Stevenson Law Office brings decades of courtroom experience to every case, pushing back against overcharges and unlawful police actions to protect your constitutional rights.

You don’t have to face felony charges alone. Whether you’ve been arrested in Billings, Bozeman, Missoula, Great Falls, or any rural county across the state, Stevenson Law Office delivers proven legal defense strategies based on a deep knowledge of Montana’s criminal code. We understand the tactics local prosecutors use and how Montana’s legal system treats serious charges. Learn more about Montana’s classification of felony offenses and sentencing rules through the Montana Department of Corrections, a reliable government resource that outlines how felony sentencing works statewide.

Understanding the Scope of Montana Felony Offenses and Their Legal Impact

Felony charges in Montana encompass a broad array of criminal offenses, each carrying different degrees of punishment and societal stigma. Common felony charges include aggravated assault, sexual offenses, burglary, felony drug possession, vehicular homicide, and theft exceeding statutory limits. Each case demands a nuanced understanding of Montana’s Title 45 Criminal Code and sentencing structure. Unlike misdemeanors, felony convictions result in long-term incarceration and ongoing collateral consequences that can affect your life forever.

Montana law classifies felonies by specific statutes, each outlining sentencing ranges that include Department of Corrections commitment or state prison time. For example, a conviction for deliberate homicide could mean life in prison or the death penalty. Felony DUI, by contrast, often results in multi-year incarceration, mandatory chemical dependency treatment, and vehicle seizure. These penalties are not theoretical. They are aggressively pursued by state prosecutors seeking convictions that will stick, which is why your defense strategy must be precise and proactive from day one.

At Stevenson Law Office, we study every aspect of your charge and build fact-specific defenses based on procedural law and evidentiary rules. Our Montana criminal defense attorneys dissect police reports, witness statements, forensic evidence, and legal errors to uncover any opportunity to reduce, dismiss, or beat felony charges. Whether it’s a first-time drug offense or a repeat violent felony, our mission is always the same: protect your rights and minimize the damage to your future.

How Montana Criminal Defense Lawyers Challenge Felony Charges with Strategic Legal Tactics

A strong felony defense in Montana begins with a clear understanding of your constitutional protections. Every defendant has the right to remain silent, the right to counsel, and protection from unlawful searches and seizures. At Stevenson Law Office, we begin each case by ensuring your rights weren’t violated during the investigation, arrest, or post-arrest procedures. If law enforcement oversteps, we move quickly to suppress evidence and weaken the state’s case against you.

Uncovering Legal Errors That Undermine the Prosecution

Montana courts operate under strict procedural guidelines, and prosecution errors can lead to case dismissals or charge reductions. Our felony defense attorneys analyze your case from every angle, was there probable cause for the arrest? Did the police follow search and seizure protocols? Is there a chain of custody documentation for key evidence? We uncover weaknesses in the state’s strategy and use them to your advantage. Our trial-ready approach also gives us leverage in plea negotiations when full dismissal isn’t possible.

Identifying Powerful Defense Angles in High-Stakes Felony Cases

Even if the evidence seems overwhelming, there are often defense angles that can change the outcome of your case. Whether it’s a case of mistaken identity, false accusations, or overcharged conduct, Stevenson Law Office brings a depth of trial experience and a tactical mindset that only comes with decades of criminal defense work in Montana. Our goal is to fight relentlessly for your freedom, reputation, and future.

What to Expect After a Felony Arrest in Montana

The aftermath of a felony arrest in Montana sets in motion a structured series of events that can deeply affect your future. These steps include detention, court appearances, legal filings, and potentially trial. Each stage holds opportunities to defend your rights and change the case outcome. Many people underestimate how quickly the state builds its case after arrest. At Stevenson Law Office, we begin work immediately to intervene, protect your rights, and gain leverage early in the process. Defendants who wait often lose critical opportunities that cannot be regained. From day one, our firm guides you through Montana’s criminal court system with strategic and aggressive representation.

Booking, Bail Hearings, and Early Release Options in Montana Courts

Once arrested for a felony in Montana, you are booked into a county detention facility and scheduled for a court appearance. The booking process includes fingerprinting, mugshots, and entry into the state database. Within 48 hours, a judge reviews your case and sets bail or conditions of release. For serious charges like felony drug trafficking or violent crimes, bail amounts may be unaffordable or denied altogether. Stevenson Law Office quickly files motions to reduce bail or request recognizance release. We present arguments regarding your ties to the community and lack of flight risk. These early efforts can keep you out of jail while the case unfolds.

Filing a Motion to Reduce Excessive Bail

Excessive bail creates financial pressure that can break families and compromise your ability to participate in your own defense. Our firm files timely motions challenging unfair bail amounts that exceed what is necessary to ensure court appearance. We provide financial statements, employment records, and letters of support to demonstrate community ties. Stevenson Law Office works to convince judges that our clients are not flight risks and deserve a fair release option.

Formal Charging and the Importance of the Preliminary Hearing

Montana prosecutors do not always file formal charges immediately after an arrest. They review the police report and determine if enough evidence exists to proceed. If they move forward, the preliminary hearing becomes your first major chance to challenge the case. At this stage, the prosecution must establish probable cause that a felony was committed. Stevenson Law Office uses this hearing to cross-examine witnesses and attack weak or unreliable claims. In many cases, we have secured charge dismissals or significant reductions. When early dismissal is not possible, we use the hearing to lock in inconsistent statements that benefit your defense later.

Identifying Weaknesses in the State’s Evidence Early

Weak or circumstantial evidence often falls apart under cross-examination during the preliminary hearing. Stevenson Law Office examines police body cam footage, witness statements, and forensic reports for inconsistencies or procedural mistakes. If evidence lacks reliability or was obtained unlawfully, we argue for dismissal or suppression. Early identification of these weaknesses allows our firm to build a stronger defense foundation well before trial begins.

Felony Arraignment and Pretrial Defense Strategy Development

At the arraignment, the court formally presents the charges and asks for your plea. Most clients plead not guilty while we begin full case preparation. From here, the pretrial phase begins. This includes the exchange of discovery evidence, legal motions, and possible plea discussions. At Stevenson Law Office, we use this phase to build leverage. We investigate the prosecution’s evidence, challenge constitutional violations, and develop alternative theories that favor our clients. Our goal is to force the state into a weaker position long before trial. In eligible cases, we explore diversion programs or deferred prosecution to avoid lifelong felony records.

Trial Preparation, Jury Selection, and Sentencing Exposure

If the case cannot be resolved pretrial, it will proceed to a jury or bench trial. Trial preparation in Montana felony cases is intensive and highly strategic. Stevenson Law Office prepares every case as if it will go to trial. We focus on jury research, expert witness consultation, and cross-examination preparation. We anticipate prosecution arguments and prepare direct challenges that create reasonable doubt. If a client is convicted, the sentencing phase becomes critical. Montana’s sentencing guidelines allow for a range of outcomes depending on prior record and offense severity. We prepare detailed mitigation arguments to secure the most favorable sentence allowed by law.

Types of Felony Charges We Defend in Montana Criminal Courts

Felony charges in Montana are prosecuted with severity and supported by well-funded state resources and trained law enforcement agencies. These crimes often carry sentences of one year or more in Montana State Prison and leave lifelong marks on your record. Convictions can affect your job prospects, housing opportunities, and right to possess firearms or vote. Stevenson Law Office stands between our clients and the full weight of the criminal justice system. We defend felony cases across Montana and deliver aggressive, tailored legal representation based on the specific charges and circumstances. Our firm has the experience and local knowledge necessary to challenge serious accusations in any Montana courtroom.

Violent Felony Charges Including Assault and Homicide

Violent felony cases attract special attention from prosecutors, law enforcement, and judges across Montana counties. Charges include aggravated assault, robbery, attempted murder, and homicide. These cases often rely heavily on eyewitness testimony, forensic reports, and law enforcement interpretation. At Stevenson Law Office, we challenge every element of the prosecution’s evidence. We work with independent investigators and forensic experts to identify alternative theories, weaknesses in timelines, or constitutional violations. Every detail matters in a violent felony case, and our attorneys prepare these cases for trial from day one.

Challenging Witness Credibility and Use of Force Evidence

Witnesses in violent crimes often make unreliable or inconsistent statements due to stress, fear, or bias. Our defense team conducts detailed reviews of all witness accounts, comparing statements given at different times for contradictions. We also scrutinize law enforcement use-of-force justifications and assess body cam footage for inconsistencies. Stevenson Law Office uses expert testimony to explain gaps or flaws in forensic evidence, helping jurors see the full picture and not just the state’s version of events.

Felony Drug Offenses Involving Possession, Distribution, or Trafficking

Montana classifies many drug offenses as felonies, even those involving small amounts if linked to intent to sell. Common felony drug charges include possession with intent to distribute, trafficking, manufacturing, or conspiracy. These charges can carry long prison terms and asset forfeiture. At Stevenson Law Office, we evaluate the legality of every search, traffic stop, and seizure. If police violated your Fourth Amendment rights, we move quickly to suppress the evidence. We also examine the chain of custody for any drug samples and expose flawed field or lab testing procedures.

Addressing Illegal Searches and Evidence Contamination

Montana law enforcement officers must follow strict rules when searching vehicles, homes, or persons during drug investigations. If they fail to get a valid warrant or exceed the scope of consent, we challenge the search. We also investigate how the evidence was handled, checking for contamination or missing documentation. Stevenson Law Office has successfully excluded evidence in past drug cases by exposing these failures. This often leads to reduced charges or full case dismissal.

Property Crimes Charged as Felonies Based on Value or Repeat Offenses

In Montana, theft becomes a felony if the stolen property exceeds one thousand five hundred dollars in value. Repeat thefts or crimes involving firearms or vehicles also elevate charges. Felony property crimes include grand theft, burglary, embezzlement, and identity fraud. Stevenson Law Office evaluates every charge for financial miscalculation, mistaken identity, or lack of criminal intent. Many clients are accused due to circumstantial evidence or unverified reports. We challenge these assumptions and present the facts that support your defense.

Felony Sex Crime Allegations and Long-Term Registration Requirements

Sex crimes are some of the most stigmatized charges in Montana and carry lifelong registration consequences if convicted. Charges include sexual assault, child sexual abuse, and internet-based crimes involving minors. These cases involve digital evidence, forensic exams, and highly emotional testimony. At Stevenson Law Office, we ensure your rights are protected throughout the investigation and court process. We challenge improper procedures, uncover inconsistencies in the evidence, and protect you from coerced interviews. Our attorneys take these charges seriously and build a defense focused on preserving your future.

Felony DUI Charges in Montana Carry Real Prison Time

Montana Code 61-8-1002 classifies a fourth or subsequent DUI as a felony. These cases come with mandatory jail time, steep fines, lengthy license suspensions, and court-ordered treatment programs. Prosecutors in counties like Missoula, Ravalli, and Flathead often push for maximum penalties—even if your prior convictions are years apart. At Stevenson Law Office, we move fast to protect your license, freedom, and future before sentencing options disappear.

According to the Montana Department of Transportation, DUI arrests continue to rise statewide, especially in rural communities. But that doesn’t mean the courts get it right. We fight back with targeted motions, forensic reviews, and legal strategies that challenge the foundation of the case before it escalates.

What Makes a DUI a Felony in Montana

A DUI becomes a felony in Montana if you have three or more prior DUI convictions, including deferred sentences and out-of-state equivalents. The state can count offenses from over a decade ago. If this is your fourth or fifth DUI, the stakes are higher than ever. Felony DUI charges come with the real possibility of prison and the loss of your driver’s license for life.

We analyze your full criminal history to challenge the use of old or unconstitutional priors. We also file to exclude breath or blood test results if police violated your rights during the stop or during processing. Many felony DUI cases hinge on technicalities, and we know how to use those in your favor.

Criminal Endangerment Charges Need Fast Action

Criminal endangerment under Montana Code 45-5-207 is one of the most commonly misunderstood felony charges filed across the state. It applies whenever prosecutors believe someone knowingly put another person at risk of serious bodily injury. But in practice, it is often used as a catch-all charge after a traffic stop, argument, or personal conflict.

At Stevenson Law Office, we act quickly to stop these allegations from escalating. Prosecutors often overcharge by labeling behavior as “reckless” when there was no real danger. According to the National Criminal Justice Reference Service, broad endangerment laws are frequently misapplied and require aggressive legal pushback. We force the court to examine the facts instead of assumptions.

What Counts as Criminal Endangerment in Montana

The law requires proof that you engaged in conduct that created a substantial risk of death or serious injury to another person. But the standard is vague, and police often stretch it to fit nonviolent situations. You might be charged after speeding with a passenger, defending yourself during a confrontation, or driving with a suspended license.

In towns like Helena, Butte, and Kalispell, this charge is often added to DUIs, domestic calls, or disturbances. We examine video footage, police reports, and officer body cams to prove your actions did not meet the legal threshold. Our goal is to show that the state’s interpretation of danger is not grounded in reality.

Child Endangerment Felonies Require Skilled Defense

Montana Code 45-5-628 defines criminal child endangerment as knowingly exposing a child to a risk of serious bodily injury or death. These charges often follow car accidents, drug-related arrests, or custody disputes. Prosecutors in Missoula, Helena, and throughout Montana move fast when children are involved. At Stevenson Law Office, we fight back before your parental rights are affected and before your record is permanently damaged.

When Montana Files Child Endangerment Charges

Police may file this felony when a child is present during a DUI, domestic dispute, or incident involving a controlled substance. The law covers direct risk, like dangerous driving, and indirect exposure, such as being near dangerous drug activity. But in many cases, the child was never in harm’s way and the state relies on hypothetical danger rather than facts.

We investigate what the child actually experienced, where they were located, and how the event unfolded. Many cases involve false reports, messy custody battles, or one parent using the legal system to gain leverage. We bring the truth forward and fight to dismiss or reduce the charge before CPS or the court intervenes further.

Witness Tampering Charges in Montana Move Fast

Montana Code 45-7-206 makes it a felony to tamper with, intimidate, or improperly influence a witness or informant involved in a criminal case. But in real-world situations, this charge is often based on vague texts, misunderstood conversations, or emotional exchanges. If you’ve been accused of witness tampering in Montana, the stakes are high and time is critical. At Stevenson Law Office, we act fast to protect your freedom and prevent the charge from growing into something larger.

Prosecutors and law enforcement frequently misread intent in these cases. A single message, voicemail, or request to “stay quiet” can quickly trigger felony charges. According to the National Institute of Justice, witness credibility and safety are major concerns in prosecution, but not every interaction amounts to a crime. We make sure the courts separate fear from fact.

What the State Considers Witness Tampering

The law covers direct or indirect efforts to get a witness to lie, avoid court, or change testimony. It also includes threats, bribes, or encouragement not to cooperate with law enforcement. But in many Montana cases, the person accused was simply trying to clarify a misunderstanding, apologize, or explain what happened.

This charge often appears in domestic violence, drug, or assault cases, especially when both parties know each other. We look closely at who initiated the contact, what was actually said, and whether the conversation truly influenced the outcome of the case. If not, we move for dismissal.

Obstruction of Justice Charges Need Real Defense

In Montana, obstructing justice is a felony-level offense that can apply to a wide range of situations. You could be charged for interfering with an investigation, misleading police, or hiding someone accused of a crime. While the state does not assign a single code to obstruction, prosecutors often apply Montana Code sections from Title 45, Chapter 7 to build these cases. At Stevenson Law Office, we know how to push back early and stop the state from building something out of nothing.

This charge often appears when officers feel disrespected or when a suspect hesitates to cooperate. But hesitation is not interference, and confusion is not obstruction. According to the ACLU’s Know Your Rights Guide, people have the right to remain silent and to ask questions. We make sure those rights are respected and enforced in the courtroom.

When Obstruction Becomes a Felony in Montana

Obstruction charges typically arise when someone is accused of lying during an investigation, destroying information, or preventing an arrest from occurring. You do not need to use force. Simply failing to act the way officers expect, or asserting your rights, can lead to this charge.

These cases often follow chaotic scenes like domestic disputes, DUI stops, or community altercations. In towns like Bozeman, Billings, and Livingston, law enforcement may file obstruction to strengthen weak cases. We work fast to expose that overreach and to protect your name.

Montana Kidnapping Charges Carry Harsh Penalties

Kidnapping under Montana Code 45-5-302 is among the most serious felony charges in the state. Even without ransom demands or interstate travel, prosecutors can file kidnapping based on accusations of unlawful restraint or forced movement. These cases often involve family conflicts, custody disputes, or false claims during heated breakups. At Stevenson Law Office, we act immediately to prevent false allegations from becoming life sentences.

Montana law gives prosecutors broad authority in these cases, but courts still require clear proof of intent, movement, and unlawful detention. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, many kidnapping cases are later reclassified or dismissed when additional facts come to light. We use that window to present your side early and aggressively.

What Qualifies as Kidnapping in Montana

The law defines kidnapping as knowingly restraining or removing someone with the purpose to inflict harm, interfere with government functions, hold them for ransom, or conceal them from others. But prosecutors often file this charge in situations where one party simply moved another during an emotional moment, or when a child custody dispute crosses into criminal court.

In rural areas of Montana, especially in counties like Flathead, Ravalli, and Cascade, law enforcement may misinterpret arguments or transportation during domestic fights as kidnapping. We investigate the relationship between the parties, clarify consent, and examine whether the person was truly held against their will.

Evidence Tampering Felonies Demand Immediate Help

Under Montana Code 45-7-207, tampering with physical evidence is a felony that carries prison time, fines, and serious damage to your credibility in court. Prosecutors file this charge when they believe someone altered, destroyed, or concealed an object during a criminal investigation. But in practice, many of these cases involve confusion, panic, or actions taken without any criminal intent. At Stevenson Law Office, we step in early to stop prosecutors from using this charge to increase leverage.

These allegations often appear during DUI cases, drug stops, and domestic incidents where something was moved, thrown away, or destroyed. The National Center for State Courts recognizes that evidence-related charges are often misapplied when investigations move too fast. We take the time to slow things down and force the court to examine the facts.

What Montana Considers Evidence Tampering

To convict you, the state must prove you knowingly acted to impair the availability, authenticity, or value of evidence in a criminal proceeding. That could include flushing something down a toilet, tossing an item from a car, deleting a message, or telling someone else to do the same. But without a pending case or investigation, the state has a high bar to meet.

We examine the timeline of your actions, your knowledge of any investigation, and whether the object in question qualifies as evidence under Montana law. If the act occurred before police involvement or without intent, we argue for full dismissal.

How Prosecutors Build a Felony Case and How We Respond

Prosecutors in Montana begin building felony cases long before you ever appear in court. They work closely with police to gather evidence, review witness statements, and prepare the strongest possible narrative to support a conviction. Their goal is to file charges that stick, even when the facts are weak or incomplete. Understanding this process is key to building an effective defense. At Stevenson Law Office, we anticipate prosecutorial tactics and challenge their strategy at every stage. We know how they prepare, what they prioritize, and where they often make mistakes. Our defense begins where their investigation started: with a focused review of every move the state has made.

The Investigation Phase and Information Gathering

Prosecutors rely heavily on law enforcement reports, recorded interviews, and forensic evidence gathered during the investigation. This material forms the backbone of most Montana felony cases. If any of that evidence is incomplete or improperly collected, the case becomes vulnerable. At Stevenson Law Office, we review every part of the investigation for errors. We look at how the police gathered statements, how they handled physical evidence, and whether your rights were violated at any point.

Uncovering Flaws in Police Reports and Witness Statements

Police often rely on hurried interviews or biased summaries that shape the entire case unfairly. We request full interview recordings and bodycam footage to verify whether the reports match what actually occurred. When they do not, we use that inconsistency to attack credibility and expose weakness in the case. Stevenson Law Office uses cross-referenced statements and outside investigation to break down faulty narratives created early in the process.

Charging Decisions and Prosecutorial Overreach

Once the investigation ends, the prosecutor decides which charges to file. They often choose the most severe options available to increase pressure. Overcharging is a common tactic meant to scare defendants into guilty pleas. At Stevenson Law Office, we fight overreach by examining each charge and identifying where the facts fall short. We challenge counts that do not match the evidence and push to remove inflated accusations that cannot be proven.

Reducing Charges That Do Not Match the Evidence

Many felony cases include charges that are exaggerated or unsupported. We compare the statutory elements of each count to the available evidence. If the facts do not meet the legal standard, we file motions to strike the charge. Reducing the number or severity of charges shifts the power balance and opens better defense options. Stevenson Law Office has had serious felonies dropped entirely by proving the state lacked sufficient cause.

Preparing for Trial and Securing Convictions

Montana prosecutors often prepare for trial while also seeking a plea. Their trial strategy includes timelines, key exhibits, and selected witness testimony. Stevenson Law Office mirrors this preparation. We identify the weak points in their presentation and build direct counters for trial or negotiation. Our readiness forces the state to reconsider their confidence and approach. That leverage benefits our clients in every phase of the defense process.

Speak With a Montana Felonies Defense Attorney Today and Protect Your Future

Felony charges in Montana carry consequences that can change your life forever. The prosecution is already building its case. You need to start building yours. Every hour that passes without a defense strategy increases the risk of conviction. At Stevenson Law Office, we provide experienced, aggressive, and personalized felony defense across every Montana jurisdiction. Our attorneys know how to challenge the charges, reduce the penalties, and defend your future.

You deserve a legal team that listens, fights, and understands how Montana criminal courts really work. Whether you have been arrested, formally charged, or expect a warrant to be issued soon, the time to act is right now. Do not wait for the state to take control of your life. Take the first step toward protecting your rights and your future.