Missoula DUI Defense Lawyers Fighting For You
A DUI arrest in Missoula is not merely a traffic stop; it is a legal emergency that can easily escalate into jail time, suspended driving privileges, fines, and job loss or demotion. In Montana, driving under the influence (DUI) charges are taken seriously, and Missoula County is no exception. In Missoula, police provide DUI patrols not just downtown, but also on Reserve Street and in the University District. As reported by the Montana Department of Justice, law enforcement throughout Montana has increased DUI saturation patrols in urban areas like Missoula.
Whether your stop happened after a night at the Wilma Theater or on Brooks Street, every step you take from here on matters. At Big Sky Law, we immediately put ourselves to work to protect your driving privileges, and your future. With the short time frames set by the Montana Motor Vehicle Division, every minute counts after your arrest. Our legal team is aware of the local court’s tensions with prosecutors and police officers and we are able to use that knowledge for the benefit of every client we represent.
If you’ve been charged with driving under the influence in Missoula or anywhere in the Bitterroot Valley, we encourage you to reach out to us before it’s too late, and before the case gets even more complicated.
Battling a Missoula DUI in Court and at the Montana MVD Near Southgate Mall
When charged with a Missoula DUI, you face two separate but equally serious legal battles. One takes place in the criminal court system, where judges determine guilt and impose penalties. The other unfolds through the Montana Motor Vehicle Division, where your ability to drive is on the line…
Criminal DUI Cases at the Missoula County Courthouse
After a DUI arrest in Missoula, the criminal case is handled in either Municipal Court or the Missoula County District Court depending on the arrest location and severity of the charge…
Sentencing Risks in a Criminal DUI Case
In Montana, DUI penalties can include jail time, probation, and steep fines, even for a first offense…
The Role of Missoula Police Reports and Officer Testimony
In Missoula, DUI arrests often rely heavily on police narrative and testimony…
Administrative License Revocation by the Montana MVD
Apart from the criminal case, the Montana MVD will begin administrative action against your driver’s license immediately after your arrest…
What Happens at the MVD Hearing
At the administrative hearing, a hearings officer will review evidence such as the officer’s affidavit, test results, and any submitted statements…
How the MVD Hearing Affects Your Criminal Case
Even though the MVD hearing is not part of your court case, the information uncovered during it can be used to your advantage in court…
Consequences of Losing at the MVD
If your license is suspended, you could be required to complete a DUI education program, install an ignition interlock device, and pay reinstatement fees before driving again…
Missoula DUI Arrest Zones Near the Clark Fork River and Reserve Street
Law enforcement in Missoula does not leave DUI enforcement to chance. Officers patrol high-risk areas consistently…
DUI Patrol Locations With Frequent Arrests in Missoula
Downtown Missoula and the University District
Police patrol the streets around the University of Montana with heightened intensity, especially on weekends and game days…
Reserve Street and Brooks Street Commercial Corridor
Reserve Street and the surrounding commercial areas see high DUI activity, especially near bars and restaurants clustered along Brooks Street…
Field Sobriety and Testing Issues That Happen in These Zones
Common Errors With Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests must follow protocols developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration…
Challenging Preliminary Breath Tests and Blood Draw Accuracy
Missoula officers frequently use portable breath test devices before making an arrest decision…
Sentencing for a Missoula DUI Conviction at the Missoula County Courthouse
First DUI Offense in Missoula Can Still Result in Jail
Even if this is your first DUI charge, Montana law does not go easy on you…
Penalties for a First Missoula DUI Include More Than a Fine
- Jail time up to 6 months
- Fines between $600 and $1,000
- Mandatory substance use screening
- License suspension for 6 months
Second and Third DUI Charges Bring Enhanced Penalties
Repeat DUI convictions are treated much more harshly in Missoula…
Missoula Courts Penalize Repeat DUI Offenders More Aggressively
- Longer mandatory jail sentences
- Heavier fines often exceeding $2,000
- Required attendance at multi-week treatment programs
- Extended license suspension or permanent revocation
- Required ignition interlock device for years
Felony DUI Charges and the Risk of Prison
A fourth DUI charge or any DUI involving serious injury will likely be charged as a felony in Missoula County…
Felony DUI Sentences in Missoula Are Severe
- Prison time of 13 months or more
- Fines up to $10,000
- Mandatory participation in a residential treatment program
- Lifetime ignition interlock device requirement
- Permanent loss of driver’s license in some cases
Take Control of Your Missoula DUI Case Before It Controls You
Every moment counts after a Missoula DUI arrest. Waiting to act gives the prosecution more time to build its case…
