{"id":374593,"date":"2023-11-20T20:24:39","date_gmt":"2023-11-21T01:24:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/montana-law\/montana-district-attorneys.html"},"modified":"2023-11-20T20:24:39","modified_gmt":"2023-11-21T01:24:39","slug":"montana-district-attorneys","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/montana-law\/montana-district-attorneys.html","title":{"rendered":"Montana District Attorneys"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Montana District Attorneys<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Eric Harvey, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

\n

A district attorney (D.A.) is the prosecuting officer of a criminal case. They represent the state within their respective district. A district typically consists of one or more counties. In Montana, D.A.s are known as "county attorneys."<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

The main county attorney in each jurisdiction is an elected official who represents the people of the state of Montana. They do so against persons or entities alleged to have committed criminal offenses. Deputy county attorneys work for the elected county attorney. They’re responsible for the prosecution of all felony<\/a> and misdemeanor<\/a> crimes occurring within their county.
\r\n<\/p>\r\n

If you’re facing charges and communicating with the county attorney’s office, getting legal advice from a licensed criminal defense attorney is important.<\/p>\r\n

Montana County Attorney’s Role in Prosecutions<\/h2>\r\n

In a criminal case, a judge (not a jury) renders a sentence<\/a> against a criminal defendant. This occurs upon conviction or after entering a plea. The county attorney’s role in this process is to present the judge with information. Such information includes victim testimony. It helps persuade the judge to pass down a specific sentence.<\/p>\r\n

The judge will consider the information in a pre-sentence report prepared by the probation department. They’ll also consider any additional evidence offered by the county attorney or a criminal defense lawyer. Finally, they’ll also consider comments by the crime victim’s family and other relevant information.<\/p>\r\n

Montana Attorney General’s Office<\/h2>\r\n

The top legal official in the state is the Montana Attorney General<\/a> (or "A.G."). The Attorney General heads the Montana Department of Justice. The A.G. represents the state in litigation matters. They also work to enforce laws meant to protect consumers in the state.<\/p>\r\n

The A.G. also serves in a number of other capacities. They assist in administering the criminal justice system in Montana. They also assist law enforcement agencies in administering and enforcing criminal justice.<\/p>\r\n

Directory of Montana County Attorneys<\/h2>\r\n

Below are links to Montana district attorneys (county attorneys) by county. They handle criminal prosecutions in their respective counties. They do so in district courts. See below to learn more or find out how to get the best possible criminal defense representation. Click the links listed below to learn more about the county attorneys in each district of Montana.<\/p>\r\n