Underage Drinking and Fake ID Laws in Montana

A person under 21 who knowingly drinks, possesses or gives away alcohol (minor in possession) faces a $100 to $300 fine, 20 hours of community service and an alcohol information course for a first offense, $200 to $600 and 40 hours for a second, and $300 to $900 and 60 hours for a third, with a chemical dependency assessment for repeat offenses and possible jail up to six months for a third offense by an adult 18 to 20. For offenders under 18 the court must also confiscate the driver's license for 30 days on a first offense and six months on a later offense, with further suspension if the course is not completed. Attempting to buy alcohol under 21 carries a fine up to $150. Displaying a fictitious or altered license or one issued to someone else (a fake ID) is a misdemeanor with up to $500 and/or six months.

Montana's rule on court-appointed lawyers: The Office of State Public Defender assigns counsel to eligible applicants; eligibility determinations are subject to the review and approval of the court. An applicant is indigent if 'the applicant's gross household income is at or less than 133% of the poverty level' (federal poverty guidelines) or if disposable income and assets are 'insufficient to retain competent private counsel without substantial hardship to the applicant.' The applicant must provide a detailed financial statement and sign an affidavit on a prescribed form; false statements may be prosecuted. The section does not set an application fee. MCA § 47-1-111

Lawyers set their own fees, and Montana has rules on how they may charge. See hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Montana for fee rules, how to check a lawyer's license and free help.

How release before trial works in Montana: Before a verdict, the court must either authorize release 'upon reasonable conditions that ensure the appearance of the defendant' and protect the safety of the community or any person, or detain the defendant when there is probable cause to believe the defendant committed an offense for which death is a possible punishment and adequate safeguards are unavailable (§ 46-9-106). The amount of bail must be sufficient to ensure the defendant's presence and compliance with bail conditions and to protect any person from bodily injury; 'not oppressive'; commensurate with the nature of the offense; and considerate of the financial ability of the accused, prior record, history of abscondence, length of residence and community ties, family ties, mental health status and treatment, and employment status (§ 46-9-301). MCA §§ 46-9-106, 46-9-301 What happens after an arrest.

Each state sets its own rules for sealing or expunging records. See Montana expungement and record sealing rules.