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Our Criminal Defense Practice.

The attorneys at Datsopoulos, MacDonald & Lind practice criminal defense law in all Montana courts.  Our firm enjoys a reputation as one of the “go-to” firms for criminal cases in Montana. We are best known for having represented clients in some of the most high profile and serious criminal prosecutions in Montana over the past forty years. However, we have also represented clients that you have never heard of, clients whose cases we successfully resolved in the investigative stage with no charges being brought against our clients. The earlier we can become involved in your case, the more effective we can be.

Consequences of Criminal Cases.

There is no more serious opponent than the state or federal government, and there is no other legal case where a client has more at stake. A criminal conviction can send you to prison, ruin your reputation and destroy you financially. If you are charged or being investigated for a crime you need experienced attorneys by your side.

Our firm’s consistent results over the years show we have the resources, knowledge and skill to represent clients effectively at all stages in the criminal process. If you are facing criminal charge or are the target of a criminal or regulatory investigation call us today to ensure your rights and your future are protected.

Montana-wide practice

We represent clients in Montana Federal Courts, State District Court, State Justice Court and all Montana City and Municipal Courts. We represent clients on appeals at the Montana Supreme Court, the Ninth Circuit and the United States Supreme Court.

We also represent individuals being investigated by professional licensing boards.

Types of Cases

The scope of criminal cases being investigated and prosecuted in Montana and the Northwest is constantly expanding and criminal sentences are becoming increasingly harsh.

Our attorneys are experienced in the defense of all criminal matters at the investigative state, the trial stage, on appeal and during post-conviction proceedings.

While we are prepared to aggressively defend any case, by way of example, our firm has represented clients charged with the following offenses:

White Collar Offenses and Regulatory Offenses

  • Wire fraud
  • Bank fraud
  • Money Laundering
  • Structuring
  • Tax Evasion
  • Theft
  • Embezzlement
  • Environmental crimes

“White collar crime” generally refers to non-violent criminal offenses committed for a financial motive. Convictions for these types of offenses carry prison time, the potential for forfeiture of an offender’s assets, as well as heavy fines. Convictions of these types of offenses can bar a convicted individual from working in certain occupations.

Our firm has represented individuals and companies charged or being investigated for all manner of white collar offenses in federal and state courts. We have a network of established experts—including accountants, private investigators and appraisers— to assist in the evaluation and defense of these types of cases. Additionally, attorneys from our business and transaction practice groups often assist in researching and developing responses to these types of investigations or charges.  If you are charged or being investigated for a financial or similar “white collar” criminal offense, please contact our firm to discuss your case.

Violent Offenses

  • Deliberate Homicide
  • Negligent Homicide
  • Aggravated Assault
  • Assault
  • Partner/Family Member Assault
  • Assault with a Weapon
  • Sexual Intercourse without Consent
  • Sexual Assault

A conviction for a violent or sexual offense can mean a long prison sentence, as well as a life time of registering on the sexual or violent offender registry. If you are charged or are being investigated for any crime contact our firm so that we can discuss your options.

Drug or Narcotics Offenses

  • Conspiracy to Distribute Dangerous Drugs
  • Possession of Dangerous Drugs
  • Distribution of Dangerous Drugs
  • Cultivation of Dangerous Drugs
  • Maintaining a Drug Involved Premises
  • Controlled Substance Forfeiture

In federal court, drug offenses routinely carry heavy mandatory minimum prison sentences. A state court drug also carries the possibility of prison time. Because many drug investigations involve joint state and federal task forces, it is imperative that your lawyer is experienced in both the state and federal systems, no matter where your case is pending. Datsopoulos, MacDonald & Lind has decades of experience defending both state and federal drug charges, including prosecutions arising from a client’s involvement in Montana’s medical marijuana industry.

Internet Crimes

  • Child Pornography Offenses
  • Solicitation

Internet crimes carry harsh mandatory minimum prison sentences and potential requirements that convicted individuals register as sexual offenders for the rest of their lives. These cases require the assistance of not only a capable lawyer, but of experts to examine the computer evidence and to psychologically evaluate the accused client. Our attorneys are experienced in handling these very difficult cases, and also have a network of computer and psychological experts to assist in the defense of these prosecutions.

DUI/DWI and Other Traffic Offenses

  • Driving While Impaired or Under the Influence of Alcohol
  • Driving While Impaired or Under the Influence of THC/Marijuana
  • Driving without Insurance
  • Driving while Suspended
  • Careless Driving
  • Reckless Driving

A conviction for DUI or DWI in Montana can result in jail time, heavy fines and the loss of driving privileges. Since our firm’s founding we have represented hundreds of clients facing DUI or other traffic charges. The penalties for DUI in Montana increase if you have prior convictions or breath test refusals on your record. If you are cited for DUI or any other traffic offense, please contact us to discuss your case.

Gun and Firearm Crimes

  • Gun and Firearm Crimes
  • Felon in Possession of Firearm
  • Misdemeanor Domestic Violent Offender in Possession of a Firearm
  • Other “Prohibited Person” in Possession of Firearms

If you have prior felonies or certain prior misdemeanors [as well as other less known “prohibitors”] federal law restricts your right to possess firearms. If you are a prohibited person and possess a firearm, even for perfectly lawful purposes, you are facing a federal prison sentence. We have represented defendants charged with these types of offenses and are well versed in the potential legal defenses available to charged defendants.

Firearm Transfer Appeals

We have successfully represented clients who have been denied firearm transfers from federally licensed firearm dealers. This denial is usually based on a prior criminal conviction.

Sometimes, the database accessed by dealers to determine if a potential buyer can purchase a firearm has incorrect or outdated information that once corrected would let a firearm transfer be approved. Other times, the Department of Justice may have erroneously interpreted the information on your record and you can in reality possess firearms. In either case, a purchaser can appeal the firearm transfer denial and argue that a transfer should have been approved.

If you have been denied a firearm transfer, or have questions about your ability to possess firearms, contact us today to discuss the specifics of your case. Oftentimes we can tell you very quickly and inexpensively if you have any chance of reversing a transfer denial or someday possessing firearms legally in the future.

Fish and Game Violations

We have represented clients charged with violating the Fish and Game laws in Montana. If you are convicted of these types of crimes, which could include hunting or fishing with a resident license when you are a non-resident, poaching, or even federal Lacey Act violations you can face the usual criminal penalties, as well as the mandatory suspension of your hunting privileges in Montana.

Montana is also a member of the “Interstate Wildlife Violators Compact” along with thirty-nine other states. This means if you are convicted of a Montana fish and game violation and your hunting and fishing privileges are suspended in Montana, the suspension is also recognized and enforced by the other thirty eight states.

Probation and Parole Revocation /Termination of Probation and Parole

We represent clients in all Montana courts facing revocation of probation, parole or supervised release.

Additionally, we represent clients who are seeking early termination of probation or supervision, deferred sentences and supervised release.

Grand Jury and Other Investigations

If you have received a call from a law enforcement agent or a “target letter” that you are the subject of an ongoing investigation, do not talk to the agent or the prosecutor without first consulting an attorney. If you have been contacted by law enforcement or a prosecutor call us before talking with them.

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