Best Criminal Lawyer in Montana
CHUCK WATSON
Criminal Lawyer
With over thirty years’ experience in the courtroom, Chuck Watson has achieved hundreds of successful results as a criminal defense attorney. From noteworthy outcomes at trial to plea agreements and dismissals, he uses his robust and nuanced understanding of the constitution and law to win justice for his clients.
Chuck values professionalism in his practice and works to promote it in the criminal defense community. He’s a Founding Member and former President of the Montana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
For ten years he served as Chairman of the Criminal Section of the Montana State Bar. He’s a full fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers and a Life Member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.In addition, he’s a Provisional Member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and a co-founder of the first drug treatment court in the state of Montana. He also serves as a member of the Association of Professional Responsibility.
On occasion he works as an expert witness on criminal defense matters in federal court. His numerous publications and seminars range on topics from scientific evidence to criminal defense ethics and trial strategies. He has been the seminar speaker at various venues across the country, including the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and the State Bar of Montana.
Essentially, criminal defense is more than a job for Chuck. It’s a life-long passion earning him a spot on the American Trial Lawyers Association’s “Top 100 Trial Lawyers.”
James Gardner
Criminal Lawyer
My goal is to take the weight off your shoulders as I seek the best possible outcome for you and your future.”
Bar Admissions
Montana
U.S. District Court for Montana
Professional Associations
Cascade County Bar Association
Montana Trial Attorneys Association
Montana Bar Association
Education
J.D. — University of Montana School of Law, 2001
Scott G. Hilderman
Criminal Lawyer
Scott Hilderman, Former State and Federal Prosecutor and Former Assistant United States Attorney grew up in Libby and graduated from Libby Sr. High School. He was a member of the 1987 state champion Greenchain wrestling team. Scott attended Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) where he graduated with high honors and received a B.A. in political science in 1991. While at PLU, he was a cadet in the U.S. Army Reserve Officer Training Program. Scott was commissioned a second Lieutenant upon graduation and assigned to the U.S. Army Intelligence Corps.
Scott received his law degree from Seattle University in 1994. After graduating from law school, Scott was selected for active duty and assigned to the 718th Military Intelligence Group in Bad Aibling, Germany. After spending several years in Germany, Scott did a branch transfer to the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps (J.A.G.C.) where he served as a Magistrate and represented soldiers and veterans in a full range of civil and criminal matters at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
In 1998 Scott left active duty and accepted a position at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky in Louisville, Kentucky. He was assigned to the General Crimes Unit and represented the United States in an array of criminal cases to include bank robbery, wire fraud, drug distribution, and federal firearms cases.
In 2000 he was transferred to the McAllen division of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas where he primarily prosecuted complex international drug conspiracies involving wiretap evidence. He also prosecuted fraud, violent crimes, firearms and immigration cases. In 2004, Scott was assigned to the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task force.
Mark J. Luebeck
Criminal Lawyer
Mark Luebeck is an attorney and partner with the law firm of Angel, Coil & Bartlett. His law practice focuses on personal injury and insurance law and criminal defense.
Mark was born in Butte, Montana and spent part of his childhood in Seattle, Washington before returning to Montana. He has lived in Montana ever since. Prior to attending college, he served as a volunteer firefighter for Racetrack Volunteer Fire Department in Butte, Montana responding to structural fires and emergency calls.and He attended Montana Tech of The University of Montana where he received his bachelor’s of science degree in Occupational Safety and Health with High Honors (3.98 cumulative GPA). He received his law degree from The University of Montana where he served as an assistant editor-in-chief of the Montana Law Review, was a member of the International Law Society and was elected vice magister of the legal fraternity Phi Delta Phi. During law school, he served as an intern for the United States District Court for the District of Montana and interned with The University of Montana Office of Legal Counsel. Upon graduation, he was awarded the Scribes Award for administrative achievement as a member of the Montana Law Review.
Michael L. Ellinghouse
Criminal Lawyer
Michael L. Ellinghouse was born and raised in the Billings area. After graduating from Montana State University – Billings, Michael attended law school at the University of Montana, where he developed a passion and flair for criminal law. Michael focused on practical experience through criminal internships and clinical work during law school.
Michael began his career as a prosecutor in Yellowstone County, then transitioned to Carbon County and continued to hone his skills for several years. Michael gained invaluable trial experience in a wide variety of criminal matters, including violent felony crimes and sex offenses. With that extensive experience, Michael now devotes his time to helping people in his true calling as a criminal defense attorney.
John C. Schulte
Criminal Lawyer
Founding member of Schulte Law Firm, Jock’s practice focuses on serving as a Settlement Master, Personal Injury, Estate Litigation, and Family Law. As a Settlement Master, John has successfully conducted more than 3,000 settlement conferences, arbitrations, and mediations covering all areas of law.
Born in Cleveland on January 19, 1950, Jock attended The Ohio State University and Lake Erie College where he received his B.S. in American Studies in 1972. After graduating, Jock moved to Missoula and was a fifth grade teacher at Victor and a fifth through eighth grade teacher at Target Range School.
In 1983, Jock began law school at the University of Montana. Upon graduation in 1985, with honors, Jock was admitted to the State Bar of Montana and began his practice as a lawyer. Several years later he founded Schulte Law Firm with the goal of bringing justice to Montanans through a superior work ethic and expert legal advocacy.
Carl B. Jensen Jr
Criminal Lawyer
Education
- Gonzaga University School of Law, Spokane, Washington
- J.D. – 1992
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- B.A.
- Major: Psychology
Bar Admissions
- Montana, 1996
- U.S. District Court District of Montana, 2009
- U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit, 2012
Fraternities or Sororities
- Phi Kappa Tau
Professional Associations
- Montana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Member
Current Employment Position
- Sole Practitioner
Greg Beebe
Criminal Lawyer
Greg Beebe is a seasoned trial attorney in Helena, Montana, and the founding partner of Beebe & Flowers Law Firm.
Greg represents clients facing a wide range of criminal charges including felonies, misdemeanors and DUIs from arraignment through jury trial and even on to appeal. Greg and the firm have significant experience with successfully defending the accused against the most serious and complex criminal allegations.
Greg also represents persons facing particularly difficult family law cases with a focus on attempting to mitigate the adverse effects of dissolution on children. Greg is uniquely qualified to handle family law matters that are complicated by criminal charges or orders of protection.
Greg also devotes a significant portion of his time to appellate practice at the Montana Supreme Court. He has a passion for serving those who have been wrongly convicted or have been deprived of due process..
Greg graduated summa cum laude from the University of Idaho College of Law in 2005. While in law school, he served on the editorial board of the Idaho Law Review in 2004 and 2005.
Big Sky Justice: Why You Need a Top Criminal Lawyer in Montana
Facing criminal charges in Montana’s majestic mountains can feel like navigating a treacherous terrain – daunting and unpredictable. The legal system, while striving for fairness, can be intricate and unforgiving. Here’s why securing a top-tier criminal lawyer in Montana is crucial for protecting your freedom and achieving the best possible outcome:
1. Unmatched Expertise in Montana’s Legal Landscape:
Montana has its own distinct set of criminal codes, statutes, and court decisions. A top-tier criminal lawyer licensed in Montana possesses an in-depth understanding of these nuances:
- Decoding Legal Complexities: They can meticulously analyze your case within the framework of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) and interpret key court rulings that may influence the prosecution’s strategy and your potential defenses.
- Staying Current on Legal Developments: The legal landscape is constantly evolving. Your lawyer actively monitors changes in Montana criminal law, ensuring your defense strategy reflects the most up-to-date legal principles and leverages any recent rulings that could benefit your case.
2. Championing Your Rights Under Montana Law:
Your fundamental rights are paramount:
- Protecting Your Constitutional Rights: The best criminal attorneys in Montana are dedicated to safeguarding your constitutional rights throughout the legal process. They ensure that law enforcement and prosecutors adhere to proper procedures, such as respecting your right to remain silent and the right to legal representation. They will challenge any violations of your rights and work to exclude any unlawfully obtained evidence from being used against you. (MT.gov)
3. Building a Powerful, Personalized Defense Strategy:
A skilled criminal lawyer in Montana takes a proactive approach:
- Meticulous Case Evaluation: They will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your case, meticulously analyzing evidence, witness statements, and police reports. This deep dive allows them to identify strengths and weaknesses, crafting a defense strategy specifically designed to maximize your chances of success.
4. Negotiating for the Best Outcome:
Sometimes, negotiation can lead to a favorable resolution:
- Expert Negotiation Skills: A competent criminal attorney possesses excellent negotiation skills and can work with prosecutors to secure a favorable plea agreement on your behalf. They will advocate for you, aiming to reduce charges or penalties, and explore alternatives such as diversion programs or probation. This negotiation skill can help minimize the potential consequences of your case.
5. Powerful Advocacy in the Courtroom, When Needed:
If your case goes to trial, having a seasoned lawyer by your side is critical:
- Trial-Ready Attorneys: The best criminal lawyers in Montana have extensive courtroom experience, including knowledge of trial strategies, effective presentation skills, and the ability to cross-examine witnesses effectively. They will fight vigorously to defend your rights and interests in the courtroom.
6. Support and Guidance During a Difficult Time:
The legal process can be emotionally draining:
- Understanding and Empathy: The best criminal lawyers in Montana not only provide legal representation but also offer emotional support and reassurance throughout the process. They understand the impact of the situation on your life and can help alleviate some of the stress by guiding you through the legal complexities and providing reassurance.