Benjamin Eugene Cole Jr. was charged in Missoula County Justice Court with misdemeanor Partner or Family Member Assault (PFMA), second offense. He proceeded to a bench trial—where the judge, rather than a jury, decides the case—and was ultimately convicted. Cole later argued that the absence of a written waiver of his right to a juryContinue reading “Misdemeanor Jury Trials in Montana: Insights from Cole”
Tag Archives: constitutional rights
Montana PFMA & Gun Ownership: Key Ninth Circuit Update
If you’ve ever wondered “Can I own a gun with a PFMA conviction in Montana?”, a recent ruling from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals might pique your interest. In United States v. DeFrance, the court reversed a federal firearms conviction for a defendant previously convicted of Partner or Family Member Assault (PFMA) under MontanaContinue reading “Montana PFMA & Gun Ownership: Key Ninth Circuit Update”
Montana’s Ballot Glitch: A Call for Election Transparency
Explore how Montana’s right to know empowers voters to uncover the truth behind a ballot glitch omitting Kamala Harris.