A district judge in Libby rules against Montana's 24/7 sobriety program for drunken driving suspects, calling it unconstitutional. The state has already appealed the ruling to the Montana Supreme Court.
In his February 5 ruling, District Judge James Wheelis says the program's sobriety testing fees are an unconstitutional punishment for defendants before they are tried.
The legislature passed the law in 2011 to crack down on drunk driving. Under the law, anyone arrested for drunken driving two or more times can be ordered to take part in the program. It requires the driver to take, and pay for, frequent breath tests before their trial.
Wheelis threw out the law based on a challenge by Robert Spady, who was arrested for drunken driving and careless driving in Lincoln County. Spady took part in the 24/7 program for 113 days and paid $452 in fees. The order shows he was arrested each time and charged with contempt of court.
We will have more information, and reaction from Governor Bullock, on the ABC MONTANA NEWS at 5:30, and the FOX MONTANA NEWS AT 9.
Friday, April 18 2014 2:00 PM EDT2014-04-18 18:00:57 GMT
NASA's small moon-orbiting spacecraft LADEE (pronounced LAH'-dee) is no more. Flight controllers confirmed early Friday that LADEE crashed into the back side of the moon.
Friday, April 18 2014 1:32 PM EDT2014-04-18 17:32:47 GMT
A Missouri man who avoided prison because of a clerical error and led a law-abiding life for 13 years said he is overwhelmed by the support he's received since the story of his incarceration became public.
A Missouri man who avoided prison because of a clerical error and led a law-abiding life for 13 years said he is overwhelmed by the support he's received since the story of his incarceration became public.
Friday, April 18 2014 1:21 PM EDT2014-04-18 17:21:17 GMT
More than 30 states that defaulted to the federal government to run their health insurance markets under President Barack Obama's health care law must decide if they want to take a crack at it themselves. Time...
For the more than 30 states that defaulted to the federal government under President Barack Obama's health care law, time may be running out to decide whether to create their own state-run insurance exchanges.
Friday, April 18 2014 1:21 PM EDT2014-04-18 17:21:00 GMT
Relatives of the police officer authorities say was killed by the Boston bombing suspects are remembering him a year later.
Like many other youngsters, Sean Collier wanted to be a police officer. Unlike most, he brought that dream to life - and then died doing it, becoming a central character in the gripping hunt for the Boston Marathon bombing...
Tuesday, April 15 2014 7:59 PM EDT2014-04-15 23:59:30 GMT
KHQ.COM - It was a sight to behold! The blood moon lit up the heavens last night. If you slept thru it, no need to worry! We recorded the whole thing for you and many of our Facebook friends and viewers have shared the photos that they captured of the total lunar eclipse last night!
KHQ.COM - It was a sight to behold! The blood moon lit up the heavens last night. If you slept thru it, no need to worry! We recorded the whole thing for you and many of our Facebook friends and viewers have shared the photos that they captured of the total lunar eclipse last night!
Thursday, April 17 2014 12:41 AM EDT2014-04-17 04:41:14 GMT
The Montana Lacrosse team is preparing for their last three games of the regular season. They're currently 6-6 and with all three games at home in Washington Grizzly Stadium, they're hoping the playoffs
The Montana Lacrosse team is preparing for their last three games of the regular season. They're currently 6-6 and with all three games at home in Washington Grizzly Stadium, they're hoping the playoffs are on the horizon.
Thursday, April 17 2014 1:37 PM EDT2014-04-17 17:37:02 GMT
The Gallatin County coroner says 30-year-old Kari Friedman from Bozeman died in a crash at the intersection of Frontage and Valley Center Roads Wednesday. The Montana Highway Patrol said Friedman was turning
The Gallatin County coroner says 30-year-old Kari Friedman from Bozeman died in a crash at the intersection of Frontage and Valley Center Roads Wednesday.
Friday, April 18 2014 12:47 AM EDT2014-04-18 04:47:25 GMT
A Wyoming man is behind bars tonight after threatening to kill Belgrade police officers at a bar Wednesday night. Larry Ward Hill, 65, from Sheridan, Wyoming faces charges of intimidation, a felony and
A Wyoming man is behind bars tonight after threatening to kill Belgrade police officers at a bar Wednesday night.
Friday, March 28 2014 11:36 PM EDT2014-03-29 03:36:50 GMT
USA Brass reopened Friday after it was shut down Thursday during a federal investigation into environmental concerns. Today employees spent the day re-organizing the facility after the Environmental Protection
USA Brass reopened Friday after it was shut down Thursday during a federal investigation into environmental concerns.
Tuesday, April 8 2014 7:00 PM EDT2014-04-08 23:00:04 GMT
A former Griz football player prepares to take on different kind of physical challenge, after learning he has cancer. Former linebacker Cole Lockwood got his diagnosis just last week and is now recovering
A former Griz football player prepares to take on different kind of physical challenge, after learning he has cancer.
Thursday, April 17 2014 8:03 PM EDT2014-04-18 00:03:19 GMT
For his senior project, Hellgate's Chris Herrick wanted to give back, and bring awareness to the youth homes InnerRoads program, which works with disadvantaged and troubled youth, by bringing them outdoors."They
For his senior project, Hellgate's Chris Herrick enlisted the help of Missoula Olympic Cyclist Sam Schultz to spread the word about the InnerRoads program
