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.
Thursday, April 24 2014 2:05 AM EDT2014-04-24 06:05:02 GMT
A security video shows the California boy who survived stowing away on a jetliner dangling his feet from the aircraft's wheel well after arriving in Hawaii, before jumping 8 to 10 feet to the ground and...
A security video shows the California boy who survived stowing away on a jetliner dangling his feet from the aircraft's wheel well after arriving in Hawaii, before jumping 8 to 10 feet to the ground and collapsing, an...
Thursday, April 24 2014 1:55 AM EDT2014-04-24 05:55:34 GMT
Warning Russia that new economic sanctions are "teed up," President Barack Obama accused Moscow of failing to live up to an agreement last week to ease tensions in eastern Ukraine.
Warning Russia that new economic sanctions are "teed up," President Barack Obama accused Moscow of failing to live up to an agreement last week to ease tensions in eastern Ukraine.
Thursday, April 24 2014 1:46 AM EDT2014-04-24 05:46:04 GMT
Residents and emergency crews were waiting for a fire to burn itself out after an explosion at a natural gas processing plant in a small town in southwestern Wyoming.
Residents and emergency crews were waiting for a fire to burn itself out after an explosion at a natural gas processing plant in a small town in southwestern Wyoming.
Thursday, April 24 2014 1:45 AM EDT2014-04-24 05:45:16 GMT
Vermont lawmakers have passed the country's first state bill to require the labeling of genetically modified foods as such, setting up a war between the behemoth U.S. food industry and an American public that...
Vermont lawmakers have passed the country's first state bill to require the labeling of genetically modified foods as such, setting up a war between powerful lobbyists for the behemoth U.S. food industry and an...
Thursday, April 24 2014 1:34 AM EDT2014-04-24 05:34:35 GMT
As search crews continue to look for two missing people following the devastating mudslide in Washington state, scientists are closely monitoring how the avalanche is affecting federally endangered fish runs.
Fisheries biologist Pete Verhey waded through the cold, clear creek that feeds into the North Fork of the Stillaguamish River, scanning riffles and side channels looking for evidence of fish eggs.
Wednesday, April 23 2014 5:41 PM EDT2014-04-23 21:41:24 GMT
PLUMMER, Idaho - A lockdown at the Plummer-Worley School District that was initially ordered on Wednesday as a precautionary measure by police has been lifted an employee at the Plummer-Worley School District.
PLUMMER, Idaho - A lockdown at the Plummer-Worley School District that was initially ordered on Wednesday as a precautionary measure by police has been lifted an employee at the Plummer-Worley School District. The school superintendent said the lockdown was issued around 9am due to a phone call received stating a man was coming to the elementary and might have weapons.
Wednesday, April 9 2014 12:27 AM EDT2014-04-09 04:27:36 GMT
Junior Cornerback Bryson Keeton transfered from Nevada to MSU in January. He's six two 195 pounds, and his last recorded 40 time was a 4.4. He says his hard nosed style of play comes naturally. "I've
Junior Cornerback Bryson Keeton transferred from Nevada to MSU in January. He's six two 195 pounds, and his last recorded 40 time was a 4.4. He says his hard nosed style of play comes naturally.
Tuesday, April 22 2014 10:55 PM EDT2014-04-23 02:55:41 GMT
KHQ - Stay tuned to KHQ.COM for the arrival of President Barack Obama in Everett, WA on Air Force 1 around 12:30pm Tuesday. President Obama plans to visit and survey the devastated community of Oso. Air Force 1 could arrive as early as 12:25 or as late as 12:50. >>>WATCH Right Here On Khq.com>>>
KHQ.COM - The President has arrived in Washington State to visit and survey the devastated community of Oso. Air Force touched down in Everett shortly after 12:30 today. Obama will tour the area of Oso and visit with families who loved ones were killed in the devastating mudslide.
Tuesday, April 22 2014 11:37 PM EDT2014-04-23 03:37:30 GMT
The Griz baseball team is currently in second place in the North Division of the No-Pac Conference, it doesn't sound like a bad spot, unless your the squad expecting to be in first.
The Griz baseball team is currently in second place in the North Division of the No-Pac Conference, it doesn't sound like a bad spot, unless your the squad expecting to be in first.
Wednesday, April 23 2014 1:38 PM EDT2014-04-23 17:38:56 GMT
The Pacific Recycling Center sustained damage after a fire broke out Tuesday evening. The Missoula Fire Department responded to the structure fire at 7:14 p.m. on Tuesday.
The Pacific Recycling Center sustained damage after a fire broke out Tuesday evening. The Missoula Fire Department responded to the structure fire at 7:14 p.m. on Tuesday.
Friday, April 18 2014 4:21 PM EDT2014-04-18 20:21:35 GMT
MOKPO, South Korea (AP) - Searchers have now put markers on the surface of the water where the South Korean ferry went down. Part of the ship had remained above the surface until today, but now the entire vessel is submerged. They're continuing the effort to find some 270 people who are missing and feared dead.
MOKPO, South Korea (AP) - Searchers have now put markers on the surface of the water where the South Korean ferry went down. Part of the ship had remained above the surface until today, but now the entire vessel is submerged. They're continuing the effort to find some 270 people who are missing and feared dead.
