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.
Tuesday, July 22 2014 3:20 AM EDT2014-07-22 07:20:29 GMT
A man who says he is the father of two of three teens charged with fatally beating two homeless men says that they too were once homeless, and he has no idea what prompted the brutal Friday night attack that police...
A man who says he is the father of two of three teens charged with fatally beating two homeless men says that they too were once homeless, and he has no idea what prompted the brutal Friday night attack that police say...
Tuesday, July 22 2014 3:01 AM EDT2014-07-22 07:01:56 GMT
By JULIE WATSON Associated Press The two Americans killed in fighting in the Gaza Strip followed in the footsteps of scores of Jews from around the world who have volunteered to fight for Israel.
By JULIE WATSON Associated Press The two Americans killed in fighting in the Gaza Strip followed in the footsteps of scores of Jews from around the world who have volunteered to fight for Israel.
Tuesday, July 22 2014 2:41 AM EDT2014-07-22 06:41:34 GMT
The sudden death of a healthy high school senior has ramped up attention on unregulated caffeine powder, leading federal health authorities to warn consumers to stay away from the substance.
A few weeks before their prom king's death, students at an Ohio high school had attended an assembly on narcotics that warned about the dangers of heroin and prescription painkillers.
Tuesday, July 22 2014 2:41 AM EDT2014-07-22 06:41:25 GMT
A new study says the rate of HIV infections diagnosed in the United States each year fell by one-third over the past decade.
The rate of HIV infections diagnosed in the United States each year fell by one-third over the past decade, a government study finds. Experts celebrated it as hopeful news that the AIDS epidemic may be slowing in the U.S.
Wednesday, July 16 2014 9:30 PM EDT2014-07-17 01:30:30 GMT
In Congress Wednesday, the group in charge of doling out Cobell settlement claims says it's waiting on setting exact amounts and a judge's okay before making the rest of the payments.
In Congress Wednesday, the group in charge of doling out Cobell settlement claims says it's waiting on setting exact amounts and a judge's okay before making the rest of the payments.
Monday, July 21 2014 12:55 PM EDT2014-07-21 16:55:59 GMT
UPDATE: The Watermelon Hill fire remains 40% contained. Fish Trap resort remains at a level 3 evacuation but firefighters are hopeful that will be lifted sometime on Monday. The fire has been reduced to 11,000 acres.
UPDATE: The Watermelon Hill fire remains 40% contained. Fish Trap resort remains at a level 3 evacuation but firefighters are hopeful that will be lifted sometime on Monday. The fire has been reduced to 11,000 acres.
Thursday, July 17 2014 8:42 PM EDT2014-07-18 00:42:49 GMT
Montana Highway Patrol says alcohol and speed played a factor in a roll-over accident late Wednesday night that killed a 26-year-old Missoula man in Frenchtown.
Montana Highway Patrol says alcohol and speed played a factor in a roll-over accident late Wednesday night that killed a 26-year-old Missoula man in Frenchtown.
Monday, July 21 2014 9:04 PM EDT2014-07-22 01:04:40 GMT
Wildfires continue to burn across Washington, scorching thousands of acres and leaving hundreds without homes. So far this summer, our area has been lucky and hasn't seen much serious damage, until this weekend.
Wildfires continue to burn across Washington, scorching thousands of acres and leaving hundreds without homes. So far this summer, our area has been lucky and hasn't seen much serious damage, until this weekend.
Monday, July 21 2014 12:25 PM EDT2014-07-21 16:25:29 GMT
KHQ.COM - Twisp has been downgraded to fire danger Level 1. Highway 20 is now back open. >>>CLICK INSIDE FOR ALL CURRENT EVACUATIONS FOR CARLTON COMPLEX FIRE>>>
KHQ.COM - Twisp has been downgraded to fire danger Level 1. Highway 20 is now back open. >>>CLICK INSIDE FOR ALL CURRENT EVACUATIONS FOR CARLTON COMPLEX FIRE>>>
Saturday, July 19 2014 3:08 PM EDT2014-07-19 19:08:42 GMT
KHQ.COM - Chelan HD Productions has given us permission to show this incredible video they shot with a drone surveying the damage done from the Carlton Complex Fire in the areas of Brewster and Pateros. This video is truly jaw dropping and really shows the level of destruction from the fire.
KHQ.COM - Chelan HD Productions has given us permission to show this incredible video they shot with a drone surveying the damage done from the Carlton Complex Fire in the areas of Brewster and Pateros. This video is truly jaw dropping and really shows the level of destruction from the fire.
Monday, July 21 2014 2:44 PM EDT2014-07-21 18:44:53 GMT
UPDATE: Late Sunday evening the fire was 243,291 acres in size. 1622 firefighters are assigned to the complex. The fire is currently 2% contained. Highway 20 reopened over Loup Loup Pass Sunday evening. Contact the “511” automated Washington Department of Transportation Travel Information line for updated information, or call (509) 667-2802.
UPDATE: Late Sunday evening the fire was 243,291 acres in size. 1622 firefighters are assigned to the complex. The fire is currently 2% contained. Highway 20 reopened over Loup Loup Pass Sunday evening. Contact the “511” automated Washington Department of Transportation Travel Information line for updated information, or call (509) 667-2802.
