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.
Wednesday, July 30 2014 2:45 AM EDT2014-07-30 06:45:59 GMT
The quiet summer campus of UCLA found itself suddenly steeped in water and chaos after a major water pipe burst and spewed some eight million gallons, stranding people in parking garages and flooding the...
The quiet summer campus of UCLA found itself suddenly steeped in water and chaos after a major water pipe burst and spewed some eight million gallons, stranding people in parking garages and flooding the school's...
Wednesday, July 30 2014 2:26 AM EDT2014-07-30 06:26:38 GMT
Testing software provider ExamSoft Worldwide Inc. says a processing issue has caused a delay for some bar exam takers in multiple states in submitting their answers.
Testing software provider ExamSoft Worldwide Inc. says a processing issue has caused a delay for some bar exam takers in multiple states in submitting their answers.
Wednesday, July 30 2014 2:06 AM EDT2014-07-30 06:06:58 GMT
The federal government is suing Pennsylvania over physical fitness tests given to its applicant for state trooper positions. It says the tests discriminate against women and keeps them out of entry-level positions.
The Pennsylvania State Police, one of the nation's largest forces, is faced with ending the physical fitness tests it gives to applicants for state trooper positions or defending in court a practice that the federal...
Wednesday, July 30 2014 1:57 AM EDT2014-07-30 05:57:13 GMT
New York City officials are turning up the heat on the Elmo, Cookie Monster and Statues of Liberty impersonators who often demand money for posing in photos with tourists.
New York City officials are turning up the heat on Elmo, Cookie Monster and Statues of Liberty impersonators - Times Square costumed characters who often demand money for posing in photos with tourists.
Tuesday, July 29 2014 12:23 AM EDT2014-07-29 04:23:46 GMT
ABC/FOX Montana Sports Intern Cole Havens tells us about Disc Golf or 'Folf' as many people know it, is a sport that's becoming more and more popular in the Treasure State.
ABC/FOX Montana Sports Intern Cole Havens tells us about Disc Golf or 'Folf' as many people know it, is a sport that's becoming more and more popular in the Treasure State.
Friday, July 25 2014 12:19 AM EDT2014-07-25 04:19:06 GMT
SPOKANE, Wash. - A storm seemed to leave just as fast as it arrived Wednesday in Spokane. High winds blew over trees and utility lines, causing widespread power outages and some severe property damage. INSIDE>>>| Power Outages | PHOTOS |
SPOKANE, Wash. - A storm seemed to leave just as fast as it arrived Wednesday in Spokane. High winds blew over trees and utility lines, causing widespread power outages and some severe property damage. INSIDE>>>| Power Outages | PHOTOS |
Thursday, July 17 2014 11:32 PM EDT2014-07-18 03:32:25 GMT
At the Big Sky Kickoff this week the Coordinator of Football Officials Karl Richins addressed the crowd to get the rest of the league on the same page as the referees for the upcoming year. "No BS he just presents the new rules to you emphasizes the old rules and that was worth the whole thing in itself," said Griz Head Coach Mick Delaney. "The main emphasis this year is sideline management and that means keeping the white area clear of all the players and coaches which is supposed to be de...
At the Big Sky Kickoff this week the Coordinator of Football Officials Karl Richins addressed the crowd to get the rest of the league on the same page as the referees for the upcoming year. "No BS he just presents the new rules to you emphasizes the old rules and that was worth the whole thing in itself," said Griz Head Coach Mick Delaney. "The main emphasis this year is sideline management and that means keeping the white area clear of all the players and coaches which is supposed to be de...
Monday, April 28 2014 7:24 PM EDT2014-04-28 23:24:32 GMT
SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. - Latanya Clara Chapin, 51, has been identified as the woman who was found dead in the trunk of a car last Friday. Chapin was originally reported missing in March. The man accused of killing her is Juan Sifuentez and he made his first court appearance Monday afternoon. Sifuentez is being charged with 2nd Degree Murder and held on a $750,000 bond.
SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. - Latanya Clara Chapin, 51, has been identified as the woman who was found dead in the trunk of a car last Friday. Chapin was originally reported missing in March. The man accused of killing her is Juan Sifuentez and he made his first court appearance Monday afternoon. Sifuentez is being charged with 2nd Degree Murder and held on a $750,000 bond.
Monday, July 28 2014 7:55 PM EDT2014-07-28 23:55:12 GMT
A three-year-old Stevensville boy lost his life Saturday morning, hours after authorities say he became trapped under a log jam in the Bitterroot River.
A three-year-old Stevensville boy lost his life Saturday morning, hours after authorities say he became trapped under a log jam in the Bitterroot River.
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.
