Representing Yourself in Court
If the penalties in your case do not carry any potential jail time, you are not entitled to a public defender from the Public Defender’s Office. You may represent yourself or you may obtain private counsel at a cost to you, to be decided between yourself and your counsel. Our office is unable to provide you with legal advice nor advise you on what you should do.
The forms listed below are specifically for pro se litigants who have entered a not guilty plea with the court. "Pro se" means that you are representing yourself in court without a lawyer. These forms should not be used if the court appointed a public defender to your case or if you have hired a private lawyer.
Discovery Request Form
You must complete and submit (by email, regular mail or by dropping off) this form to the County Attorney’s Office to view and/or receive copies of any evidence related to your case including law enforcement reports video(s) and/or photos; surveillance video; 9-1-1 recordings; driving records; etc. Review the instructions carefully. Any fees must be paid by cash or check. Credit or debit cards are not accepted.
How to Use JusticeWeb
You may electronically access and view FREE OF CHARGE the evidence related to your case (except for video recordings) as explained in this document.
Discovery
Discovery is all of the evidence in your case such as police reports, 911 calls, videos, etc.
Use the secure online discovery portal ONLY if you are a pro se defendant or defense attorney.
Requesting Court Records
Looking for records in which you are not the defendant or victim?
Information such as police reports, investigative materials, videos, etc. are considered confidential criminal justice information (CCJI) by Montana state law. Release of CCJI without a court order is limited to victims, defendants (or their attorneys) in active criminal matters, or law enforcement.
If you are a litigant in a civil case, you or your attorney would need to obtain a written order from the Judge in your case granting the release of CCJI.
Have questions?
Call 406-258-4737 or fill out the form below.