10 Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Helena, MT

This guide covers 10 criminal defense attorneys and firms serving Helena, Lewis and Clark County, and nearby communities including East Helena, Montana City, Clancy, and Jefferson County. Felony cases in Helena are heard in the First Judicial District Court, misdemeanors in Helena Municipal Court or Lewis and Clark County Justice Court, and federal cases in the U.S. District Court’s Helena Division. We evaluated each attorney on relevant prior experience, such as service as a county attorney, deputy prosecutor, or public defender, documented jury trial and appellate work, years practicing criminal law in Montana, whether criminal defense is the firm’s primary focus or one of several practice areas, and practical factors such as free consultations and local office access.

When comparing options, ask three practical questions. First, does the attorney regularly appear before First Judicial District judges and the Lewis and Clark County Attorney’s office, and how many cases have they actually taken to a jury? Second, has the attorney worked as a prosecutor and seen how DUI and drug cases are built from the state’s side? Third, for a DUI arrest involving a test refusal, will the firm also file the petition challenging your license suspension, which must be filed within 30 days?

1. Delli Bovi, Martin & Reed, LLC

• Attorney/Key Figure: Colin J. Delli Bovi, Sam Martin, and Ben Reed, Attorneys
• Headquarters: 34 W. 6th Ave., Suite 2E, Helena, MT 59601
• Phone: (406) 422-4700
• Website: dbmrlaw.com
• Practice Areas: Criminal Defense (DUI, Assault, Domestic Violence, Drug Crimes, Gun and Firearm Charges, Sex Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes, Felonies and Misdemeanors, Traffic Violations, CDL Defense), Family Law, Estate Planning, Employment Law, Personal Injury, Business Law
• Firm Size: Four-attorney Helena firm with more than 40 years of combined experience and more than 1,000 cases resolved

About the Firm: Delli Bovi, Martin & Reed is a downtown Helena firm whose four attorneys bring more than 40 years of combined experience and have resolved more than 1,000 cases. Colin J. Delli Bovi has practiced in Montana since 2013, spending much of his career representing indigent clients, and served for three years as defense counsel for the First Judicial District Family Treatment Court, giving him direct experience with the district’s treatment-court and diversion options. Sam Martin has practiced criminal defense in Montana since 2018.

The firm defends the full range of charges heard in Lewis and Clark County, from DUI and CDL cases to assault, domestic violence, drug, firearm, and sex offenses, and it handles felonies and misdemeanors throughout Lewis and Clark, Jefferson, Butte-Silver Bow, Anaconda-Deer Lodge, and Missoula Counties. Initial consultations are free, and the firm’s family law practice is a practical resource when a partner or family member assault charge comes with an order of protection or custody issue.

2. Mountain & Valley Law Firm

• Attorney/Key Figure: Albert “Al” Jones, Founder
• Headquarters: 389 S. Ferguson Ave., Bozeman, MT 59718
• Phone: (406) 319-3024
• Website: valleylawmt.com
• Practice Areas: Criminal Defense (DUI, Drug Possession, Assault, Sexual Offenses, Disorderly Conduct, Minor in Possession, Student Offenses and Academic Conduct, White-Collar Crime, Post-Conviction Relief and Expungement, Criminal Appeals), Civil Litigation, Family Law, Real Estate, Business Law, Trusts and Estate Planning
• Firm Size: Four-attorney Montana firm serving Helena, Bozeman, Missoula, Billings, and communities statewide

About the Firm: Mountain & Valley Law Firm is a four-attorney practice led by founder Albert “Al” Jones that represents clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges in both state and federal court, serving Helena along with Bozeman, Missoula, Billings, and communities across Montana. Its criminal practice covers DUI, drug possession, assault, sexual offenses, and white-collar charges, and its attorneys personally handle each case, giving clients direct guidance from start to finish.

The firm also handles criminal appeals, post-conviction relief, and expungement, so it can help clients both during a case and long after it is resolved. Its experience with student offenses and academic conduct matters is useful for college students whose criminal charge also triggers a school disciplinary process.

3. Beebe & Flowers Law Firm

• Attorney/Key Figure: Greg Beebe and Brent Flowers, Founding Partners
• Headquarters: 555 Fuller Ave., Suite 2, Helena, MT 59601
• Phone: (406) 442-3300
• Website: helenalegal.com
• Practice Areas: Criminal Defense (DUI, Drug and Marijuana Offenses, Domestic Violence, Violent Offenses, Weapon and Firearm Offenses, Property Crimes, Sex Crimes, White-Collar Crimes, Warrants, Juvenile Defense), Appeals, Family Law, Class Action
• Firm Size: Two-partner trial firm; the partners have taken roughly 150 to 200 cases to trial; Beebe is a former Assistant Public Defender and Deputy Jefferson County Attorney

About the Firm: Greg Beebe served as an Assistant Public Defender with the Office of the State Public Defender from 2007 to 2009 and then as a Deputy Jefferson County Attorney prosecuting felonies and misdemeanors from 2009 to 2011, so he has worked on both sides of Montana criminal cases. He joined Brent Flowers in 2018 to form Beebe & Flowers. Flowers has tried well over 100 jury trials and brings experience in homicide and serious sex crime cases.

Together the partners have taken roughly 150 to 200 cases to trial, a record that gives them credibility when negotiating with prosecutors. Beebe also devotes a significant part of his practice to appeals before the Montana Supreme Court. Consultations are free and confidential. As a two-partner firm, it has less bench depth than a larger practice.

4. Hoovestal Law

• Attorney/Key Figure: Palmer Hoovestal, Founding Attorney
• Headquarters: Helena, MT
• Phone: (406) 457-0970
• Website: hoovestal-law.com
• Practice Areas: Criminal Defense (DUI, Partner or Family Member Assault and Orders of Protection, Drug Offenses, Violent Crimes, Sex Crimes, Human Trafficking, Federal Criminal Cases, Misdemeanors and Felonies), Appeals, Sentencing Mitigation, Civil Defense
• Firm Size: Solo practice operating since 1990; founder has 37 years of criminal defense experience

About the Firm: Palmer Hoovestal has run his own Helena practice since 1990 and has 37 years of criminal defense experience in state and federal court. He is admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court, the Ninth and Fourth Circuit Courts of Appeals, and the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana, and he has presented oral argument to state and federal appellate courts more than 32 times.

That appellate and federal experience makes the practice a strong fit for serious felonies, federal charges, and cases headed for appeal. He prepares each case as if it will go to trial, with a focus on investigation and pretrial motions. As a solo practice, it does not have a team of associates.

5. Watson Law Office, P.C.

• Attorney/Key Figure: Herman Watson and Chuck Watson, Attorneys
• Headquarters: 101 E. Main St., Suite C, Bozeman, MT 59715
• Phone: (406) 586-4707
• Website: montanacriminallawyer.com
• Practice Areas: DUI Defense, Criminal Defense, Professional Licensing (discipline and related criminal charges), Personal Injury
• Firm Size: Family-operated firm with six attorneys, practicing in Montana since 1992

About the Firm: Watson Law Office is a family-operated criminal defense firm that has practiced in Montana since 1992, with a team of six attorneys led by Herman Watson and Chuck Watson. Its practice centers on DUI and criminal defense, and the firm publishes its notable DUI and criminal case results on its website. Herman Watson holds a 10.0 Avvo rating and an Avvo Clients’ Choice Award.

The firm also defends licensed professionals whose criminal charge can trigger a separate licensing or disciplinary action, and it handles those licensing matters statewide. Its office is in Bozeman, roughly 95 miles from Helena, so Helena clients will often meet with the firm by phone or video.

6. Dodd Law Firm, P.C.

• Attorney/Key Figure: Matt Dodd, Founding Attorney
• Headquarters: 3825 Valley Commons Dr., Suite 5, Bozeman, MT 59718 (additional office in Big Sky)
• Phone: (406) 577-2391
• Website: doddlawfirmpc.com
• Practice Areas: DUI Defense, Criminal Defense (Theft, Drug Crimes, Domestic Violence), Family and Custody Law, Personal Injury
• Firm Size: Small firm; founder is a former Utah Supreme Court law clerk and a National College for DUI Defense faculty member and state delegate

About the Firm: Matt Dodd clerked for the Utah Supreme Court before building a Montana practice focused on DUI and criminal defense. He is a faculty member, Montana state delegate, and national task force member of the National College for DUI Defense, and he received the NCDD’s 2017 Appellate Advocacy Award. He has also been named a Super Lawyers Rising Star and holds a 10.0 Avvo rating.

His DUI practice covers aggravated DUI, felony fourth-offense DUI, and cases involving drugs or medical marijuana, with a focus on challenging flaws in breath and blood testing. He also appears in Helena-area courts, though the firm’s listed offices are in Bozeman and Big Sky. Because he also handles family law and personal injury, criminal defense is one of several practice areas.

7. Vicevich Law

• Attorney/Key Figure: David Vicevich, Founding Attorney
• Headquarters: 3738 Harrison Ave., Butte, MT 59701 (Helena office at 120 E. Lyndale Ave., Helena, MT 59601)
• Phone: (406) 782-1111
• Website: vicevichlaw.com
• Practice Areas: Criminal Law, DUI, Civil Litigation
• Firm Size: Multi-attorney firm with offices in Butte and Helena; founder has defended criminal cases in Montana since 2001

About the Firm: David Vicevich opened his own criminal defense practice in Butte in 2001 and defended his first homicide case by the end of 2002. He has litigated in federal, state, and municipal courts across Montana and is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Montana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Before law school graduation, he interned in the Butte-Silver Bow County Attorney’s office.

The firm has an office on East Lyndale Avenue in Helena in addition to its Butte headquarters, and it handles criminal and DUI defense alongside civil litigation. Its main office is in Butte, so Helena clients may work with attorneys who split their time between the two cities.

8. Law Office of Carl B. Jensen, Jr., PLLC

• Attorney/Key Figure: Carl B. Jensen Jr., Founding Attorney
• Headquarters: 410 Central Ave., Suite 506B, Great Falls, MT 59401
• Phone: (406) 899-6696
• Website: carlbjensenjr.com
• Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI Defense, Military Law
• Firm Size: Solo practice; founder is a former prosecutor with more than 20 years of practice in courts across Montana
• Practice Area Page: DUI Defense

About the Firm: Carl B. Jensen Jr. is a former prosecutor with more than 20 years of practice in courts across Montana, and his practice is focused on criminal defense and military law. He represents clients throughout Central Montana, within roughly 100 miles of Great Falls, which includes Helena and Lewis and Clark County.

His military law practice is useful for service members whose civilian charge can also affect their military career. As a solo practitioner based in Great Falls, he does not have a Helena office, so local clients will travel or meet remotely.

9. Hull, Swingley & Betchie, P.C.

• Attorney/Key Figure: Firm Attorneys
• Headquarters: Helena, MT 59634 (mailing address: PO Box 534)
• Phone: (406) 204-5710
• Website: hullmtlaw.com
• Practice Areas: Criminal Defense (Homicide, Robbery, Drug Offenses, White-Collar Crimes, Assault, Theft, DUI, Domestic Violence, Partner or Family Member Assault, Violations of Orders of Protection, Stalking, Trespassing, Poaching and Wildlife Violations, Federal Grand Jury Subpoenas and Target Letters), Appeals, Family Law, Business Law, Collections, Property Management Law
• Firm Size: Helena general practice firm with trial and appellate experience

About the Firm: Hull, Swingley & Betchie is a Helena firm whose criminal practice covers felonies such as homicide, robbery, drug offenses, and white-collar crimes, along with misdemeanors including DUI, assault, theft, and partner or family member assault. It also advises clients who receive federal grand jury subpoenas or target letters from agencies such as the DOJ and FBI, and it has handled appeals before the Montana Supreme Court and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

The firm’s experience with poaching and wildlife violations is relevant in a region where fish and game charges are common. It commits to contacting prospective clients within 24 hours of a consultation request. Its website does not name individual criminal defense attorneys, and criminal law is one of several practice areas alongside family, business, collections, and property management work.

10. Judnich & Sherwood, P.C.

• Attorney/Key Figure: Marty Judnich, President
• Headquarters: 501 S. Russell St., Missoula, MT 59801 (additional office in Bozeman)
• Phone: (406) 721-3354; Helena line (406) 558-3990
• Website: jslawmt.com
• Practice Areas: Criminal Defense (DUI, Drug Charges, Misdemeanor Expungement, Offender Registry Removal, Conditional Probation Discharge), Personal Injury, Family Law
• Firm Size: Multi-attorney firm with offices in Missoula and Bozeman and decades of experience

About the Firm: Judnich & Sherwood is a multi-attorney Montana firm led by Marty Judnich whose attorneys practice only criminal defense, personal injury, and family law. Its criminal practice focuses on DUI and drug charges, and it also handles post-case relief such as misdemeanor expungement, offender registry removal, and conditional discharge from probation.

The firm offers free consultations for criminal clients, along with after-hours and online appointments, and maintains a Helena phone line. Its offices are in Missoula and Bozeman, so it has no physical office in Helena, which makes in-person meetings less convenient than with a local firm.

Helena, MT Criminal Defense Resources

• Lewis and Clark County Clerk of District Court: Maintains felony court records for the First Judicial District.
• Lewis and Clark County Justice Court: Handles misdemeanor and traffic cases arising outside Helena city limits.
• Helena Municipal Court: Handles misdemeanor and traffic cases arising within Helena city limits.
• Lewis and Clark County Attorney’s Office: Prosecutes felony and misdemeanor cases in the county.
• Montana Office of the State Public Defender: Represents defendants who cannot afford a private attorney.
• Federal Defenders of Montana, Helena Office: Represents eligible defendants in federal criminal cases.
• Montana Motor Vehicle Division: Handles driver’s license suspensions, revocations, and reinstatement after a DUI.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I refuse a breath or blood test in Montana?

Under Montana’s implied consent law, refusing a test can lead to a driver’s license suspension of up to one year, separate from the criminal DUI charge. You have 30 days to file a petition challenging the suspension, so it is important to act quickly. Attorneys with DUI-specific training, such as Jessica Wilkerson at Sage Law and Erin Inman, a former Montana Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor, regularly handle these cases.

Which court will hear my case in Helena?

It depends on the charge and where it happened. Felonies go to the First Judicial District Court. Misdemeanors that occur within city limits go to Helena Municipal Court, and those elsewhere in Lewis and Clark County go to Justice Court. Local firms such as Delli Bovi, Martin & Reed and Beebe & Flowers appear in all three.

Should I hire a former prosecutor?

A former prosecutor understands how charges are built and how plea offers are decided. Mathew Johnson served 13 years as the Jefferson County Attorney, and Greg Beebe of Beebe & Flowers worked as both a public defender and a deputy county attorney. Trial experience matters just as much, so ask how many cases the attorney has taken to a jury.

Can I get a charge dismissed or my record cleared in Montana?

Often, yes. Montana allows deferred imposition of sentence in many cases, after which the guilty plea can be withdrawn and the charge dismissed, and certain misdemeanor records can be expunged. Firms such as Mountain & Valley Law Firm and Judnich & Sherwood handle post-conviction relief and expungement.

What if I am charged with a federal crime in Helena?

Federal cases are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana, which has a division in Helena. They follow federal rules and sentencing guidelines and often involve agencies such as the FBI or DEA. Attorneys admitted to federal court with federal trial and appellate experience, such as Palmer Hoovestal, are well suited to these cases.

Is a DUI ever a felony in Montana?

Yes. A first, second, or third DUI is generally a misdemeanor, but a fourth or subsequent DUI is a felony in Montana, with significantly higher penalties. Repeat-offense cases benefit from experienced trial counsel, and firms such as Vicevich Law and Hull, Swingley & Betchie handle DUI defense alongside other felony matters.

Disclaimer: For informational purposes only-not legal advice. Attorney availability, practice areas, and credentials in Helena change over time. Verify all details directly with each firm and the State Bar of Montana before hiring counsel.