Aggressive, Experienced Criminal Defense Butte, Montana
Montana's Top Criminal Defense Attorney
Facing criminal charges in Butte? You need more than just a lawyer—you need a fighter. At Maldonado Law, PLLC, we deliver aggressive, strategic defense for clients in Silver Bow County and throughout Western Montana. Whether you’re facing misdemeanor charges or serious felony allegations, we’ll stand by you every step of the way.
Butte's Top Criminal Defense Attorney
If you’re facing charges in Butte, your case will likely go through the Butte-Silver Bow Municipal Court or the Silver Bow County District Court, depending on the nature and severity of the offense. We’re deeply familiar with the local court system and know how to build defenses that work in these specific venues.
Protect Your Rights
Get the Best Criminal Defense in Montana
If you’ve been charged with a crime in Montana, you have the constitutional right to legal representation—and you need a defense attorney who will fight for your rights at every stage of the legal process. We represent clients across Western Montana handling a wide range of cases, and your case is no exception. Contact Us Today to learn more about what your options are.
If you’ve been arrested in Butte, it’s critical to act fast. Police and prosecutors often move quickly, especially in serious criminal cases. You may be held at the Butte-Silver Bow Detention Center, and charges can escalate before you’ve had a chance to defend yourself. Contact Maldonado Law immediately to protect your rights, review the facts, and begin building a defense before your first court appearance.
Don’t face criminal charges alone. Contact Maldonado Law today for a free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your freedom.
Whether you’re facing a minor misdemeanor or a serious felony, we’ll build a strong defense, guide you through every step, and fight for the best possible outcome. No case is ever the same, and we take that to heart. Treating every case differently and building a defense that can represent you and your situation specifically.
Facing Felony Charges in Butte
In Butte, felony charges—such as assault with a weapon, burglary, and drug distribution—are handled by the Silver Bow County District Court. These cases are aggressively prosecuted, and a conviction can change your life forever. Our team knows how Butte prosecutors operate and how to challenge their case from the start.
Being Charged With a Violent Crime
Law enforcement in Butte takes a tough stance on violent crimes. Whether you’re accused of domestic assault, robbery, or aggravated assault, your case will likely move fast through local courts. We’ll investigate the facts, protect your rights, and fight the prosecution at every step.
Drug Charges
Butte has seen an increase in drug-related arrests in recent years. Whether it’s marijuana, prescription drugs, meth, or opioids, you can face serious consequences even for possession. We know the drug enforcement landscape in Silver Bow County and have successfully defended drug cases in local courtrooms.
Being Charged With a Misdemeanor
While misdemeanors may seem less serious than felonies, they can still carry lasting consequences—jail time, fines, probation, and a permanent mark on your record. Even minor charges can have big consequences. From shoplifting at Butte Plaza Mall to disorderly conduct downtown, we help clients resolve misdemeanors in a way that avoids jail time and protects their future.
Federal Criminal Cases
If you’re under federal investigation or charged with a federal crime in Butte, your case will likely be handled by the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana. These are complex cases—our team knows how to navigate federal courts and protect your rights against serious charges.
When you’re facing criminal charges, experience and strategy matter. At Maldonado Law, we offer aggressive, effective legal representation backed by over a decade of criminal law experience. Our clients trust us because we’ve handled hundreds of criminal cases with successful outcomes, we build smart, aggressive defense strategies based on your specific case, our clients receive honest communication and personalized legal guidance, and every case we handle—felony or misdemeanor—is treated with the seriousness it deserves.
Waiting is a Risk Not Worth Taking
It's Your Right to be Defended
If you’ve been charged with a crime in Montana, you have the constitutional right to legal representation—and you need a defense attorney who will fight for your rights at every stage of the legal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I’m charged with a crime in Butte?
Do not speak to law enforcement without legal representation. Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible—especially if you’ve been taken to the Butte-Silver Bow Detention Center or issued a court date in the Municipal or District Court.
Where will my criminal case be heard in Butte?
Misdemeanor and municipal code violations are usually handled in Butte-Silver Bow Municipal Court, while more serious or felony-level cases go to Silver Bow County District Court.
Can I go to jail for a misdemeanor in Butte?
Yes. Even a first-time misdemeanor can result in jail time, probation, and fines. Having an attorney can help you avoid or reduce penalties—especially if it’s your first offense.
What happens after I’m charged?
You will be arraigned in court, where you’ll hear the charges against you and enter a plea. Then, your case may proceed to negotiation, trial, or dismissal depending on the circumstances.
Do I need a lawyer if I plan to plead guilty?
Even if you think you’ll plead guilty, having a lawyer can help negotiate a better deal, reduce charges, or protect you from unexpected consequences. Never enter a plea without legal guidance. You can learn more about your rights and What Are My Rights If I’m Arrested in Montana?
Do I Have to Talk to Police Without a Lawyer?
Do Not Self Incriminate Know Your Rights. “You have the right to remain silent” is no joke, and “Anything you say Can and Will be Help Against You.” and You do NOT have to answer any questions after arrest, except for providing identification (name, address). You can—and should—say: “I want to speak with my lawyer” at any time, providing your ID has fulfilled everything you need to do for an officer. You can earn more here on our criminal insight : Do I Have to Talk to Police Without a Lawyer?
Can criminal charges be expunged?
Some misdemeanor and certain felony convictions may be eligible for expungement under Montana law. However, this can only be done once, so make sure to pick Maldonado Law so you can rest assured it gets done right. View our Criminal Expungement Page to learn more