Top DUI Attorney in Bozeman, MT
Being charged with driving under the influence in Bozeman, Montana, is a serious matter. The consequences of a DUI conviction can extend far beyond court fines or a temporary license suspension—they can affect your job, your future mobility, your reputation, and your permanent criminal record. At Holloway & Hulling PLLC, we offer aggressive and experienced legal defense for individuals accused of DUI in Gallatin County and surrounding areas.
We understand the fear and confusion that comes with a DUI arrest. Whether it’s your first charge or you’re facing a repeat offense, the legal system in Bozeman is designed to prosecute these cases harshly. You need a DUI attorney who not only knows Montana DUI law inside and out, but who also knows how to challenge the evidence and protect your rights from the very beginning.
Montana’s DUI Laws: What You Need to Know
Montana law defines driving under the influence as operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination that impairs your ability to safely operate a vehicle. However, you can still be charged even if your BAC is below the legal limit—if the officer believes your ability to drive was impaired.
There are multiple categories of DUI in Montana, including:
- First-offense DUI
- Second or third DUI
- Aggravated DUI (with BAC over 0.16%)
- DUI per se (based strictly on BAC)
- Felony DUI (fourth offense or more)
- DUI involving injury or property damage
- Underage DUI (zero tolerance for drivers under 21)
Each carries a distinct set of penalties and challenges. The sooner you involve a skilled DUI attorney in Bozeman, the better your chances of avoiding the harshest consequences.
Penalties for DUI in Bozeman
DUI penalties in Gallatin County can escalate quickly. Even a first offense may result in:
- Up to 6 months in jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- Mandatory alcohol treatment programs
- Driver’s license suspension (up to 6 months)
- Installation of an ignition interlock device
- Permanent criminal record
For repeat offenses, penalties are significantly more severe—including mandatory minimum jail time, higher fines, extended license suspensions, and felony charges in some cases. Aggravating factors, like having a child passenger or causing an accident, can lead to enhanced sentencing.
Bozeman judges take DUI offenses seriously, and prosecutors rarely offer leniency without legal pressure. That’s where we come in.
How We Defend DUI Charges in Bozeman
How We Defend DUI Charges in Bozeman
Every DUI case is different. We start by digging into the details—reviewing the police report, body cam footage, breath or blood test results, and any available witness statements. Our goal is to find errors, inconsistencies, or constitutional violations that weaken the State’s case.
Common defense strategies include:
In many cases, we are able to negotiate reductions in charges, prevent license suspension, or even secure complete dismissals. When trial becomes necessary, our attorneys have the courtroom experience and local credibility to mount a compelling defense before a Gallatin County jury.
First-Time Offenders: What to Expect
For individuals facing their first DUI charge, the process can be particularly intimidating. You may be wondering if you’ll go to jail, if you’ll lose your license, or if this will follow you forever. While Montana does not offer a formal diversion program for DUI, we often help first-time clients achieve more favorable outcomes by advocating for: Deferred sentencing (which may lead to dismissal if conditions are met), Alternative sentencing (such as community service in place of jail), Limited license reinstatement for work or education, and Minimizing financial impact and avoiding jail whenever possible. Our priority is to protect your future by keeping your record clean and your driving privileges intact.
Commercial Drivers and DUI Charges
If you hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL), a DUI charge can threaten your entire livelihood. Montana law imposes stricter standards on CDL holders, including:
- Lower BAC threshold (0.04%)
- Automatic suspension of CDL upon conviction
- Potential lifetime disqualification for repeat offenses
We treat CDL cases with extra urgency, exploring every available legal avenue to preserve your ability to work. This may include challenging the evidence, pursuing administrative appeals, and advocating for charge reductions or dismissals.
Underage DUI in Bozeman
Montana enforces a strict zero-tolerance rule for motorists under 21. If a driver under the legal drinking age has a BAC of 0.02% or higher, they can be charged with an under-21 DUI. Penalties for underage DUI can include:
- Fines
- License suspension
- Mandatory alcohol education
- Long-term record consequences affecting scholarships, housing, and employment
We take a proactive approach to defending young drivers, seeking outcomes that prioritize rehabilitation and minimize long-term impact.
What to Do After a DUI Arrest in Bozeman
The hours immediately following a DUI arrest are crucial. Law enforcement may pressure you to provide statements or consent to testing. Here’s what you should do:
- Remain calm and polite with officers. Don’t resist or argue.
- Do not answer questions beyond basic identification without a lawyer present.
- If you’re asked to submit to a breath or blood test, know that refusal has consequences—but so does agreeing.
- Contact an experienced DUI attorney as soon as possible.
The sooner we’re involved, the more control we have over the direction your case takes. We can intervene early with prosecutors, preserve key evidence, and start building a defense that fits your specific situation.
Read Our Google Verified Reviews
I recently had the pleasure of being represented by Nathan Hulling of Holloway & Hulling. I also had a couple of brief interactions with Nate Hulling when Nathan wasn’t available and found him to be extremely helpful and professional. Nathan Hulling is a skilled and very knowledgeable attorney. He’s communicative and sympathetic to his clients and their cases. He came to Court in Ravalli County with a lot of documentation to support my case. I think he truly cares about his clients and works tirelessly to advocate for them. I would absolutely recommend this law firm.
As a fellow attorney, if anyone asks me who a good criminal defense attorney is, I tell them Nathan Hulling. I trust that he will take good care of anyone I send over. And in each case he has navigated them through the justice system and achieved favorable results. Nathan is a reliable, skilled, and experienced attorney. And most importantly, a good person. If you find yourself in need of a criminal defense attorney, this is the place to go.
Great team of lawyers helped me get everything taken care of in a situation that felt hopeless at the time! They were able to guide me through each step and make me feel good about it every step of the way! I couldn’t possibly say better things about Holloway or Hulling and would recommend them to anyone in need! Thanks again for everything guys!
The Importance of Local Representation
Not all defense attorneys are created equal. When you’re charged in Bozeman, you need someone who knows the local legal culture, who’s appeared before the same judges and prosecutors, and who understands how to navigate Gallatin County’s courts with skill and confidence.
At Holloway & Hulling, we live and work in Montana. We’re familiar with the nuances of Bozeman’s legal system—from the procedural quirks to the personalities involved. This local insight allows us to offer more targeted, effective representation that out-of-town firms simply can’t match.
Schedule a Free DUI Case Consultation in Bozeman
If you’ve been charged with DUI in Bozeman or Gallatin County, don’t face the legal system alone. Your freedom, your license, and your future are too important. At Holloway & Hulling, we provide aggressive, experienced defense tailored to the specifics of your case.
We’re ready to stand between you and the full weight of the legal system. Let us help you fight back.
Contact us today to schedule your free, confidential DUI case consultation.
