Juvenile defense across southern and western Montana. We protect your child's record, their future, and your family's peace of mind. Free consultation, available 7 days a week.
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If you're reading this at 2am, scared and Googling — you're doing the right thing. But please, take a breath.
Most kids who get in trouble with the law in Montana don't go to jail. Many don't even see a judge. But what you do in the next few days matters a lot for your child's future. Here are the facts you need to know right now:
Handled without a judge, no formal court, and often no public record.
Goes to Youth Court. We fight to keep charges reduced and records clean.
Very rarely do juvenile cases result in commitment to state facilities.
"The system is designed to give kids a second chance. Our job is to make sure your kid actually gets one."
Anyone under 18 charged with a crime in Montana goes through Youth Court (except traffic and fish & game violations). It is part of the District Court system. Most cases start with a referral to the Juvenile Probation Officer (JPO), not a courtroom.
What most kids get
About 20% of cases
We help your child get the best possible outcome at whichever stage they're in — including keeping the case informal whenever possible.
Alcohol, marijuana, vape, or nicotine. We work to prevent license suspensions and permanent marks.
Montana has a 0.02% zero-tolerance limit. The stakes for auto insurance and records are high.
Possession of controlled substances or paraphernalia, frequently occurring on school grounds.
Retail theft, joyriding, or possession of stolen property. We focus on restitution over punishment.
Including school fights, bullying allegations, and domestic violence charges from family arguments.
Highly misunderstood behaviors that can result in terrifying charges. Handled with extreme discretion.
Graffiti, criminal mischief, or entering property illegally. Often resolved through informal restitution.
Zero-tolerance policies mean severe school consequences combined with serious legal charges.
These can be life-altering. Call us immediately before your child makes any statement whatsoever.
Don't see your situation? Click to Call. We've probably handled it.
Many parents think, "It's just an informal meeting with the probation officer, we don't need to spend money on a lawyer." This is the most costly mistake a family can make.
A lawyer negotiates BEFORE your child admits to anything, and can often get charges reduced or referred away from the court entirely. Once your child talks, you can't unring the bell. Call before the meeting, not after.
A momentary lapse in judgment shouldn't dictate your child's adult life. A juvenile record, if not properly handled, can surface for years and affect:
Montana law allows juvenile records to be sealed in many circumstances—but it is not automatic. It has to be done correctly, and timing matters. We don't just defend the case today; we defend your child's future tomorrow.
Montana is a zero-tolerance state. For drivers under 21, the legal limit is 0.02% BAC (compared to 0.08% for adults). One beer can trigger it.
If your child got pulled over and it involved alcohol, call before they make any statements.
Silence is golden. Don't let your child talk to police, school officials, or the Juvenile Probation Officer until you've spoken with a lawyer.
Show up. If your child is being interviewed at school, you have the right to be present — exercise it immediately.
Document. Write down everything you know about the incident, who was there, and timelines while it's fresh in your mind.
Stay off social media. Do not post about the situation, and ensure your child locks down and stops posting on their accounts immediately.
Hold the lecture. Don't lecture or punish until you understand what happened legally. Emotional reactions right now can accidentally hurt the defense case.
The first conversation is free and confidential.
We meet at your home, your child's school, the courthouse, or wherever works best for your family. You don't have to navigate downtown parking in a crisis.
Rev. RJ Dieken, Esq. personally handles your child's case — the strategy, the hearings, the conversations that matter. Available 7 days a week.
School problems and weekend incidents don't wait for Monday morning. We're available Monday through Sunday, 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
We understand the extreme family privacy at stake. We operate with strict confidentiality, protecting both the legal case and family reputation.
We offer free, confidential consultations to tell you what we think before you spend a dollar. For most juvenile cases, we use flat-fee pricing so you know the exact cost upfront. We work with families on payment plans when needed — money should not stand between your child and a real defense.
Across 30+ counties throughout southern and western Montana, including:
Don't see your town? Click to Call — we likely cover it.
Free, confidential consultation. We answer 7 days a week. Your family's privacy is our priority.
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