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Judges tell commissioners courts need more detention capacity and security; fines and payment practices reviewed
Summary
Justice of the Peace Eric Hummel and Tim Wentz and District Court representatives presented court budgets and raised two issues: (1) limited jail capacity forces judges to prioritize who remains detained, and (2) courtroom security gaps and statewide incidents have prompted discussion about building security and bailiff coverage.
Judges from Flathead County’s justice and district courts briefed commissioners on operating trends, fines and courtroom security and told the board the county needs additional detention capacity and a security review.
Justice of the Peace Eric Hummel and Justice of the Peace Tim Wentz described day‑to‑day court operations, declining fine revenue and how courts handle ability‑to‑pay inquiries. Hummel said fines and payments have been affected by Montana Supreme Court decisions requiring courts to consider a defendant’s ability to pay before imposing fines, and added the court routinely structures small monthly payments to allow low‑income defendants to satisfy obligations over time.
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