What is the Montana County Attorneys Association?
The Montana County Attorneys Association (MCAA) is a non-profit organization comprised of county attorneys in the state of Montana. The purpose of the association is to provide education and training to its members and provide county attorneys the ability to collectively voice their concerns about public policy issues affecting their offices, public safety, services for those in the system, including victims, and the integrity of the justice system. In addition, MCAA provides continuing legal education programs, service, support and resources to the county attorneys and staff to enhance and improve the quality of all prosecution throughout Montana and facilitate access to best practices in prosecutions, law enforcement and public safety.
Who County Attorneys Represent and What They Do
County Attorneys are elected officials in most Montana counties; however there are some county attorneys who are appointed. They represent both their own county and the state of Montana within their county. County Attorneys are responsible for the prosecution of all felony crimes occurring in their county, and all misdemeanor crimes occurring outside the city limits of any city within their county. They are responsible for defending or prosecuting all civil claims for or against their county. County Attorneys also represent agencies of the State of Montana when required by law.
County Attorneys may be full or part time, usually depending on the population of the county. Full-time County Attorneys are prohibited from private practice, cannot represent private clients, and cannot give legal advice to private citizens. Part-time County Attorneys may have a part-time private practice, may represent private citizens on legal matters, and give private legal advice for compensation, so long as it does not conflict with their duties as County Attorney. The more populated counties have Deputy County Attorneys. Their number varies from county to county, dependent upon the needs of each county. These positions may be either full or part-time.
Staff, Officers, & Board of Directors
STAFF
2021-2022 OFFICERS
Ravalli County Attorney
406-375-6750
Cascade County Attorney
406-454-6915
Broadwater County Attorney
406-266-9226
Custer County Attorney
406-874-3310
2021-2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Lincoln County Attorney
406-293-2717
Richland County Attorney
406-433-2505
Jefferson County Attorney
406-225-4010
Blaine County Attorney
406-357-3220
Valley County Attorney
406-228-6286
Gallatin County Attorney
406-582-3745
Yellowstone County Attorney
406-256-2965
2019-2020
Committees
The Training Committee shall coordinate, give advice and assist the Montana Department of Justice Training Coordinator perform the functions outlined at § 44-4-103, MCA and, help create, establish and perform Membership training as the Board may request or direct.
- Ole Olson, ChairMT Dept. of Justice
- Steve HaddonJefferson County Attorney
- Scott TwitoYellowstone County Attorney
- Angela WetzsteonRavalli County Deputy Attorney
- Kristine WhiteRosebud County Attorney
The Legislative Committee shall keep abreast of legislative proposals, recommend legislative programs, and support valid legislation relating to and affecting members of the Association. Further, this committee shall actively encourage and enlist the participation of the members in all matters before the legislature while it is in session.
- William Fulbright, ChairRavalli County Attorney
- Mary Ann RiesPondera County Attorney
- Josh RackiCascade County Attorney
- Scott TwitoYellowstone County Attorney
- Ben KrakowkaAnaconda Deer Lodge County Attorney
- Leo GallagherLewis & Clark County Attorney
- Cory SwansonBroadwater County Attorney
The Convention Site Selection shall consider and recommend to the membership an appropriate site for the annual summer meeting.
- Ben Krakowka, ChairAnaconda Deer Lodge County Attorney
- Josh RackiCascade County Attorney
- Pat DringmanSweet Grass County Attorney
The Nominations Committee shall consider and recommend to the membership appropriate candidates to serve as Directors and Officers of the Association as provided in Article VII
- Mary Ann Ries, ChairPondera County Attorney
- William FulbrightRavalli County Attorney
- Marty LambertGallatin County Attorney
A National District Attorney Association (NDAA) committee shall be appointed by the President and may consist of one (1) member.
- William FulbrightRavalli County Attorney
Special committees may be named by the President.
- Marty Lambert, ChairGallatin County Attorney
- Leo GallagherLewis & Clark County Attorney
- Marcia BorisMineral County Attorney
MCAA Representatives 2019-2020
Boards & Commissions
Appointed by: The Attorney General
Two MCAA Representatives
Marty Lambert, Gallatin County Attorney
Term Expires: Indefinite
Appointed by: The Governor
One MCAA Representative
Wyatt Glade, Custer County Attorney
Term Expires: January 1, 2021
Appointed by: The Governor
One MCAA Representative
Kristine White, Rosebud County Attorney
Term Expires: January 1, 2023
Appointed by: The Attorney General
Two Local Government Representatives
Currently No County Attorney
Appointed by: The Attorney General
One MCAA Representative
Scott Twito, Yellowstone County Attorney
Appointed by: MCAA President
One MCAA Representative
Leo Gallagher, Lewis and Clark County Attorney
Term Expires: Indefinite
Appointed by: MCAA President
One MCAA Representative
Marcia Boris, Lincoln County Attorney
Term Expires: Indefinite
Appointed by: MCAA President
Two MCAA Representatives
Erin Murphy, Gallatin County Attorney
Term Expires: Indefinite