Montana Criminal Sentencing Guidelines Calculator
Montana 3rd Degree Felony range is 0 months-10 years with fines $0-$50,000 For 2026 planning, the Montana criminal sentencing guidelines page starts with that Montana data point before adding your facts.
Montana uses indeterminate sentencing, with 1st Degree Felony at 2 years-100 years and 2nd Degree Felony at 0 months-40 years. The calculator uses MCA 46-18-201and source-verified ranges — it's an estimate, and MFL is not a law firm.
Montana — at a glance
- Core number: Montana 3rd Degree Felony range is 0 months-10 years with fines $0-$50,000
- Authority: MCA 46-18-201
- Local layer: 56 county inputs can affect timing and filing logistics.
- Decision point: 8 alternative sentencing options are listed in the source data
Important: This tool provides educational estimates only — not legal advice. Made For Law is not a law firm and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, county, or local government agency or court system. Calculator results are based on statutory formulas and publicly available fee schedules — not AI. Supporting content is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. Results may not reflect recent legislative changes or your specific circumstances. Do not rely solely on these estimates — always verify with official sources and consult a licensed attorney before making legal or financial decisions. Full disclaimer
Run the Criminal Sentencing Calculator for Montana
The calculator below is pre-loaded with Montana (MT) rules. Your inputs stay in your browser — no account required.
Key Takeaways for Montana
- Sentencing framework. Montana is coded as indeterminate under MCA 46-18-201.
- Felony examples. 1st Degree Felony: 2 years-100 years, fine $0-$50,000; 2nd Degree Felony: 0 months-40 years, fine $0-$50,000; 3rd Degree Felony: 0 months-10 years, fine $0-$50,000.
- Mandatory minimums. 5 source offenses are marked mandatory-minimum, including 1st Degree Felony.
- Source. MCA 46-18-201.
Montana sentencing framework
Montana is marked as a indeterminate state, and the primary citation is MCA 46-18-201. That framework controls whether a felony sentencing calculator should focus on a statutory range, a guideline grid, or parole eligibility.
Felony classes and levels in Montana
The source data lists 1st Degree Felony at 2 years-100 years, 2nd Degree Felony at 0 months-40 years, and 3rd Degree Felony at 0 months-10 years. Fines range from $0-$50,000 for 3rd Degree Felony up to $0-$50,000 for 1st Degree Felony.
Sentencing range examples in Montana
A Class A Misdemeanor is 0 months-1 years with $0-$1,000 in fines, while drug trafficking is coded at 2 years-100 years with $0-$50,000in fines. Those are different risk bands, so don't compare charges by label alone.
Mandatory minimums and time-served rules
The MT source marks 5 offenses with mandatory-minimum flags; DUI - 2nd Offense is 0 months-1 years with $1,200-$2,000 and notes: Minimum 7 days (5 days if chemical dependency treatment). This page doesn't add a truth-in-sentencing percentage unless the state source lists one.
Montana's sentencing statute citations
The calculator source cites 1 authority record: Montana Criminal Code (MCA 46-18-201). Re-check 2026-03-30 updates before using any MT range in court.
State-specific estimate overview
Montana cost and deadline signals is the right starting point because statewide law sets the baseline, while the facts of your criminal case determine the actual risk band. Use the calculator before you compare attorney quotes, court options, or settlement choices.
Factors that affect the Montana estimate usually comes down to three inputs: the amount at stake, the deadline or statutory rule, and whether the matter can be resolved before a contested filing. The calculator keeps those inputs separate so the result is easier to challenge.
Neighboring state comparison
| State | Comparison signal | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Montana | Montana 3rd Degree Felony range is 0 months-10 years with fines $0-$50,000 | Current page data |
| Wyoming | Wyo. Stat. §§ 2-7-803, 2-7-804; 23 county inputs tracked | Montana compared with nearby states; State data file |
| Idaho | Idaho Code § 15-3-719; 44 county inputs tracked | Montana compared with nearby states; State data file |
| North Dakota | N.D.C.C. § 30.1-18-19; 53 county inputs tracked | Montana compared with nearby states; State data file |
County-level cost factors
County variation matters in Montana because clerk practices, hearing calendars, and local filing steps can change the time cost even when the statewide rule is fixed.
- Yellowstone County: 164,731 residents, county seat in Billings.
- Missoula County: 119,600 residents, county seat in Missoula.
- Gallatin County: 118,960 residents, county seat in Bozeman.
- Flathead County: 104,357 residents, county seat in Kalispell.
- Cascade County: 82,684 residents, county seat in Great Falls.
Next steps before you decide
- Run the calculator with your current numbers and save the 2026 result.
- Compare the result with documents, notices, invoices, or deadlines already in hand.
- Use the estimate to prepare a focused consultation or filing plan before the next deadline.
Common state questions
What is the main Montana number in this Criminal Sentencing Calculator?
Montana 3rd Degree Felony range is 0 months-10 years with fines $0-$50,000 The calculator uses that point as the first Montana signal before it layers in user-entered facts.
Does the Montana Montana criminal sentencing guidelines replace a lawyer?
No. It is a planning tool for comparing numbers, deadlines, and risk signals. Confirm MCA 46-18-201 with an official source or a licensed professional.
Why do county details matter in Montana?
Montana has 56 county-level filing offices, court calendars, and local practices. Those local steps can change timing even when state law is the same.
What should I gather before using the Criminal Sentencing Calculator?
Gather the dates, amounts, documents, and court notices tied to your situation. The calculator is more useful when those inputs are specific rather than estimated.
What is the next step after the Montana estimate?
8 alternative sentencing options are listed in the source data Use the result to decide whether to organize records, request a consultation, or file the next court or agency step.
Compare your inputs
Start with the free calculator, then confirm the next legal step with the ABA state-by-state lawyer directory.
Ready to see the numbers for your Montana situation?
Run the calculator above — it's free, no email required.
Try the calculator — freeSources cited inline. Last verified May 1, 2026. Statutes change — confirm with the official state bar before filing.