Beaverhead County District Court Calendar for Aug. 24-28

DILLON, Mont. — The Montana Fifth Judicial District Court in Beaverhead County has several criminal and civil matters scheduled for the week of August 24–28, including a sentencing, changes of plea, initial appearances and evidentiary hearings.

According to the court’s Law and Motion Calendar, proceedings begin Monday, August 24, with Judge Berger listed as being in Virginia City. At 9:30 a.m., State v. Hiltz, Cause No. 25-4339, is scheduled for a change of plea. Margot Newman is listed as attorney for the State, with Mariah Marshall representing the defendant.

Tuesday, August 25, has the largest number of cases on the calendar. Proceedings scheduled include:

• 9:00 a.m. — State v. Stoddard, Cause Nos. 25-4348 & 4357 — Sentencing. Margot Newman for the State; Walter Hennessey for the defendant.

• 9:10 a.m. — State v. Dwyer, Cause No. 26-4351 — Change of plea. Margot Newman for the State; Walter Hennessey for the defendant.

• 9:20 a.m. — State v. J. White, Cause No. 25-4309 — Status hearing. Margot Newman for the State; Walter Hennessey for the defendant.

• 9:30 a.m. — State v. Lopez, Cause No. 26-4384 — Initial appearance. Margot Newman for the State; Walter Hennessey for the defendant.

• 9:40 a.m. — State v. J. Schmidt, Cause No. 26-4385 — Initial appearance. Sky Jones for the State; Brent Flowers for the defendant.

• 9:50 a.m. — State v. Juarez, Cause No. 19-3893 — Evidentiary hearing. John Gardner for the State; Walter Hennessey for the defendant.

• 10:00 a.m. — State v. C. Schmidt, Cause Nos. 23-4169 & 4170 — One-hour evidentiary hearing. Sky Jones for the State; Walter Hennessey for the defendant.

Two civil matters are also scheduled Tuesday. At 11 a.m., Harper v. Muntzer, Cause No. 23-14151, is scheduled for a hearing on a temporary order of protection, with both parties listed as representing themselves. At 1:30 p.m., Romasko v. Mehn, Cause No. 26-14943, is scheduled for a half-day bench trial, with the parties also listed as pro se.

Judge Berger is listed as being in Boulder on Wednesday, August 26. No proceedings are listed on the Beaverhead County calendar for Thursday, August 27, or Friday, August 28.

The court notes that the calendar is subject to change and that hearing times have been adjusted to accommodate the court schedule. Court proceedings may also be viewed through Zoom, although viewers must sign in using their first and last name to be allowed access.

Southwestern Montana News will continue to follow local court proceedings and provide updates on cases of public interest as information becomes available.

Editor’s Note: An initial appearance, change of plea, status hearing or other court proceeding does not by itself indicate guilt. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.