Montana Supreme Court
State v. Trombley
April 14, 20262026 MT 77
Summary
The Montana Supreme Court affirmed the district court’s imposition and suspension of a $5,000 mandatory fine for a felony DUI, finding the sentencing complied with statutory requirements, and remanded the case to strike a judgment condition that improperly delegated authority to the probation office. The Court relied on its recent decision in State v. Cole to harmonize ability‑to‑pay provisions with mandatory fine statutes, and held that only the district court may modify sentence conditions under § 46‑18‑203.