B.R.I.D.G.E.R.S. Court

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BRIDGERS Court logo - lg color (outline)Overview

The BRIDGERS Court is an alternative to incarceration for individuals facing DUI 2nd, DUI 3rd or Aggravated DUI charges whose involvement in the legal system is rooted in a substance use disorder or a co-occurring substance use/mental health disorder.  This program connects participants with local, state, and federal benefits and facilitates treatment services. The BRIDGERS Court is a voluntary 12-15 month program that uses a collaborative and evidence-based approach to treatment and rehabilitation.

Mission

The mission of the BRIDGERS Court is to provide misdemeanor DUI offenders an evidence-based treatment program to reduce recidivism and provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional sentencing practices while enhancing public safety. Through community partnerships, the BRIDGERS Court is dedicated to the coordination of collaborative court services which include individualized treatment plans, close supervision, and judicial involvement all to promote long-term recovery and accountability.

 

Eligibility Criteria

  • Reside in Gallatin County 

  • Be 18 years of age or older

  • Be charged with a DUI 2nd, DUI 3rd or Aggravated DUI 

  • Have treatment needs that the Court can meet while maintaining public safety 

  • Have an eligible charge in a court of limited jurisdiction in Gallatin County (Bozeman, Belgrade, Gallatin County Justice Court)

Referrals

Referrals can be made using the online referral form, by filling in the printable referral form and returning it to the Bozeman Municipal Court counter, or by calling and/or emailing the court coordinator, Renee Boundy, at (406) 582-2932.

 

Referral Process

1. Referral is made via the options listed above

2. The BRIDGERS Court Coordinator:  

  • Schedules intake appointment and gathers initial information  
  • Contacts defense counsel  
  • Schedules chemical dependency evaluation 
  • Schedules applicant’s court observation 

3. BRIDGERS Court team reviews chemical dependency evaluation and screening metrics and decides eligibility

4. Applicant and defense counsel notified of eligibility decision  

5. Applicant signs program contract with BRIDGERS Court defense counsel  

6. BRIDGERS Court standardized plea agreement proposed to sentencing judge and prosecutor 

7. Individual makes first BRIDGERS Court appearance

 

Address

Bozeman Municipal Court

Bozeman Public Safety Center 

901 N Rouse Ave, Suite 235

Bozeman, MT 59715

 

Staff

Renee Boundy, Court Coordinator

Cell: 406-548-5950

Desk: 406-582-2932

Email: rboundy@bozeman.net

 

Delaney Connor, Case Manager

Cell: 406-595-5811

Desk: 406-582-2934

Email: dconnor@bozeman.net

 

BRIDGERS DUI Court Team

J. Colleen Herrington, Judge

Renee Boundy, Court Coordinator

Delaney Connor, Case Manager

Steve Ette, Court Services

Michelle Jurkovski, Community Supervision

Ashley Carroll, City Prosecutor

Eric Brewer, Defense Counsel

Natalie Walz, Defense Counsel

Jessie Holton, Community Treatment

Joseph Swanson & Hal Richardson, Bozeman Police Department Liaison

Joe Schumacher, Community Liaison