Opinion ID: 887267
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: issues

Text: ¶ 30 Did the District Court err when it denied Dunfee's motion to dismiss the Information for lack of probable cause? ¶ 31 The determination of whether a motion to file an information is supported by probable cause is left to the sound discretion of the trial court. Thus, the scope of review is one of detecting abuse in the exercise of that discretion. State v. Arrington (1993), 260 Mont. 1, 6-7, 858 P.2d 343, 346. ¶ 32 Dunfee argues the District Court erred when it determined the Information and affidavit in support stated probable cause to believe he had committed an offense. Specifically, Dunfee contends facts known to law enforcement officers at the time the Information was filed were not set forth in the affidavit and that these facts showed Dunfee did not intend to commit any crime but only wished to defend himself. ¶ 33 The State asserts that the charging documents clearly stated the probability that Dunfee purposely or knowingly caused serious bodily injury to Pesanti by striking him with his fists. The State contends that Dunfee's argument confuses the affirmative defense of justifiable use of force with the lack of probable cause to support the charge against him. ¶ 34 We agree with the State. After a review of the charging documents, it is clear they contained the required showing of probable cause that Dunfee committed the offense of aggravated assault. This is all that is required under the law. State v. Elliott, 2002 MT 26, ¶ 26, 308 Mont. 227, ¶ 26, 43 P.3d 279, ¶ 26. The determination of whether Dunfee was justified in using force is a factual determination within the province of the jury. State v. Gonzales (1996), 278 Mont. 525, 534, 926 P.2d 705, 711. The burden of convincing the jury to acquit based on this affirmative defense lies completely with the defendant. State v. Longstreth, 1999 MT 204, ¶ 22, 295 Mont. 457, ¶ 22, 984 P.2d 157, ¶ 22 (citation omitted). The State was not required to set forth evidence showing Dunfee may have been acting in self defense. That burden was on Dunfee during trial. ¶ 35 We conclude the Information and supporting affidavit were supported by probable cause. Thus, the District Court did not abuse its discretion when it denied Dunfee's motion to dismiss the Information for lack of probable cause.