Opinion ID: 2613197
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: statutory basis for dismissal of felony charges

Text: Section 46-13-401, MCA, provides, in pertinent part: (1) The court may, either on its own motion or upon the application of the prosecuting attorney and in furtherance of justice, order a complaint, information, or indictment to be dismissed. However, the court may not order a dismissal of a complaint, information, or indictment, charging a felony, unless good cause for dismissal is shown and the reasons for the dismissal are set forth in an order upon the minutes. Thus, dismissal of felony charges is allowed in the furtherance of justice and upon a showing of good cause. Schwictenberg, 772 P.2d at 856. The showing of good cause and the furtherance of justice required under § 46-13-401(1), MCA, by the state, while minimal because of the prosecutor's responsibilities and broad discretionary powers regarding the charging and maintaining of criminal actions as outlined above, is, nevertheless, mandated, and should the district court find that either the good cause or furtherance of justice elements are not met, then the court properly exercises its discretion in denying the motion. Here, the Attorney General's conclusion that there was a basis on which outrageous government conduct would likely be found in connection with Tilton's activities in these cases which, in turn, resulted in the Attorney General's direction to the Lincoln County Attorney that the Tilton evidence not be used and which left insufficient, untainted evidence remaining, certainly meets the good cause and furtherance of justice requirements of § 46-13-401(1), MCA. Notwithstanding, the District Court denied the prosecutor's motions.