The Missoula County Attorney is an elected position for a four-year term.  The Missoula County Attorney’s Office serves as legal advisor to the Board of County Commissioners, all elected officials of Missoula County, the Health Department and all other county departments. 

Matt Jennings was appointed by the Missoula County commissioners as interim county attorney on March 14, 2024 in advance of the retirement of Kirsten Pabst at the end of March. 

The Missoula County Attorney's Office handles all general civil litigation matters for Missoula County including land use, employment issues, property tax, election issues and contracts. Additionally, the office enforces zoning and building code violations.

The Missoula County Attorney is a Public Prosecutor and oversees prosecution for all felonies in Missoula County and a portion of the misdemeanor crimes. The Missoula County Attorney's Office works with all law enforcement agencies in Missoula County including Missoula City Police, Missoula County Sheriff's Office, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Montana Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division, Montana Highway Patrol, as well as other State investigative agencies in the prosecution of crimes against the State of Montana. The Missoula County Attorney, oversees 21 attorneys who are responsible for criminal prosecutions, youth court proceedings, special victims unit cases, child protection cases, involuntary commitments, guardianships, junk vehicles, community decay and others.

By law, the County Attorney's Office is prohibited from giving legal advice to the general public.

 

Mission Statement

Our mission as the Missoula County Attorney's Office is to be responsive and accountable to our residents by providing innovative and high quality government services in a transparent, cost effective, equitable, professional and courteous manner to enhance and protect the health, welfare, and safety of those who live, work and visit Missoula County.

Vision

Missoula County is committed to providing community leadership and setting the standard by which other local government organizations measure their progress and success.

Values

Integrity - To have each employee demonstrate excellence in public service and embrace the highest standards of ethics and integrity. 

Innovation - To meet and exceed our citizens’ expectations by engaging people and communities in developing innovative solutions to challenges. 

Teamwork - To be a diverse, learning organization that partners with others to enhance the quality of life in Missoula County.

Accountability - To provide desired local government services in the most transparent, efficient, and effective manner of any American community. 

Communication - To encourage and value citizen communication, input, and involvement in governing so that residents are proud to live and work in Missoula County.

Recent News

County Attorney Office Connects with Habitat for Humanity

MISSOULA. In 2019, the Missoula County Attorney’s Office began the Calibrate Pretrial
Diversion Program. Pretrial Diversion affords some criminal defendants an
opportunity to have their criminal charge dismissed in exchange for completing
obligations such as paying back restitution, completing community service or
engaging in relevant counseling. Participation in pretrial diversion is voluntary.
Ray Reiser coordinates the program for the County Attorney’s Office.
A recent Diversion participant’s experience has brought to light just how valuable
the program can be. Kimberly (whose real name is not being used) entered into a
pretrial diversion agreement in March of this year. In addition to paying back her
victim in full for the monetary loss involved, Kimberly agreed to complete
community service. With help from Todd McLean at Missoula Correctional
Services’ Community Service Program, Kimberly was placed at Habitat for
Humanity to work her required hours.
Kimberly quickly realized how important her assignment at Habitat for Humanity
would be when she learned she would be sewing cloth face masks. “I finally
sewed after many years. I really enjoyed it” said Kimberly. The relevance of
Kimberly’s contribution to the Missoula Community certainly hits home in this
time of COVID-19. The masks made by Kimberly, as well as volunteers, are being
sold at the Habitat for Humanity Re-Store location in East Missoula. Proceeds
from the sales are helping Habitat for Humanity in their efforts to construct the 58th
and 59th Habitat for Humanity Home, according to Hannah McDaniel, Community
Outreach Coordinator for the non-profit organization. This looks to be a “great
partnership” said McDaniel of the new connection between the County Attorney’s
Office and Habitat for Humanity.
As for Kimberly, she is talking of volunteering in the future when it comes time to
roll up her sleeves and build the next Habitat for Humanity home in Missoula.
Cloth masks are for sale at the Re-Store location in East Missoula, 3655 MT
Highway 200 East. They can also be purchased for local delivery by calling the
Re-Store location at 549-8210. If you would like to learn more about Habitat for
Humanity and their important mission, please go to their website: habitatmsla.org,
or stop in to say hi at their Re-Store location in East Missoula.

 

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