The Tribal Defenders provide public defender services to indigent tribal members in tribal court. In addition to representation of adults in criminal court, youth in youth court, parents in child protection proceedings, and respondents in adult protection and mental health matters, the Tribal Defenders provide services that address the issues that bring their clients into the justice system and those collateral consequences to criminal charges and convictions. Utilizing a client-driven and interdisciplinary approach, the Tribal Defenders offer psychological services, case management, civil and pro se assistance, driver’s license restoration, the Flathead Reservation Reentry Program and permanent supportive housing at the Morning Star.
Department Director: Ann Miller, Managing Attorney
Phone: (406) 675-2700 ext. 1125
Email: defenders@cskt.org
Fax: defenders.fax@cskt.org
Hours: Mon-Thurs 7:30am – 6:00pm
- Criminal Defense Unit
- Civil Unit
- Flathead Reservation Reentry Program
- Mental Health Client Advocates
- The Morning Star permanent supportive housing
Our Work
Holistic Representation
The Tribal Defenders utilize a Holistic Defense model of public defense. The four pillars of holistic defense are:
- Seamless access to services that meet legal and social support needs
- Dynamic, interdisciplinary communication
- Advocates with an interdisciplinary skill set
- A robust understanding of, and connection to, the community served
Criminal Defense
The Tribal Defenders Office represent adults and juveniles accused of offenses in tribal court.
Flathead Reservation Reentry Program
The Flathead Reservation Reentry Program provides supportive services to members of any federally recognized tribe returning to the Flathead Reservation from incarceration. Services offered include:
- Comprehensive case management
- Psychologist services and mental health screenings
- Chemical dependency evaluations
- Tribal Behavioral Health
Civil Services
The Defenders assist CSKT members who are involved in, or want to initiate, civil actions in Tribal Court. These matters include:
- Landlord-tenant matters
- Credit, debt and consumer issues
- Some child custody
- Guardianships
- Mental health commitments
- Adult protective services
- Jurisdictional questions
- Representation of parents in child protection matters
- Assistance with collateral consequences to criminal charges and convictions
People who are not offered representation are referred to community resources or given direction on how to proceed with the assistance of self-help forms.
Morning Star
Tribal Defenders are the lead service coordinator for the Morning Star, the first permanent supportive housing project on the reservation. It houses 14 single, adult, CSKT members who were homeless or at risk of homelessness. Supportive services at Morning Star include transportation, healthcare, cultural engagement, referrals for employment and behavioral health. Applications can be picked up and submitted at the Tribal Defenders office.
Accessing Services
TDO sees their clients in jail and will meet with people requesting services on a walk-in or call-in basis. The TDO interdisciplinary team is available to meet with people remotely.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have been charged with a criminal offense in tribal court and cannot afford to hire an attorney what do I do?
The Tribal Defenders represent those who are income eligible from the time of their first appearance in tribal court. Contact TDO at (406) 675-2700 ext 1125 to find out who is assigned to your case.
I have a question about my criminal charges in state court, how do I find help?
The Tribal Defenders can answer your general questions about the court process and connect you to the Montana Office of Public Defenders.
I have been served with a complaint or a petition in a civil matter, what should I do?
It is important not to ignore a summons or a legal filing that requires your response. You may contact the Tribal Defenders Office Civil Unit who will answer your questions, assist you with forms to file an answer, or in some limited circumstances may be able to represent you.
I want to start a civil proceeding in tribal court, how do I do that?
You should be mindful that there are deadlines for filing civil pleadings. The Tribal Defenders Civil Unit may be able to answer your questions regarding what to file and when to file it.
What does the Flathead Reservation Reentry Program (FRRP) do?
FRRP has case managers who will assist you to navigate services upon your return to the Flathead Reservation from jail or prison. They will start with an intake interview to determine your needs and assist you to connect to services, and deal with collateral consequences to your charges.
I have mental health or substance use issues that contribute to my involvement in the justice system but it is hard to get help, what do I do?
The Tribal Defenders understand it is difficult to know where to find help or what the court expects of you. Contact your defender or the lead case manager at TDO for assistance.