Mineral County Justice Court stays busy thanks to I-90
From left, are Mineral County’s Justice Court employees, Justice of the Peace Dale Magone, Clerk of Court Wendie Richards and Kim Taron. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)
Most Wednesdays in the Mineral Independent you’ll see an article titled ‘Justice Court’ with names of people who received misdemeanors.
Most are traffic tickets and most names you won’t recognize because they are from Washington, Idaho and Oregon driving on I-90.
“That’s where a large percentage of the people come from with many still thinking Montana doesn’t have a speed limit. Or it’s $5 you can pay on the spot and keep moving,” said Kim Taron, Justice Court Clerk.
Those days are long gone so it’s wishful thinking on anyone entering Big Sky Country. The fines are considerably less compared to other states and Montana fines are state regulated, so each county has the same financial sting.
Justice Court Clerk Wendie Richards said “You can post bond with the law enforcement officer that tickets you on the scene and if you elect not to contest it, the check is cashed two weeks later and everyone is square. If you feel you need to visit with Justice of the Peace, Dale Magone, then an appointment is needed for a hearing.”
The cost of speeding on the interstate? If you are going 1-10 mph over the posted speed limit, $40. 11-20 mph is $70. 21-30 mph stings a bit more at $120.
For 31 mph and over it’s a $200 ouchie. Remember that in work zones, the fines double.
Out of those penalties, 50% goes to the general fund in Helena and 50% to the general fund for Mineral County.
Compare this with the state of Washington: 11 to 15 mph over the speed limit - $169. 16 to 20 mph over the speed limit - $210. 21 to 25 mph over the speed limit - $262. 26 to 30 mph over the speed limit - $313.
You may not see that many vehicles pulled over on our 77-mile stretch of I-90, but the Justice Court sends a check to the Mineral County Treasurer and then they disburse the 50% to Helena.
Helena then gets approximately $6,000 to $8,000 each month. Keep in mind, this 50/50 split is for all misdemeanors and not just traffic tickets, so with this type of revenue, you know darn well that Justice Court is a busy department inside the courthouse.