Legal Divisions

Civil Function

The attorneys represent the City before all courts, all administrative agencies and all legal proceedings which involve the City.  They advise the City Commission, the City Manager and all other department staff on legal issues.  They prepare or review contracts, deeds, resolutions, ordinances and other municipal documents which relate to governmental agreements, services and operations of the City.

Criminal Function

The City Attorney's Office is charged with the responsibility for prosecuting misdemeanor offenses committed within the city limits.  This responsibility includes both state code criminal offenses as well as traffic offenses, and violations of the Bozeman Municipal Code.  The Assistant City Attorney assigned to the Criminal Division also provides legal advice to the Bozeman Police Department concerning criminal law and procedure.  An Inter local Agreement with Montana State University brings the Montana State University Police Department under the City's jurisdiction and their misdemeanor criminal matters are prosecuted by the City Attorney's Office.