Ronan, Montana — A local man who has faced multiple DUI charges was found guilty of his ninth offense by a Lake County jury. Michael A. Buck, 57, was convicted in District Court in Polson on August 4, with the jury reaching a decision by the following afternoon.
The case stemmed from an incident on February 22, 2024, when law enforcement officers spotted Buck driving a white van in the Pablo area. Officers recognized his passenger as someone wanted on a warrant, which provided probable cause to stop the vehicle. Upon approaching the van, officers noted that Buck and his passenger had switched seats.
Initially, Buck denied the seat swap. However, after failing several field sobriety tests, he was taken into custody. Further testing at the jail revealed Buck’s blood alcohol content to be .120, determined using an Intoxilyzer 9000, an advanced tool designed to measure alcohol levels.
Court records indicate that this conviction marks Buck’s ninth DUI. His previous offenses include several from the past, with the most recent occurring in 2019, for which he was still on probation at the time of his latest arrest.
Judge Danni Coffman of Flathead County presided over the trial, and sentencing has been scheduled for September 24. Buck remains in custody, with bail set at $100,000.
This case highlights ongoing concerns regarding repeat DUI offenses in the region. Law enforcement continues to prioritize efforts to reduce impaired driving incidents, especially among repeat offenders like Buck.
The repercussions of such crimes not only affect the individual but also pose risks to public safety, prompting community discussions on preventive measures and judicial consequences.
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