ATTORNEY GENERAL MIKE MCGRATH
STATE OF MONTANA

FOR RELEASE: September 7, 2005

CONTACT: Lynn Solomon, 444-0582

A Statement from Attorney General Mike McGrath on the Montana Supreme Court's Decision in State v. Damon

HELENA – In a decision released Tuesday, the Montana Supreme Court held that the results of preliminary breath tests – "PBTs" – are admissible as substantive evidence at trial.

"This is good news in the fight against drinking and driving in Montana." McGrath said. "The Court's decision means that preliminary breath tests are another tool law enforcement can use to improve highway traffic safety and keep Montana citizens safe.

"Through legislation, public education and enforcement, we are taking significant steps to change our reputation as the nation's worst when it comes to highway traffic safety," McGrath said.

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