Dexter v. Shields

¶1 Kenneth Dexter (Dexter) was sentenced to one year in jail for third offense DUI. His sentence was suspended upon condition that he serve ninety days and pay a fine. He failed to do either. Approximately three years later, he was arrested on an outstanding warrant issued after his suspended sentence had expired. Presiding Justice of the Peace Jack Shields (Shields) invoked his contempt of court powers and sentenced Dexter to jail for failing to fulfill the conditions of his suspended sentence. Dexter filed an application for a Writ of Habeas Corpus in the Montana Tenth Judicial District…