Herman "Chuck" Watson III

MR. CHUCK WATSON, ATTORNEY

I am a sixty-year-old trial lawyer, with over thirty years experience in the courtroom. I know that if you are looking for a criminal defense lawyer for yourself or a loved one, you are seeking results. Furthermore, if you do not have confidence in your lawyer, you will never have confidence in the results he obtains for you. I have taken the liberty, therefore, to include within this website some of the examples of results which I have been able to obtain in dozens, if not hundreds of cases.

In addition to obtaining noteworthy outcomes at trial, I have negotiated hundreds of plea agreements, many of which have been remarkable in their own right. I also have a notable record of dismissals, as a result of search or confession challenges under the Fourth and Fifth Amendments. The cases cited on this site constitute what comes most readily to mind as I reflect on my career.

In addition to pursuing justice for my clients, I have worked hard to promote a justice model within our society which reflects what we are entitled to expect as a by-product of 6,000 years of civilization. I have served my profession and my community by fostering professionalism. I am a Founding Member of the Montana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and a former President of that organization. I am a full fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers. I served as Chairman of the Criminal Section of the Montana State Bar for ten years. I am a Life Member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and a Provisional Member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. I also co-founded the first drug treatment court in the state of Montana and I am a member of the Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers.

I have on occasion, served as an expert witness in federal court on criminal defense matters. Over the course of the last several years, I have published in the area of criminal law, and I have spoken at a number of seminars pertaining to criminal law matters.

When he is not in the office or “taking names” in the courtroom, Chuck enjoys multi-pitch trad climbing in the Gallatin Canyon and at other crags across Southwest Montana.