US Edition
Montana Supreme Court Rules 7-0 Against Kalispell Man Who Disobeyed Police While Filming
The court ruled Doman failed to raise constitutional claims in time and upheld his obstruction conviction despite First Amendment arguments, highlighting officers' lawful handling of the incident.
- In Helena, the Montana Supreme Court this week upheld the conviction after oral arguments in October, rejecting the appeal in a unanimous decision.
- In 2023, Kalispell man Doman stopped his bicycle to record a traffic stop on a public sidewalk, stating his activity was First Amendment‑protected.
- According to Doman's attorneys, footage posted to YouTube shows Minaglia asking Doman to move before raising his hand to cover the camera, and officers seized and tossed his phone.
- Because constitutional claims were raised late, the court affirmed the misdemeanor and $538 violation, according to Justice Beth Baker's opinion.
- The American Civil Liberties of Montana argued that people must know they have the right to document officers, and Justice Jim Shea praised Officer Minaglia's professionalism in his concurrence.
14 Articles
14 Articles
ABC FOX Montana
Montana Supreme Court finds Kalispell man who filmed police obstructed officers
The Montana Supreme Court affirmed the conviction of a man who filmed Kalispell police at a traffic stop and was cited by the city for obstructing a peace officer. In a unanimous opinion, the justices upheld a misdemeanor conviction for…
Montana Supreme Court rules against man arrested for recording a traffic stop
The Montana Supreme Court has ruled unanimously against Sean Doman of Kalispell, who argued that his constitutional rights were violated when he was arrested after trying to record video of a police traffic stop.Doman was found guilty of obstructing a peace officer in 2023 in Kalispell Municipal Court. Justices heard oral arguments in October as Doman appealed his conviction.The courts opinion, written by Justice Beth Baker, said Doman hadnt rai…
Montana Supreme Court rules against Kalispell man arrested after filming traffic stop
The Montana Supreme Court has ruled unanimously against a Kalispell man who argued his constitutional rights were violated when he was arrested after trying to film a police traffic stop.Sean Doman was found guilty of obstructing a peace officer in 2023 in Kalispell Municipal Court. Justices heard oral arguments in October as Doman appealed his conviction.The courts opinion, written by Justice Beth Baker, said Doman hadnt raised his constitution…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 83% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
