7/13/2026
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF MONTANA
IN RE: ASSIGNMENT OF STANDING ORDER No. BMM-44
CRIMINAL CASES
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that all prior Orders governing criminal case
assignments are WITHDRAWN and this Order shall govern all future criminal
case assignments for all matters filed in the divisions of this district:
Criminal cases filed in the Billings Division shall be assigned to District
Judge Kathleen S. Lane, District Judge William W. Mercer, and Senior District
Judge Susan P. Watters on a random basis, such that three fifths (3/5) of the
criminal cases filed shall be assigned to Judge Lane, three twentieths (3/20) to
Judge Mercer, and one fourth (1/4) to Judge Watters.
Criminal cases filed in the Butte Division shall be assigned to District Judge
William W. Mercer and Senior District Judge Dana L. Christensen on a random
basis, such that one half (1/2) of the criminal cases filed shall be assigned to Judge
Mercer and one half (1/2) to Judge Christensen.
Criminal cases filed in the Great Falls Division shall be assigned to Chief
District Judge Brian Morris.
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Criminal cases filed in the Helena Division shall be assigned to Chief
District Judge Brian Morris.
Criminal cases filed in the Missoula Division shall be assigned to District
Judge William W. Mercer, Senior District Judge Dana L. Christensen, and Senior
District Judge Donald W. Molloy on a random basis, such that one third (1/3) of
the criminal cases filed shall be assigned to Judge Mercer, one third (1/3) to Judge
Christensen, and one third (1/3) to Judge Molloy.
The clerk shall immediately inform all divisional offices, the judicial officers
of this district, and the United States Probation Office of the entry of this Standing
Order.
DATED this 13th day of July, 2026.
_____________________________
Brian Morris, Chief Judge
United States District Court
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