Montana § 46-18-102 - Rendering Judgment And Pronouncing Sentence -- Use Of Two-Way Electronic Audio-Video Communication

§ 46-18-102. Rendering Judgment And Pronouncing Sentence -- Use Of Two-Way Electronic Audio-Video Communication

Rendering judgment and pronouncing sentence -- use of two-way electronic audio-video communication. (1) The judgment must be rendered in open court. For purposes of this section, a judgment rendered through the use of two-way electronic audio-video communication, allowing all of the participants to be heard in the courtroom by all present and allowing the party speaking to be seen, is considered to be a judgment rendered in open court. Audio-video communication may be used if neither party objects and the court agrees to its use and has informed the defendant that the defendant has the right to object to its use. The audio-video communication must operate as provided in 46-12-201 . (2) If the verdict or finding is not guilty, judgment must be rendered immediately and the defendant must be discharged from custody or from the obligation of a bail bond. (3) (a) Except as provided in 46-18-301 , if the verdict or finding is guilty, sentence must be pronounced and judgment rendered within a reasonable time. (b) When the sentence is pronounced, the judge shall clearly state for the record the reasons for imposing the sentence.