George--What extent was my crime?
No idea what that question means but I will tell you it was a crime of non-violence. And it most definitely fit the definition of a felony at that time. I think you will find many misdemeanors in Montana (and I assume elsewhere) could easily fit into a felony category. But county and city attorneys who prosecute with common sense and the public good in mind, decide whether it is in the best interest of the victim, the public, and lastly, the criminal to actually charge a felony. Dahl is playing a numbers game over there at the courthouse--to inflict as much damage as she can on as many people as she can, and as stated before, it will come back to bite her in some fashion. She survived her first and only election by the skin of her teeth but she has created and will continue to create enough enemies in this town--they'll get her in some political fashion.

stephen you said you could have recieved a felony for the crime.to what extent was the crime

Thanks Kathy, I am looking forward to sitting down with you and hopefully having a nice, mature and respectful chat. Have a Great Day!

ALICIA-
MY E-MAIL ADDRESS IS
KEEFEKAT@MSN.COM

Kathy
I agree with Stephen in regards to the kind words, Thank You. I would like to have the opportunity to sit down and build a bridge for the purpose of bringing a new and different relationship with the Native people surrounding the Havre area. Sadly, I believe though many people from both sides will not rush to such a relationship because the animosity runs deep from both ends. I am hopeful that in establishing a friendship or the resolvement of past issues and conflicts does start with an individual and I respect that you are willing to come forward and take that initiative it takes a strong person to do that. I would like to maybe in the future meet with you and have a cup of coffee and sit and talk, I think that is a wonderful start in gapping the bridge between both worlds. I would like for you to send me your contact info if you can and honestly I am glad that we can come to a consensus as strong, mature women. Again thank you for the sincere words and if I came across as angry I do also apologize.

Stephen
When I wrote "angry" I didn't mean to say you were angry. I used angry as a blanket term I guess, sorry.

Kathy--thank you for your kind words. Likewise. However, and I don't mean to belabor our disagreement, but you slightly misunderstood me. I was NEVER angry. Even at 20 years old, I knew what I did was wrong, and after lying about my crime for 24 hours, I came clean, admitted my guilt and received a fair punishment and fine. Looking at Ms. Dahl's record, I am quite certain, I would have recieved a MUCH harsher penalty, including a felony, since my crime probably fit the code for a felony. I can still hear the County Attorney telling my mother and I that since I had no criminal record he would "let me off" with a misdemeanor which featured a fine and community service. I learned my lesson without it ruining my life. (And apart from a speeding ticket 12 years ago, that remains my only brush with the law.)

I believe the county attorney I dealt with did the right thing and that most county attorneys in the U.S. would agree with his decision. I also believe most Havre citizens would agree it was the right call. I do know that Ms. Dahl would strongly disagree.

Alicia- I am married to a Native American. I did not say you had any grudges, i was just merely voicing my opinion like you did. Give me your address and I will gladly sit at your table and maybe some day we can have a Talking Circle. You have really interperted what I wrote totally wrong. Is it because I wrote in caps like Stephen corrected me on? If so sorry!
Good for you for educating yourself, and seeking out therapy, I wish you the best-AHO!

Stephen
Like all opinions I respect what you have commented concerning this blog and I will take into consideration of what was stated. As for the performance of the legal system I have been judged and convicted by certain judges in Havre and I did not have any grudges Kathy so endearingly points out. I actually gave them the deserved respect in their judgements for they were fair not only according to the legal/penal code of Montana but to me as an individual taking responsibility for my crimes. As for Kathy I really don't understand where you are assuming once again that the "Anger" you so feel that I am under the assumption of having is untrue. I also believe that an individual whom is voted or hired into these positions should take the stance of fairness and judge it accordingly instead of shooting from the hip. An example for me or to reitirate is that if you do commit an criminal offense instead of blaming others take responsibility for your actions. I also believe in fairness and that is on the discretion of those who wield these powers my point though is that the punishment should fit the crime but in doing so have fairness in these judgements. Due to the recent murder of my nephew in a different city in another state their was no justice in his murder so it's not only percieved here in Montana. In my personal opinion I believe because he was of different color the priority in investigating and solving his death was unheeded again by people who wield these powers at their own personal discretion and maybe if he was white then maybe justice in his death would have been a top priority. What ever happened to the adage of "Innocent until proven guilty" sadly in all cases in this Country it's the opposite as your percieved as "Guilty until proven Innocent". So when you walk a mile in my shoes Kathy with this intent of thought that you believe I am angry I will gladly let you know that I am angry if I have a reason to be so. As I said before I have no reason to be nothing but a happy, grateful individual who has endured injustice either to those I love or to myself it's nothing new to me. I can only hope that one day for my childrens sake that fairness in all aspects that in their future they will have the opportunity to observe fairness in all their choices whether it's right or wrong.

Stephen-
I respect you. Your point comes across loud and clear. It's amazing how a person can be "angry" in the years past and now realize that they made a mistake and got the punishment they deserved, I myself walked in those shoes. Amazing isn't it? GOD BLESS YOU STEPHEN! I ove how you seem to be level headed and can see both sides of a situation.

obviously FREEDOM od SPEECH does not apply to the editors of HDN!! Sorry Kathy I am not the "Bitter" one here. Have a Great Day!!

Kathy- I have no reason to be bitter, apparently for you the truth does hurt. I have taken the initiative to do the right things in my life not only as a Native single mother but as a current productive law abiding citizen as well. I have a college education (2 Degrees)that I worked hard for, 1 degree from our Tribal College and 1 degree from the University of Montana. I am currently in recovery from alcohol/drugs, have a past that consisted of the criminal lifestyle (gangs/drugs/violence) been in front of numerous Hill County and City Judges whom in my personal opinion were fair in most instances and I point no fingers for my choices and it's consequences. I have changed my life around through recovery which is a everyday concern in all regards to addictions, I have been in therapy for the last few years to deal with personal issues in my life, I and my children have good health. I am not on welfare, I don't sell drugs, I work when I can where I can in my community, I pay my bills, I take good care of my childrens needs and I am surviving in this dire economy like most individuals/families are. So in response to the bitter pill I have nothing but thanks and blessings to my higher spirit in allowing me to strive and accomplish/achieve all my endeavors that I personally dream for. I am in many words/expressions/emotions have gratitude for all things positive in my life. The negatives such as being treated unfairly/unjustly in this life by those in power hungry positions I have the will and knowledge through my experiences to teach my children to overcome the same issues that their ancestors have been subjected to since this country was built on the blood, sweat and tears of the Native People. I can stand here with my head held high knowing that I am PROUD to be Native/Indigenous to this Land. I am not without some greviences but I have to say in my opinion that racism is rampant like a disease in this County, State and in this Nation. Racism may not be as bold as it was back in history but it's still here. Can you honestly say that you would have enough respect to sit at my table and listen to the REAL truth when it comes to my opinions on how your niece is NOT serving the best interests of all the citizens of Hill County? Would you ever acknowledge my existence when you see me in public as a fellow debater to these topics? I think not! and I say that due to the general public opinion of predominately white citizens of Havre in regards to Native Americans. Don't insult me by thinking that these feelings/attitudes are not what I believeand know them to be due to my actual experiences with the Good, Hardworking, un-biased citizens of Havre. Believe me racism/prejudism wears many masks. Take of yours and have Gina do the same.

Alicia--I disagree. Seventy-five percent of the instances in which I have witnessed or heard of Ms. Dahl being unfair and/or intolerant of circumstances, facts and records, were against caucasians. I believe Dahl to be an equal opportunity offender. She is not, I don't believe, picking on Native Americans. She picks on anyone she can get her hands on. So we have to say,she is consistent.

As for the "goes with the territory" unpopularity of the local county attorney, Kathy has a point. There IS a segment of angry criminals who are always ready to blame someone else for their troubles--and often, I imagine, the CA is the unfair target of thier wrath. But as someone who ONCE commited a crime in my youth 25 years ago, I can tell you I voted twice for the County Attorney who charged mebecause he was fair, honest and gave me a punishment and charge that fit my crime. No hard feelings whatsoever. And this crime was also never on my record. So not all people who commit a crime walk around with a grudge against the C.A. who charged them. In fact I would say it's pretty low.

Furhtermore, there are county attorneys in Montana who have been elected several times (And they get more than 43% of the vote) and are not effected by the "angry vote" of criminals who are misplacing blame. If Ms. Dahl is to become (or even wants to) be one of these c.a.'s remains to be seen. If she does, she needs to be better at adminstering justice in a fair and sensible way.

ALICIA- WHO IS BITTER HERE? NOT ME!!!!

Well first of all Ms. Moore, it's nice that you are defending your niece. A person can’t usually go wrong defending their family. Well done. Secondly, Internet etiquette dictates you should turn the caps off your keyboard when you type.

Thirdly, I strongly disagree. The role of a county attorney is to administer the spirit of the law. We can judge her actions by other county attorneys, past and present in Hill County and in other Montana counties. I believe this woman's record shows she is a belligerent, stubborn county attorney who gracelessly wields her power (trusted to her by the public) with a vengeance. This leads to unnecessary charges, waste, unnecessary animosity towards the courts, ruined lives and more.

You can be “tough on crime” and “smart on crime” at the same time. In fact that’s what I believe most citizens want. This woman knows no difference. As to why she won the race—it’s easy, the 56% of the electorate that voted to remove her from office split their vote between two candidates, thus a victory for an unpopular incumbent who got just 43% of the vote.

Finally, let me add again that I do appreciate your attempts to defend your relative. I am sure it is difficult hearing people slam someone you love dearly. Such is the life of those with relatives in public office. (And remember, nothing said here stops her from being your beloved niece.) Your letter reminds me and hopefully others that our elected officials are people and perhaps I myself could show a little more grace in criticizing these officials. I will also admit that perhaps, given this second chance, Gina will someday be a good County Attorney. In fact I hope that is the case. She seems to have the brains, but does she have the common sense, humility and judgment to use them in an appropriate fashion? So far, she hasn’t, but she has four more years. For the sake of Hill County, I am rooting for her.
Peace,
Stephen

Kudos for Gina knowing her job but their is a difference of being conscientous and having a conscience and Gina has neither attributes. Kathy there are Law Abiding citizens in this county but regardless of that point Gina and only Gina knows what is at hand here and seeing Gina in action she has shown more lenience to the Non-Native people than Native people, I seen this with my own eyes and I do have extensive knowledge of the Law. As her AUNT your opinion in regards to her position and her decision making HELLO!! sounds pretty biased to me. As far as people in Hill County liking/disliking people in these positions be fair about your opinions and assumptions. Don't you think maybe that people are unhappy due to the unfairness in the Legal system from the jails and up the ladder to the courts. I have come to the conclusion when it comes to the politics, legal as well as community of Havre there has never been fairness to the Natives who RESIDE and currently CONTRIBUTE to the economics of HAVRE and if I recall correctly and am sure some residents still possess the infamous signs "NO DOGS OR INDIANS ALLOWED". Where has there ever been fairness when it came to the Natives and Native injustices etc....So swallow the bitter pill and blog me in the morning....

GINA HAS A JOB TO DO. APPARENTLY SHE IS VERY GOOD AT IT, THAT IS WHY SHE WON. IF PEOPLE WOULD NOT GET INTO TROUBLE WITH THE LAW THEN SHE, AND EVERYONE ELSE IN THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE WOULD NOT HAVE A JOB AND THERE WOULD NOT BE ANY NEED FOR THE LAW, NOW WOULD THERE? MIS-PRACTICING OF JUSTICE? SHE IS DOING HER JOB, LIKE ANYONE ELSE IN HER POSITION. I GUESS MY POINT HERE IS: IF YOU ARE A LAW ABIDING CITIZEN, AND DOING WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO LIVE A PRODUCTIVE LIFE AND CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIETY IN A GOOD WAY, IT DOESNT MATTER WHO YOU ARE OR WHERE YOU ARE AT, YOU WILL NOT HAVE TO DEAL WITH THE LAW. IT DOESNT MATTER WHO HAS THE JOB OF COUNTY ATTORNEY BECAUSE THERE IS ALWAYS GOING TO BE SOMEONE WHO DOES NOT LIKE THAT PERSON AND THE SAME DISLIKE FOR GINA THAT IS HAPPENING NOW WOULD BE DIRECTED TOWARDS THAT PERSON IN OFFICE. STAY OUT OF TROUBLE, OBEY THE LAW, BE A PRODUCTIVE CITIZEN AND YOU WILL NOT HAVE TO DEAL WITH A COUNTY ATTORNEY WHETHER IT BE HERE IN MONTANA OR IN ANOTHER STATE.
IF THOSE THAT COMPLAIN HAD GINA'S JOB, THEY WOULD FEEL SORRY FOR THOSE WHO GET IN TROUBLE AND LET THEM GO FREE AND NOT FACE PROSECUTION OR BE REAL LENIENT. THEN THEY WOULD NOT BE DOING THEIR JOB AND PROBLY MORE THAN LIKELY GET VOTED OUT AT THE NEXT ELECTION.
EVERYONE IS SO UNHAPPY WITH GINA, SO WHY DONT THEY RUN FOR OFFICE? THERE HAS TO BE MORE THAN 3 PEOPLE IN HILL COUNTY THAT CARES ENOUGH TO DO THEIR BEST TO MAKE IT A SAFE PLACE, OR IS THERE?

Your niece may have brains but she has no soul. If Randolph stays out of this, Lorang wins. More than 56% of those who voted wanted Dahl out. She should keep this in mind as she continues her mispracticing of justice.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!! The first three emails are proof that you are good at what you do. Keep up the GOOD WORK!!!!!!!!!

yeah for gina!!! gotta love my niece!!!! the girl has brains!!!!

It looks like if Randolph had not been in the race Dahl might not have won.

Now Randolph is in Las Vegas? I wonder if he came into a windfall or something? But I thought a win was a windfall, not a loss. And it sure didn't take him long to get outta Havre did it? I'm so confused.

Dirty Dahl should remember that MORE THAN 56% of the voters said they wanted someone else to be their county attorney.

Randolph took too many of the (majority) ANTI-DAHL votes to cost Lindsey Lorang the election. (And I confess I voted for him, HUGE HUGE mistake.)

There are going to be a lot of sad, angry, and disgusted people in this County over the next four years. Mark my words.

I guess it was bound to happen. In today's politics the corrupt do get rewarded. Watch your back Natives because with Gina in regards to her position our Freedom/Lives are at her mercy....