Montana state Senator Ellie Boldman, a Democrat from Missoula, pleaded guilty Monday morning to a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence after being found asleep in her running vehicle in downtown Helena early Sunday.
Boldman, who had attended the Montana Democratic Party’s annual Mansfield Metcalf fundraising dinner earlier that evening, admitted in Helena Municipal Court to having a blood alcohol content of 0.149%—nearly twice the legal limit of 0.08% in Montana. She told Montana Public Radio that she had parked her car while waiting for a ride home and had not intended to drive.
According to court documents, a Helena police officer found Boldman’s vehicle obstructing the roadway near the intersection of Park and West Placer avenues at approximately 1:18 a.m. The officer stated that Boldman admitted to drinking and being intoxicated. She refused a field sobriety test but consented to a roadside breath test, which confirmed her blood alcohol level.
As part of her sentence, Boldman was ordered to pay a total fine of $785, received a 180-day suspended jail sentence, and must undergo a chemical dependency evaluation. Additionally, she is prohibited from entering bars or casinos for six months and is barred from using alcohol or drugs.
Following the incident, Democratic Senate leadership expressed disappointment in Boldman’s actions but acknowledged her accountability.
“We are disappointed in her lack of judgment that evening,” a spokesperson for Senate Democratic Leadership said. “However, we are happy that she has taken responsibility for her actions both publicly and before the court.”
Boldman is currently serving her third session in the Montana Senate after previously serving four terms in the House.