An attorney for state Sen. Greg Barkus wants a different judge to preside over the case against the lawmaker, who faces charges stemming from an August boat crash that injured all five people aboard.
Attorney Todd Glazier of Kalispell has requested the removal of Lake County District Judge Kim Christopher, but court papers filed in the case did not list a reason. Prosecutors and defense attorneys each are allowed to request the substitution of the assigned judge without giving cause.
Glazier could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
Barkus, a Kalispell Republican, pleaded not guilty Monday to one count of criminal endangerment and two counts of negligent vehicular assault for an Aug. 27 boat crash on Flathead Lake that injured five people, including U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg.
Prosecutors say Barkus’ alcohol level was about twice the legal limit the night he crashed his boat atop a steep rocky outcropping. Glazier rejects the charge.