Attorney Pleads Not Guilty To Child Endangerment

The Billings attorney arrested for driving drunk with her children in the car appeared for arraignment Tuesday by video from a substance abuse treatment center in Minnesota.  39-year-old Michele Lynn Braukmann pleaded not guilty before Yellowstone County District Court Judge Gregory Todd to three felony charges of criminal child endangerment and other charges.
Assistant attorney general Chad Parker said Braukmann had tried to conceal a missed drug test from prosecutors.  She said she missed the test because she was being admitted to the treatment facility at the time.  Judge Todd ordered she continue alcohol monitoring when she returns to Billings.
Parker said he’s never seen a defendant attempt to control the process like Ms. Braukmann, a shareholder and board member in the law firm of Moulten Bellingham.  She has represented cities, including Billings, through the Montana Municipal Interlocal Authority.  Braukmann has handled claims against police departments and various claims involving city departments.