Austin has an undergraduate degree from Montana State University and a law degree from the University of Montana. Austin and his wife, Christie, have 3 children. He grew up outside of Culbertson.

Austin is Montana's attorney general. Previously, he served as county prosecutor, house representative, and a private practice attorney. 

Biography of Attorney General Austin Knudsen

Austin Knudsen is Montana's Attorney General. He was elected in 2020 and is currently serving his first term. From 2018 to 2020, Austin served as Roosevelt's county attorney and prosecutor. He also served four terms as a State Representative from 2011 to 2017.

ATTORNEY GENERAL AUSTIN KNUDSEN

Has served as attorney general since 2020.

Served as county prosecutor for two years in Roosevelt County.

Worked as an attorney in private practice for nearly a decade.

Has a law degree from the University of Montana.

- Has served as attorney general since 2020.
- Served as county prosecutor for two years in Roosevelt County.
- Worked as an attorney in private practice for nearly a decade.
- Has a law degree from the University of Montana.

Legal Experience

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Provided additional state resources for additional narcotics agents,
human trafficking investigators, and 24 drug-detecting canines across the state as attorney general.

- Opposes gun control legislation.
- Provided additional state resources for additional narcotics agents,
human trafficking investigators, and 24 drug-detecting canines across the state as attorney general.

Public Safety

Passed laws creating mandatory minimum sentences for fentanyl trafficking and prison sentences of up to 100 years for distribution of drugs that result in a death as a state legislator.

Increased prosecution rates as a county prosecutor in Roosevelt County.

- Passed laws creating mandatory minimum sentences for fentanyl trafficking and prison sentences of up to 100 years for distribution of drugs that result in a death as a state legislator.
- Increased prosecution rates as a county prosecutor in Roosevelt County.

Criminal Justice

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Austin Knudsen

Ben is from Helena. He graduated from Capital High School in Helena in 1997 and later attended the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a degree in finance and business economics. He has a law degree from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. He is a husband and father of four. 

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Bozeman attorney Ben Alke launches campaign for state attorney general 

Ben is an attorney at Crist, Krogh & Nord, PLLC. He previously clerked for former Montana Supreme Court Justice Brian Morris.

Ben Alke's campaign for Attorney General is his first entry into politics.

Candidate website

The candidate's website says, "Ben’s professional career is focused on practicing law in Montana. He is a litigator who has"

Has experience representing individuals and businesses, non-profits and police officers in cases involving the constitutionality of Montana laws, maintaining access to public lands, representing individuals to protect their constitutional rights, representing business in complex disputes, and representing individuals against corporate interests.

Has a 17-year career in private practice litigation.

The candidate's website says, "attended law school at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law in Chicago."

Earned a law degree from the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law in Chicago.

- Has experience representing individuals and businesses, non-profits and police officers in cases involving the constitutionality of Montana laws, maintaining access to public lands, representing individuals to protect their constitutional rights, representing business in complex disputes, and representing individuals against corporate interests.
- Has a 17-year career in private practice litigation.
- Earned a law degree from the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law in Chicago.

Plans to "restore the integrity and respect of the Montana Department of Justice."

- Plans to "restore the integrity and respect of the Montana Department of Justice."

Bozeman Daily Chronicle, Dem candidate for AG envisions a less 'political' DOJ

Opposes judicial activism, saying, "The decision to drop criminal charges against someone for politically motivated reasons is dangerous. That’s just the flip side of the coin of bringing criminal charges against someone for political reasons. And there’s absolutely zero room for any political considerations in decisions related to the enforcement of the law.”

- Opposes judicial activism, saying, "The decision to drop criminal charges against someone for politically motivated reasons is dangerous. That’s just the flip side of the coin of bringing criminal charges against someone for political reasons. And there’s absolutely zero room for any political considerations in decisions related to the enforcement of the law.”

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Ben Alke

- The Attorney General of Montana serves as the chief legal officer of the state. The Attorney General's Office provides legal services to state agencies, represents Montana in civil cases, and assists in prosecuting criminal cases across the state.
- This office is pivotal in enforcing state laws, including consumer protection, internet crimes against children, and cases involving the death penalty. It also plays a significant role in complex legal matters such as American Indian jurisdiction and federal reserved water rights.
- Elected to office, the Attorney General of Montana cannot engage in private legal practice while in office.
- The Attorney General’s leadership extends beyond courtroom advocacy, influencing legal policy and providing essential legal advice to the Governor and state government departments, thereby shaping the legal landscape of Montana.

Montana Attorney General

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