The Montana Supreme Court has granted procedural extensions in two separate criminal appeals originating from District Court proceedings, keeping both cases active into late 2026. The orders, issued in recent weeks, reflect routine but consequential steps in the appellate process that determine when — and whether — convicted defendants receive final rulings on their cases.
In State v. J. Zitnik (DA 25-0066), the court granted court reporter Julie Pesanti Delong an extension through September 28, 2026, to prepare, file, and serve the transcripts requested on appeal. Transcript preparation is a foundational step in the appeals process — without an accurate record of the trial proceedings, appellate judges cannot evaluate claims of error. Delays in transcript delivery are common when court reporters carry heavy caseloads across multiple district courts.
In a separate matter, State v. R. McSloy (DA 25-0794), the court granted the appellee — the state — until December 3, 2026, to prepare and file its response brief. That longer window suggests the underlying appeal raises issues substantial enough to warrant extended briefing time. Both cases will continue working through the appellate calendar into the fall and winter.