Court Rules Against Public Defender for Montana Doctor

A Montana doctor facing hundreds of felony charges for over-prescribing pain medication has been told he doesn't qualify for a public defender.

The Ravalli Republic reports that a motion filed Wednesday says Dr. Chris Christensen of Florence doesn't financially qualify for free legal representation and will need to find an attorney somewhere else.

Christensen is accused of providing hundreds of illegal prescriptions to patients. His 400 felony charges include two for negligent homicide because police say he prescribed methadone to two patients who later died.

The doctor could face up to 388 life sentences plus 135 years in prison and $20 million in fines.

Until now, Christensen has been represented by two attorneys paid by the state, but their appointment was rescinded Wednesday.