Helena Man Arraigned on 12 Charges, Including Felony Domestic Assault

A Helena man identified in Lewis and Clark County court records as Piskolich was arraigned Tuesday on 12 criminal charges, eight of them felonies, tied to allegations of repeated domestic abuse against a former intimate partner over most of 2025.

The felony counts include assault with a weapon and sexual assault, two of the most serious charges prosecutors can file in a domestic violence case under Montana law. Four misdemeanor charges round out the filing. A 12-count arraignment of this scope typically reflects investigators documenting multiple separate incidents across an extended period rather than a single confrontation.

To obtain a conviction on assault with a weapon, prosecutors must prove Piskolich purposely or knowingly caused bodily injury using a weapon, or caused a reasonable apprehension of such injury. Sexual assault requires proof of knowing, nonconsensual sexual contact. Assault with a weapon carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years under Montana statute.

At Tuesday's arraignment in justice court, the court addressed bail and could impose no-contact conditions, which are the most immediate legal safeguards available to the alleged victim while the case moves forward. No-contact orders restrict or prohibit any communication between a defendant and the protected person; violation is a separate criminal offense.

The case will continue through Lewis and Clark County Justice Court, where a probable cause determination on the felony counts must occur before the matter advances to District Court for trial. The county attorney's office will decide in coming weeks whether to pursue a plea agreement or take all 12 counts to a jury. Future hearing dates are listed on the Lewis and Clark County Justice Court public docket.

WHERE TO GET HELP

Survivors of domestic violence in Lewis and Clark County can reach support through the following resources.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 1-800-799-7233. Survivors can also text START to 88788.

YWCA Helena operates a domestic violence program serving Helena-area survivors, offering emergency shelter, safety planning, and victim advocacy. Contact YWCA Helena directly for current intake information and hours.

Emergency Orders of Protection can be filed at the Lewis and Clark County District Court, located at the Law and Justice Center at 228 Broadway in Helena. No attorney is required, and court staff and victim advocates can help with the paperwork. An emergency order can be granted without the other party present.

Montana Legal Services Association provides free civil legal help, including protection order assistance, for income-qualifying residents and can be reached at 1-800-666-6899.