Flathead District Court Judge Katherine Curtis stopped short on Thursday of immediately lowering bail for a man who was picked up by police for allegedly dealing drugs less than a week after he pleaded guilty to shooting at two people at a Marion bar.

Curtis ordered a chemical dependency evaluation to help decide if Leif Lee, 27, should be set free as pending cases move through the justice system.

On Sept. 4, Lee pleaded guilty to shooting two people outside a Marion bar on June 14. He was set for an Oct. 29 sentencing date, but ended up back in jail after he allegedly offered to sell a confidential informant 1.5 ounces of methamphetamine on Sept. 7 and 8.

Police monitored the transaction, arrested Lee, and confiscated drugs, scales, cash and firearms believed to have been involved in the crimes.

Lee’s attorney Thane Johnson presented testimony from a family friend who personally vouched for Lee and said Lee was capable of holding a job. Johnson said he has known Lee’s family for years.

“It is a good family and my client is willing to accept any forms or conditions of release,” Johnson said. “He needs to get his affairs in order. He’s the primary firewood cutter for his family.”

Prosecutor Andrew Clegg had reservations about setting Lee free.

“He was out on conditions and was allegedly dealing meth in Lincoln County and here in Kalispell,” Clegg said. “He is a serious risk to the state and the community.”

Curtis said she would consider lowering Lee’s bail from $50,000 to $25,000 pending the results of the chemical dependency evaluation.

Reporter Megan Strickland may be reached at 758-4459 or by email at mstrickland@dailyinterlake.com.