Welcome to the Schofield and Young blog!
Below you will find posts that cover a wide variety of topics centered around Idaho Criminal Defense, including:
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In Idaho, there are three classes of charges: (1) infractions; (2) misdemeanors; and (3) felonies. An infraction is defined as a “civil public offense” and is not considered a crime. An infraction is resolved by the payment of a fine less than $300 and does not involve any jail time. The fine amount for each infraction is set by statute and cannot be adjusted.
Drug dog units are becoming increasingly popular in Idaho, especially during traffic stops. The situation typically goes something like this: a car is pulled over for a traffic violation, the officer asks if there's anything illegal in the car, the driver says no, another officer runs a drug ...
Another Big Win! Case Type: Felony Possession of A Controlled Substance x 2, Felony Weapons Charge, Felony Introduction of Contraband Into Jail, Misdemeanor Possession of A Controlled Substance, Misdemeanor Possession of Para.
5 Things to Know About Medication and Drug DUIs in Idaho
These Machines Can Put You in Jail. Don't Trust Them. "Alcohol breath tests, a linchpin of the criminal justice system, are often unreliable, a Times investigation found. The devices, found in virtually every police station in America, generate skewed results with alarming frequency...
Ignition Interlock Device Take a look at this great video displaying the difficulties with ignition interlock devices created by Austin criminal defense attorney Charlie Roadman.
Over the past decade, Idaho has become increasingly popular. While many people come here to visit and enjoy the state, many others just pass through. Although people don't typically come here intending to commit a crime, non-residents are commonly charged with crimes.
Petty theft (statutorily written as “petit theft”) is the theft of property or money valued at $1,000 or less. Petty theft is a misdemeanor in Idaho and is punishable by a fine of no more than $1,000 or a maximum of one year in jail.
In June, the Idaho Supreme Court ruled that law enforcement can no longer arrest someone for a misdemeanor unless they have a warrant or actually saw the crime being committed.
What is inattentive driving? Inattentive driving is a misdemeanor and is defined as driving conduct that is “inattentive, careless, or imprudent in light of the circumstances” (see Idaho Code 49-1401).
We get this question a lot. And because Idaho strives for transparency when it comes to access to public records, the short answer is probably forever. As disappointing as this may sound, it doesn't mean you're stuck. There are several things that can be done to “clean up” a criminal record
William Young and Associates is pleased to announce that our firm has earned a place on Expertise.com's 2019 list of the Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Boise. According to Expertise.com's "about" page, their process for selecting firms looks like this:
There's no denying it, attorneys can be expensive. Maybe not always as expensive as many people believe but it is still never an expense people have built into their monthly budget. So, why hire one if you're just planning on pleading guilty?
Enhanced drunk driving patrols started Friday night and will continue through Labor Day.
Idaho federal court rules that a search warrant forcing a person to use their fingerprint to unlock a cellphone does not violate their constitutional right against self-incrimination.
Prosecutors have been forced to notify defendants in nearly 50 cases that a former Boise Police Department officer might have lied under oath, casting potential doubt on her testimony in their cases. According to Deputy City Attorney Bryan Norton, “It has come to the State's attention that on May...
Applying to have your firearm rights restored can be a long and difficult process and shouldn't be taken lightly. It can sometimes take several years and can even require a formal hearing. Call our office today for a free 30-minute consultation on how we can assist you through this process.
It is not uncommon for our office to receive calls from potential clients asking why their 5 or 10-year case has not been dismissed despite being granted a withheld judgment at sentencing. And the answer is this: you do not receive the benefits of a withheld judgment until the court enters an order officially dismissing the case. So...go back and get an order!
On the Fourth of July, we often celebrate our nation's independence by grilling, setting off fireworks, and consuming alcohol beverages. Due to the popularity of alcohol, this holiday is also considered the deadliest holiday for fatal car accidents. According to the National Safety Council, it is...
With Boise being such a bike-friendly city, it's not uncommon for some individuals to ride their bikes home from the bars at night. Although this seems safer than operating a motor vehicle, it triggers the question of whether drinking and cycling is even legal. And honestly, it really depends on ...
Juvenile Diversion Diversion is a voluntary program that offers juveniles an opportunity to resolve a filed police report without appearing in court. The Prosecuting Attorney may refer juveniles to the diversion program, especially if their crimes are minor offenses and they are first time off...
Idaho authorities kicked off 2019 with a new law that requires both first-time DUI offenders in Idaho and individuals who refuse to take a roadside test for drugs or alcohol to install an ignition interlock system in their vehicles. The interlock system requires a driver to blow into the system b...
The firm is pleased to announce the addition of attorney Christi Schofield. Christi started working with us in May 2019 and practices criminal defense as well as family law. Prior to joining the firm, she worked for several civil litigation firms in Idaho and Texas and primarily defended business...
With Idaho being home to more than 2,000 lakes and 8,941 streams and rivers, the state is rather adamant on protecting the wildlife in its waters. Moreover, as the weather warms up and people venture out to fish, the number of fishing citations also increases. Because our office has recently re...
A civil protection order, sometimes referred to as a "CPO," is a civil court order that can help protect victims of domestic violence, stalking, malicious harassment, or telephone harassment.