Confirmation Bias: The tendency to interpret new evidence as confirmation of one's existing beliefs or theories.
Tunnel Vision - The Effect Of Confirmation Bias On Criminal Cases
Idaho Criminal Defense and DUI Defense Blog
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:
- Criminal Defense Strategies
- Idaho DUI Defense Topics and DUI Laws
- Answers to Common Questions
- Advice For Criminal Defendants and Their Families
- Boise (Ada County) Specific Criminal Defense Issues
- Idaho Law and Any Changes
- Idaho Supreme Court Decisions
- High Profile Idaho Criminal Cases
- Firm Case Results
- Observations Made By Our Attorneys
- And Anything Else We Think Might Be Important To The Idaho Community
If you are looking for information and can't seem to find it here, contact us! We would be happy to answer whatever questions we can.
Check back for regular updates!
What is a Pretrial Conference?
Today I am going to discuss one of the most important parts of the criminal process in Idaho: the Pretrial Conference.
Important facts to know about DUIs in Idaho
There are many myths about DUI law. Misinformation can lead to poor decision-making.
Pretextual Stops - Do YOU know why you pulled me over?
The Supreme Court has mandated that in order for a police officer to pull a motorist over for a suspected crime, the officer must have“articulable and reasonable suspicion” that the driver is engaging in illegal activity.
Trial Win in Ada County!
Last week Will Young went to battle for one of our clients - and won! Nearly a year of work representing our client on a charge of Misdemeanor Reckless Driving culminated in a one day trial. By the end of the day our client received a long awaited verdict: not guilty. This was a hard fought case ...
Acquittal In Ada County!
Not Guilty on a charge of Eluding in Ada County!
Successful Week Defending DUI Cases - 3 Positive Outcomes
Two DUI cases dismissed and one Excessive DUI successfully negotiated down to a Standard First Offense DUI.
Understanding Self Defense in Idaho
What is Self Defense in Idaho? Self defense is an affirmative defense against a violent crime. This means the defendant admits to doing the violent act but argues there was a legal justification for it.
“I Wasn’t Read My Rights!”: Understanding Miranda Rights
What constitutes your Miranda rights and what happens if your rights were violated?
Mr. Young and Ms. Schofield Both Named SuperLawyers Rising Stars
This year, both attorneys in the firm received the SuperLawyers Rising Star award in the area of criminal defense for the second year in a row.
What Happens If You Violate Your Interlock Device?
Today we have a guest article written by Lauren McDowell.
William Young Recognized As 2020 "Leaders in Law" Honoree by IBR
William Young was recognized by the Idaho Business Review as a 2020 Leader in Law. He was one of only 20 attorneys in Idaho to receive this award in 2020. "Experience counts. Dedication, hard work, skill, tenacity and excellence are expected. Compassion is essential. The Idaho Business Review...
“Expunging” or "Cleaning Up" an Idaho Misdemeanor
A person convicted of a misdemeanor in Idaho typically faces some combination of a fine, court costs, jail days with options, court-ordered classes, and/or probation. For some people, however, the greater punishment is having a misdemeanor on their criminal record forever. As we're well aware, ...
Punishments for Reckless and Inattentive Driving
Reckless driving is a misdemeanor, not an infraction. Any person can be cited for reckless driving for: (1) driving carelessly or without undue caution and at a speed or in a manner likely to endanger any person or property or (2) passing when there is a line in his or her lane indicating a sight distance restriction (i.e., a double line indicating no passing). See Idaho Code 49-1401(1).
William Young Recipient Of 2020 Super Lawyers "Rising Star" Award
William Young - 2020 Super Lawyers Rising Star Award At the beginning of this week, Super Lawyers released it's 2020 Mountain States Magazine including its annual list of top attorneys. We are proud to announce that William Young was included in the list of Rising Stars for this region. This re...
Idaho Mandatory Minimums For Drug Offenses
Mandatory Minimum Penalties For Drug Offenses In Idaho Several Idaho drug offenses carry mandatory minimum punishments. This means that the judge must send the defendant to prison for at least the minimum sentence - no possibility of probation or a rider. Trafficking is considered the most serio...
Can You Own or Possess a Firearm in Idaho?
We are frequently asked about firearm rights. This infographic breaks down whether you may own or possess a firearm under Idaho law.
Join Us In Giving Back To Our Community During Idaho Gives!
Idaho Gives presents an incredible opportunity to unite us around causes in which we truly believe and help nonprofit organizations connect to the larger community.
William Young Recognized As 2020 "Accomplished Under 40" Honoree by IBR
William Young, Announced As Recipient Of Idaho Business Review's 2020 "Accomplished Under 40" Award.
William Young and Associates Is Again Acknowledged As One Of Boise's Best Criminal Defense Attorneys By Expertise.com
William Young and Associates is proud to announce that our firm has again earned a place on Expertise.com's Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Boise. Every year Expertise.com announces its "Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Boise" list. William Young and Associates is proud to hear that they have o...
What to Say If You're Pulled Over
We're frequently asked about traffic stops. Here are some dos and don'ts. Some people may find these controversial, but we've prepare these based on years of experience handling traffic stop cases.
Meridian PD Twice as Likely to Arrest for Misdemeanor Marijuana Possession
According to the article, people are more than twice as likely to be arrested by Meridian PD for misdemeanor marijuana possession than any other law enforcement agency in Ada County.
Genealogy Evidence Solves 20-Year-Old Idaho Murder Case
Earlier this year, genealogy testing helped solve the 1996 rape and murder of an 18-year-old young woman in Idaho Falls named Angie Dodge.
Attention Meridian! No Handheld Phones While Driving Starting Jan. 1
Beginning January 1, 2020, the use of handheld phones while driving will be prohibited within Meridian's city limits. Although Idaho has a statewide law prohibiting texting-while-driving, it lacks a statewide law prohibiting the use of handheld phones while driving altogether.
The Difference Between Infractions, Misdemeanors, and Felonies
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.