As of January 2024, you may petition the court under the "Idaho Clean Slate Act" to have your criminal record shielded from public view!
You May Be Eligible For Record Sealing Under The "Idaho Clean Slate Act"
Idaho Criminal Defense and DUI Defense Attorney 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!
New Idaho Mandatory Minimum Fine
NEW: $300 minimum fine for possessing 3oz or less of marijuana in Idaho.
THERE ARE NO SMALL CASES!
So, you have been charged with a misdemeanor. Now what?
Can you be Charged with a DUI on a Bicycle?
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.
Tunnel Vision - The Effect Of Confirmation Bias On Criminal Cases
Confirmation Bias: The tendency to interpret new evidence as confirmation of one's existing beliefs or theories.
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.
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.
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.
Fight that Ticket!
Speaking from experience, getting ticketed for speeding is not a fun experience. Seeing red and blue lights in your rear-view mirror is not a good feeling. I realize speeding is not even close to the worst thing you can be accused of, it can still impact your life in many ways.
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).
Idaho Mandatory Minimums For Drug Offenses
Mandatory Minimum Penalties For Drug Offenses In Idaho
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.
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 Again Acknowledged As One Of Boise's Best Criminal Defense Attorneys By Expertise.com
William Young is proud to announce that our firm has again earned a place on Expertise.com's Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Boise.
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.
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.