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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!
I don’t live in Idaho but have been charged with an Idaho crime
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.
Common Questions About Idaho Petit/Petty Theft
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.
What is Inattentive Driving in Idaho?
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).
How long will a crime stay on your record in Idaho?
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
The Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer (Even if You Plan to Plead Guilty)
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?
Police Do Not Always Tell The Truth: Ex-Boise PD Officer Likely Lied Under Oath
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.
How Do You Get Your Gun Rights Back After A Felony
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.
Attention All Withheld Judgment Recipients: Go Back and Get an Order!
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!
What is Juvenile Diversion?
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’s New Ignition Interlock System and its Exceptions
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.
Common Idaho Fishing Violations
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...
The Nitty Gritty About Idaho Civil Protection Orders
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.
William Young Again Acknowledged As A Top Criminal Defense Attorney In The Boise Area
William Young was again acknowledged (for the second year in a row) as one of the top three Boise, Idaho criminal defense attorneys by "3 Best Rated"
Exceeding The Speed Limit In Order To Pass A Slower Vehicle
I recently received a question on this subject and thought it was worth a blog post. The driver had been cited for speeding due to driving faster than the posted speed limit while he was passing another vehicle.
Dismissal in Canyon County
Earlier this week I was able to convince a prosecutor in Canyon County to dismiss a theft charge due to a lack of evidence.
What Factors May Affect A Person's BAC Levels?
Going hand in hand with my last post on how eating may affect your BAC, I decided it was important to provide some information on other factors that may influence BAC levels.
Does Eating Before Drinking Lower My BAC?
What is BAC? BAC stands for "blood alcohol concentration." This is the measure of the amount of alcohol in someone's bloodstream. Blood alcohol concentration is expressed as a percentage – for instance .08%. The higher the number, the more alcohol there is in a person's bloodstream.
Idaho Probation Violations
As an alternative to jail time, a judge may impose a period of probation on a defendant when a found guilty. Probation allows the defendant to be out in the community but subject to certain conditions for an assigned period of time.
The Benefits Of A Private Criminal Attorney
Being charged with a crime, regardless of the severity, is a life changing and very serious event. As I always say it is important to understand what the implications will be from what you are charged with.
The Not So Civil... Civil Protection Order.
Civil Protection Orders matters are often ugly. There is a lot of emotion from both sides. People are often looking to drag out all the dirty laundry that they can. If you are looking to fight a Civil Protection Order or have one put in place, you should talk with an attorney first.
Credit Where Credit is Due...Two Boise City Prosecutors Do The Right Thing
Attorneys From The Boise City Prosecutor's Office Do The Right Thing I have to give credit where credit is due. Yesterday, I appeared at a hearing with a young man who had put himself in a very difficult situation. He is college age, a good kid from a good family, with a very bright future. Unfo...
What Is A Presentence Investigation (PSI)?
In most felony cases a Presentence Investigation, or PSI, is completed after a defendant is found guilty or enters a guilty plea but prior to sentencing. It is up to the defendant to determine how much, if at all, they want to cooperate with the PSI process. However, the terms of most plea deals ...
What is Expungement in Idaho?
After adjudication, the formal judgement on a matter of contention, a juvenile has the opportunity to use the right of expungement.
What is the difference between Jail and Prison?
Jail and prison are ideologically the same thing: to take away the privilege of freedom. If you have been found guilty of a crime, and your punishment entails serving jail or prison time, then you have lost your privilege to freedom. You will be placed in a facility that restricts your access to ...